A TEFL certificate is your ticket to teaching English abroad! And becoming an ESL instructor is both a viable way to see the world and a fulfilling career move. You can support yourself in a new city and cover your travel expenses all while equipping students with the language skills they need to succeed.
As one of the most spoken languages in the world, English is a powerful professional tool. This also means that you—a fluent English speaker—are in high demand across the globe. Teaching English as a foreign language is a practical and meaningful field for people from all walks of life to explore. It could be your first job out of college, a much needed career shift, or a part-time retirement pursuit.
But whether you have prior teaching experience or not, enrolling in a TEFL certification program is the first step to building a sustainable career abroad. Some prospective teachers might be questioning the utility of this, wondering: “Why do I need a certification? I speak English!” Learning to effectively teach English, however, is not the same as simply knowing their from they’re from there.
Ultimately, a TEFL course should prepare you for real classroom instruction. And this can be more difficult than it sounds when you and your learners don’t share a common language. A fundamental part of training, therefore, is learning critical ESL techniques. Apart from these instructional strategies, there are a few other basic components to look for in a TEFL program.
Your top priority should be making sure that the course is accredited. This ensures that the content is standardized and that your qualification will be recognized internationally. Next, ask if you get to teach real students during your training. You’ll want some practice under your belt before you apply for jobs.
Last on your checklist: a comprehensive review of English grammar. Why? When was the last time you scrutinized the rules of indirect speech? Speaking a language may be the first step, but it doesn’t make you automatically qualified to teach it. That’s where TEFL programs come into play!
Now, it’s time to find the program that best suits your needs. As if choosing a company and country wasn’t difficult enough, many organizations also offer TEFL courses online. But can virtual learning really be as effective as in-person instruction? It simply depends on what you’re looking for. For those of you who can’t quite decide, let’s explore the pros and cons.
Learning Online
The primary advantage of earning a TEFL certificate online is flexibility! Virtual TEFL courses tend to be self-guided, so you can break into the English teaching world without sacrificing your day-to-day life. This model of learning is optimal for busy parents, professionals or university students who may want to study now and work later.
However, virtual education is more than the limited alternative it once was. Since the onset of the Covid pandemic, it has taken center stage. As many struggle to navigate the constantly fluctuating job market, their eyes have turned outward. Going global gives teachers more options. And an online TEFL is a good fit if you don’t intend to use it for travel. You can learn and teach online!
But beware! Not all online TEFL courses are equal. Avoid programs that focus solely on reading ESL theory. Not only will this leave you ill-prepared for the classroom, it’s also a waste of money. If all you’re going to do is read, cut your costs and buy a textbook. If you opt for online, do your research. Will you be communicating with a real person? Will you get to practice teaching?
For example, if you complete Maximo Nivel’s online TEFL certification, you’ll receive ten hours of one-on-one instruction from a TEFL trainer. And you’ll also walk away with five hours of practical teaching experience. Without these live components, however, online TEFL programs can be pretty superficial. So make sure you invest in a course that will actually help you grow!
But even though Maximo’s online program is accredited and practical, that doesn’t make it right for everybody. If you’re looking for a short-term travel opportunity or trying to move abroad, consider taking TEFL on site instead. It’s less about which option is “better” and more about which option aligns with your learning style and future plans.
Learning in Person
Ultimately, you need to be honest with yourself. Some students struggle to motivate themselves outside the context of a traditional classroom. If you know that about yourself, don’t take TEFL online. Enroll in an onsite program so you’ll have an in-person instructor to keep you on your toes! Earning your TEFL certification abroad is also a more socially dynamic experience if you’re hoping to make connections.
Studying in the country you hope to teach in is the best way to network! You form friendships, you get a feel for the country, and you can start looking for jobs before you’ve even finished your course. If you complete Maximo’s onsite TEFL program in Costa Rica, Peru or Guatemala, there are often opportunities to stay as part of the full-time teaching staff.
Doing your TEFL training on the ground also gives you time to weigh your options. After your program ends, you might decide a month was enough. And the good news is you can do that! Teaching English abroad is a very mobile career. Maximo also offers its TEFL graduates lifetime job finding assistance, and this isn’t limited to in-house placements.
Whether or not you end up teaching where you TEFL, if you’re interested in traveling, getting certified abroad is a no-brainer. If you don’t have a background in education, doing your practical teaching hours in person also helps you hone your classroom management skills in a supportive environment.
However, if you’re feeling drawn to an in-person program but life won’t allow it, there’s one more option: hybrid TEFL. With Maximo, you can complete your certification half at home and half in the country of your choice. This allows you to work through the online modules at your own pace without forfeiting in-person teaching practice and the chance to travel abroad!
With all these pros and cons in mind, how you’ll learn best is ultimately a personal choice. You might see yourself walking to class through the ancient streets of Cusco or cozying up on your couch with a cup of chamomile. Whichever you choose, a TEFL certificate is a worthwhile investment. So how will you pave your path to success?