JOBSHOP Teaching English as a Foreign Language or Second language (TEFL/TESL)
Introduction There are many organisations that offer TEFL/TESL courses and teaching opportunities. This factsheet contains links to finding a course or work opportunities.
About the TEFL / TESL Broadly speaking: Teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL)
involves teaching English overseas to students whose first language is not English.
Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL)
involves teaching English to students in the UK whose first language in not English.
Teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) covers both TEFL and TESL. Work can be with either children or adults and classes are usually taught in English. TEFL teachers can work in schools, summer schools, further or higher education institutions or private companies. Working as a TEFL teacher suits those who have: •
A good command of English and an interest in language
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An outgoing, friendly and confident personality
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An ability to talk people from different cultures and backgrounds
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An interest in teaching and the ability to be creative and to plan interesting lesson for the students
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Qualifications To Teach English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) you usually need a teaching EFL qualification. Some organisations will offer a TEFL course as part of their job or volunteer package. The most widely recognised qualifications are: • The Cambridge CELTA Certificate (Certificate of English Language Teaching to Adults) • Trinity TESOL Certificate • Diploma of English Language Teaching to Adults (DELTA) The courses are usually intensive courses over several weeks or are offered part time. Entry requirements:
A degree is often required.
Cost:
Fees vary, so you are advised to shop around for a course and check the validity of the qualification on offer; also check that it is appropriate for the type of teaching you hope to do in the future.
See www.cambridgeesol.org for a breakdown of the various qualifications available.
Search for courses IMPORTANT:
When viewing online information it is important to check that it is authoritative, correct and appropriate for your needs. View this guide for tips on finding/checking online information https://issuu.com/bgcareers/docs/using_the_internet
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Find a Cambridge CELTA Certificate course: www.cambridgeesol.org/exams/celta/index.html
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Find a Trinity TESOL Certificate course:
www.trinitycollege.co.uk/site/?id=2093
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Find a DELTA course:
www.cambridgeesol.org/exams/delta/index.html
TEFL courses in the United Kingdom
www.eslbase.com/courses/uk/
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Train in UK or overseas
www.cactustefl.com
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Train in Thailand
http://www.teflteachthai.com/
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Train in Prague for four weeks for
http://teflworldwideprague.com/
your TEFL qualification
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Search for Jobs Jobs+ Vacancies - http://bishopg.prospects.ac.uk Search for job opportunities in UK and overseas.
Websites http://activelanguage.net/
Search for courses
www.anyworkanywhere.com
For guides on visas, travel, health, work and insurance as well as job search
www.bunac.org
Gap year and vacation work, paid and voluntary work available
www.cactustefl.com
Search for TEFL jobs
www.englishfirst.com/trt/index.html
Teach English Abroad
www.esl101.com/
Search for ESL/TEFL jobs
www.gapwork.com
Gap Work
www.gapyearjobs.co.uk
Search for placement jobs and voluntary work worldwide including in the UK
www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk
Search for overseas jobs
www.jobmonkey.com
Search by country, location and job type, particularly good for North American holiday
www.monster.com
Allows you to search by country for jobs
www.realgap.co.uk
For a variety of Gap Year Opportunities, paid work abroad, Voluntary, search by county
www.studenttimes.org
Type ‘Gap Year’ or ‘TEFL’ into the search engine
www.teic.co.uk
Teach English in China
www.vso.org.uk
Voluntary Service Overseas, a variety of volunteering opportunities
www.yearoutgroup.org
Courses and cultural exchanges, expeditions, structured work placements, volunteering opportunities, guides and advice.
Guides www.anyworkanywhere.com
Guides on visas, travel, health, work and insurance www.thamesconsular.com Search by country for visa requirements
www.statravel.com
Information and advice
www.fco.gov.uk
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
www.anyworkanywhere.com
Guides on visas, travel, health, work and insurance as well as job search
Useful links Job Profile: English as a foreign language teacher: www.prospects.ac.uk/english_as_a_foreign_language_teacher_job_description.htm
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