Researching TEFL Certification Programs: What to Look For
Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) has become a popular career choice for people looking to move abroad and work with an international community. It’s no secret that the world has become more globalized and interconnected than ever before, and learning English has become key to staying ahead in today’s job market. As such, the demand for English language tutors has significantly risen over the years. But, how do you understand the requirements to become a TEFL-certified teacher? In this article, we will take a closer look at what exactly TEFL Certification is, why it’s crucial, and how you can obtain it.
What is TEFL Certification?
TEFL certification stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language certification. A TEFL certification provides you with the foundation for teaching English to non-native speakers. The certificate program generally covers the fundamental concepts of teaching techniques, class management, and communicative approaches to language instruction. The certification program is available online, in-person, or a combination of both. The length of the program generally varies between 100 and 120 hours.
Why is TEFL Certification Crucial?
In many countries around the world, it’s legal to teach English without a TEFL certification. However, you will find better-paying jobs and better job security with a TEFL certification. The various techniques and methodologies covered in a TEFL course will help you to improve your teaching skills drastically. TEFL certification also opens the door to a wider international job market. Do you want to teach in Korea or Japan? Having a TEFL certificate makes you more attractive to potential employers and differentiates you from other applicants.
How to Obtain TEFL Certification?
Before you begin your certification, you need to decide what type of course you want to follow. Do you want to be in-person, online, or a hybrid combination? Consider your budget and schedule when making this decision. Next, research various programs online and compare their course materials, accreditation, reviews, and prices. You may also want to ask individuals in the industry about their recommendations. After selecting the TEFL certification program, prepare to spend between four to six weeks fully immersed in learning the fundamental concepts of teaching English.
What can you expect during a TEFL Course?
No two TEFL certification courses are the same. The in-person course requires students to attend a series of workshops and lectures conducted by trainers. Online courses are more self-guided, where students can learn at their own pace. Hybrid courses provide students with the best of both worlds, with the possibility of getting personal attention from the trainer and freedom to learn at their own pace. Throughout the course, you can expect to learn various methodologies, such as classroom management, communicative teaching methodology, grammar instruction, and lesson planning.
In conclusion, obtaining TEFL certification is not a requirement to teach English, but it’s an advantage that can open doors to better job opportunities, salaries, and job security. To obtain the certification, you must select the right course that fits your schedule and budget, and before selecting the course, compare the curriculum, reviews, and accreditation. With this certification, you will gain the necessary skills to enable you to teach English in a structured manner, and your knowledge will enable you to stand out from the crowd. So, look into TEFL certification, and become a tutor in an international corner of the world.
