There are numerous websites and blogs online that highlight the possibility of earning money whilst overseas teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL). And they are popular posts that get a lot of eyeballs.
So what’s the catch? Yep, you’ve guessed it – there’s always a few caveats. Here comes your lecture!
Teaching English Abroad in a Classroom
Prior to the COVID pandemic, this was by far the best paid, most rewarding and highly regarded way of earning money overseas teaching English as a foreign language. Post-pandemic, face-to-face in classroom teaching remains the most lucrative way to go, and I see no reason for this to change anytime soon.
Contrary to popular belief, you can teach English abroad without knowing how to speak the local language (although this obviously helps!) and teachers are generally very well respected both at the school/institution and within the wider community.
But!…
Qualifications are key
To be let loose in a classroom any well respected educational institution will require their teaching staff to have attained a certain level of qualification(s). The highest paid [TEFL] teaching posts will require a minimum of a lower degree, TEFL (Level 5) certification, BA or BEd for you to even be considered. If you hold a higher degree, you’re going to have a great chance of gaining a rewarding position and leverage when negotiating your salary.
With the above in mind, all is not lost however, if you do not hold a degree or specialist knowledge/experience. The minimum requirement of an internationally recognised TEFL (Level 3) certificate will suffice. Just don’t expect to be remunerated to the same level as a highly experienced, qualified and established teacher.
It is also worth noting that Work Permits & Visa applications in may countries are much easier if you hold qualifications and your application is supported or sponsored by a recognised institution.
Teaching English online
You can teach online in a ‘virtual classroom’ with several companies who will schedule students for you to teach via set modules. This might be an option for you if you really do not wish to be tied down to a place for too long. Everything is done online and you get paid per lesson. The rub?
Although as a native English speaking person you might get paid a little bit more, there are thousands of Filipino’s teaching English online (English being their second language) willing to work for very little. It’s hard work for very little reward, but certainly an option that’s popular with hippies and digital nomads and GenZ.
Location, Location, Location (and Dedication)
TEFL jobs overseas offer a great opportunity to experience different cultures, climates and lifestyles. Although British, I have lived in Asia for a couple of decades and have few regrets. Just don’t expect perfection, embrace bureaucracy and be prepared for several culture shocks!
Most TEFL classroom positions will require you to sign an employment contract for at least one year, so do your research! Find out all you know about the school/institution, the community, cost of living, climate, crime and personal safety for foreigners/expats.
Some of the best paid positions are with educational institutions in wealthy districts that your salary may not be able to justify – requiring a lot of commuting time and expense. They may also be in typically expensive cities, that force you to live far way from areas that are the safest, cleanest, and most popular with fellow expats.
Once you are confident your chosen TEFL teaching position is realistically possible, you need to ask yourself if you are prepared to stick with it, and fulfill your contract term?
Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) attracts folks who have a desire to travel and see the world. This, in some respects, contradicts the need for students (and institutions) to maintain education continuity. Who wants a teacher who is here today – gone tomorrow?
Yes, there are thousands of schools around the world who would be grateful for any teacher to simply turn up! Many educational systems are broken. Of course TEFL teaching around the world is hugely rewarding and in many cases humbling. Holding a TEFL certificate will give you numerous opportunities to teach and earn an income abroad, just remember that not all teaching positions are made equal, and the ‘system’ you’re in may struggle to pay you!
Your ability (and desire) to stay and teach in one place for a given period of time will help you secure a decent TEFL teaching position and provide the best possible opportunities and rewards for you. If you are more excited about the travel aspect of teaching English as a foreign language, then you’re best to stick with online teaching options and avoid the classroom.
Established TEFL Certificate & Course Providers
i-to-i
i-to-i is a company that offers TEFL courses and certification for people who want to teach English online or abroad¹. They have over 210,000 graduates and 28 years of experience in the education industry. They also provide other educational courses, such as Trinity CertTESOL, Teaching Assistant courses and Early Years Education courses. You can log in to your course on their website² or browse their jobs board for teaching opportunities⁵.
i-to-i offer a variety of TEFL courses that are very attractive for the budget conscious. Their basic online TEFL course provides 120 hours of study and costs $129 USD (usually $429 USD – get 70% discount), making it one of the most affordable on the market. If you’re unsure teaching English abroad is for you, this course is a great option without breaking the bank.
i-to-i also offer 180-hour and 300-hour courses with additional content modules and specialisations.
If you’re new to teaching, have a limited budget, or are unsure if it’s right for you, i-to-i is definitely the company to start your TEFL journey with.
myTEFL
myTEFL are a very reputable TEFL course provider that also offer a standard 120-hour TEFL certificated program as well as other more advanced TEFL courses. The standard TEFL course is priced at $299 USD. In addition to all online modules and assignments, myTEFL also provide you with a letter of recommendation upon successful course completion and assistance with finding a job!
Using myTEFL enables online access to all your teaching content for up to six months, which is extremely useful for unestablished new teachers. They are an excellent choice for anyone seeking a TEFL qualification that offers a bit more than the absolute bare essentials. (shareasale)
International TEFL Academy
(Premium excellence for the serious-minded)
As a global leader in TEFL TESOL training that certifies more than 5,000 people a year to teach English in over 80 countries worldwide, International TEFL Academy places the highest priority on ensuring that their students receive the very best training and a qualification that is globally recognised and respected.
Every TEFL Certification course offered by International TEFL Academy (ITA) is recognised by employers worldwide at the highest level for TEFL certification. Their certificates meet or exceed international standards, and are accredited by sanctioned bodies throughout the world.
ITA TEFL certification meets international standards in quality and delivery, with the curriculum externally monitored and approved for accreditation by TQUK, an officially Awarding Organisation regulated by Ofqual, a British Government organisation responsible for monitoring and maintaining educational standards in the UK.
The ITA TEFL curriculum also meets internationally recognised requirements of a minimum of 100 hours of academic work and 6 hours of practical (student teaching/observation) for a professional level TEFL certification.
Their best selling 11-week online TEFL course enables you to earn a TEFL/TESOL certification on a part-time basis, a great flexible option to complete yourTEFL training. Aside from continuing with work, you can also earn the highest quality of professional TEFL/TESOL certification training at a cost that is considerably lower than a comparable 4-week in-person class. (direct)
The TEFL Academy (TTA)
The TEFL Academy is a great option for those based in Europe or North America seeking in-person accreditation. TTA run several courses that enable you to gain valuable classroom experience, in addition to extra online modules that prepare you for the real world. There is also 6 months access to a vast library of online resources for when you start teaching and additionally, help with finding a job!
The TTA Level 3 online TEFL course costs $175 USD (special offer discounted from $550 USD) and is a 120-hour TEFL & Grammar course.
The TTA Level 5 online TEFL course which costs $264 USD (special offer discounted from $660 USD) and is a 168-hour comprehensive TEFL & Grammar course providing a Level 5 Ofqual (UK government) regulated qualification. (shareasale)
Should I do a TESOL or CELTA course instead?
A TESOL or CELTA course is specifically for those looking to teach English to adults. Similar to a BA or BEd degree, they are specifically geared toward teaching as a lifetime profession. Unless you are looking to start a career in teaching (rather than a temporary job) a TEFL course is more than sufficient.
TESOL or CELTA courses are in-depth and designed for individuals seeking to become teaching professionals. They tend to be intensive, often full-time study and very expensive. They are of course highly regarded qualifications that negate the need for any additional TEFL certification in most instances.
TEFL Courses for Teaching Abroad