TEFL

Although English only ranks second among the most-widely spoken languages in the world, it is by far a language more nations use and learn, after all, the “Harry Potter” sequel is undeniably irresistible. However, besides that and on more important reasons, many students and professionals want to learn English as preparation for employment or education in the US and other English-speaking nations.

Native English-speakers were previously allowed to teach in foreign countries to non-English speakers even without a teaching experience and certificate, but requirements for native English-speaking teachers have become stricter. You cannot simply teach English as a foreign language because you want to. Employers now bank on a TEFL certificate when employing new teachers to teach English to non-English speakers.

Many countries are looking for native English-speaking teachers to teach individuals in all levels of English skills (in writing and speaking). Of course, if you’re not a native English speaker but wants to study in the US one of the requirements would be to perfect your English speaking and writing skills with emphasis on grammar, tenses, and vocabulary. This is why a TEFL course, whether obtained online or in traditional language classes is very important. After all, speaking and writing are the basic components of human communication that any non-native English speakers should master.

TEFL Teaching Qualifications

Individuals who are bent on teaching English as a foreign language in foreign counties are required an undergraduate bachelor’s degree and a TEFL certification for their applications as teachers to be significant. Most language academies would like teachers to have a minimum of a 120-hour TEFL certificate, as this often assures but not guarantees teaching competence.

To employers, TEFL-certificate holders are presumed to have had teaching experience in teaching English as a foreign language to non-native English speakers. The lessons in TEFL are very different than what are taught at various levels in US schools whose students have English as their native tongue. Teaching English as a foreign language can seem complicated to Koreans, Japanese, and other peoples who can never speak English. Thus, TEFL teachers need to design a teaching approach and curriculum designed solely for this purpose.

Currently, there is no international accrediting body that oversees the issuance of TELF certificates but some countries like a TEFL certificate in England bear a heavier weight to most employers throughout the world.

TEFL Certificate Teaching Outcome

A certificate issued by a well-known name or has gained international recognition coupled with a teaching experience can bring you to bigger opportunities. However, in some places even an online TEFL certificate online would suffice to land you a teaching stint.

Another importance of a TEFL certificate is it helps prepare you to stand in front of a class of students with absolutely or little knowledge of the English language. In general, if you choose a good course especially that which incorporates teaching practice, you have mostly likely done this by the time you’ve completed the course. In spite of the fact that a TEFL certificate does not totally guarantee teaching competence, employers will still prefer TEFL-certificate holders to others with no teaching experience. Let’s get things straight at this point. A TEFL certificate will not make you a better teacher – what will is practice because it gives you the confidence to lead a class and instil learning.

So with the premise that a teaching experience is more important, does this mean giving up on trying to get a TEFL Certificate? The answer is no. Although it’s inarguably important for aspiring EFL teachers to have a teaching experience, a TEFL certificate provides a venue of even a short experience of TEFL. Hence, you can count that employers will notice your resume more than others without relevant teaching experience.