What Is A TEFL Certification: Everything You Need To Know

Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) is becoming increasingly popular among people looking to travel and work abroad. With TEFL certification, you can teach English in countries all over the world. It’s an excellent way to gain experience, learn new cultures and languages, and make money while traveling.

But what exactly is TEFL? How do you get certified? And how can it benefit your career? In this article, we will answer these questions by exploring everything there is to know about TEFL certification.

What Is TEFL?

TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. It’s a type of certification that allows you to teach English abroad in countries where English is not the native language. The TEFL field is growing in popularity due to the sheer amount of opportunities it provides to English speakers.

As the world becomes more connected, there is an increasing demand for people who can speak and teach English. This has created a huge market for TEFL certifications, allowing individuals to travel around the world and teach English as a second language.

What Is A TEFL Certification?

Obtaining a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate holds great value in the world of international education as it is a recognized professional qualification that confirms the capability of the certificate holder to teach English as a foreign language. Primarily, a TEFL certification is an essential requirement for those who wish to educate non-native English speakers overseas or online.

In order to teach English in a foreign land where English is not the native language, most educational institutions and language schools require TEFL certification. This is crucial since these institutes aim to onboard educators who have undergone proper training in teaching English to non-native speakers.

On the brighter side, prior teaching experience or any formal education degree is not essential to earn a teaching opportunity overseas. However, obtaining a TEFL certificate is the minimum requirement. Moreover, online teaching companies, private language schools abroad, and government programs recruiting English teachers overseas seek to hire teachers with professional-level expertise and formal training, such as TEFL certification.

How Do I Become TEFL Certified?

If you aspire to teach English professionally, then TEFL certification is key. To acquire your credentials, a knowledgeable instructor will arm you with the necessary tools and skills for success. It’s worth mentioning that professional-level TEFL courses must adhere to specific standards, among them being practical teaching demonstrations as part of their coursework requirement.

For consideration as a valid TEFL program, the course must fulfill these essential criteria:

• At least 100 hours of coursework.
• Between 6 to 20 hours of live practicum
• A curriculum with accreditation from a well-known, independent organization within the industry ensures that it meets the highest standards.
• Guided by an expert professor with a Master’s Degree in TESOL or a similar field

What Are The Benefits Of A TEFL Certification?

Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) has become a popular profession for people who are interested in traveling the world while earning a living. However, many people who embark on this career path underestimate the challenges that come with it. This is where obtaining a TEFL certification becomes crucial. Wondering what the benefits are of obtaining a TEFL?

Increased Job Opportunities

The first and most obvious benefit of obtaining a TEFL certification is increased job opportunities. Employers around the world prefer to hire teachers who have been trained in the latest teaching methodologies and techniques. A TEFL certification ensures that you have the skills and knowledge to teach English to non-native speakers of the language. Having a TEFL certification demonstrates to prospective employers that you are serious about your profession and are willing to go the extra mile to excel in it.

Ability To Work And Travel In Different Countries

Another benefit of obtaining a TEFL certification is the opportunity to travel and work in different countries. Countries such as Spain, China, Japan, and South Korea have a high demand for qualified English teachers, and with a TEFL certification, you can easily secure a job in these countries. In addition, you will be able to experience new cultures, learn new languages, and make new friends.

Helps Prepare You To Be A Teacher

A TEFL certification also helps you to become a better teacher. The course will cover a wide range of topics, including classroom management, teaching methods, lesson planning, and assessment techniques. You will learn how to create engaging lesson plans that cater to the specific needs of your students. This will help you to better understand your students and adapt your teaching style to suit their learning styles.

Increases Your Earning Potential

Moreover, obtaining a TEFL certification can increase your earning potential. Teachers with a TEFL certification typically earn more than those without one. In countries where the cost of living is low, such as Thailand and Vietnam, the salary of a qualified TEFL teacher is enough to live a comfortable lifestyle. Additionally, experienced teachers with a TEFL certification can earn more by teaching private English lessons or working for prestigious language schools.

Gain Professional Development

TEFL certification also gives you the opportunity to gain professional development. Continuous self-evaluation is important for a teacher’s growth, and TEFL courses offer just that. Reflecting on teaching practices and integrating new teaching techniques keep teachers adapting to the needs of their students. Also, completing a TEFL course increases the likelihood of long-term teaching success.

Gives You A Sense Of Pride And Accomplishment

Finally, obtaining a TEFL certification gives you a sense of pride and accomplishment. It proves that you have taken the time to learn about teaching English and that you are capable of creating a positive impact on the lives of your students. Having a TEFL certification can also boost your confidence, as you will have the knowledge and skills needed to deliver effective English language instruction.

How Can TEFL Certification Enhance Your Teaching Skills?

TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification can greatly enhance your teaching skills by providing you with the tools and knowledge necessary to effectively teach English language learners. Here are just a few ways that TEFL certification can help you become a better teacher:

• Understand Your Students' Needs: A TEFL certification program will teach you how to understand the needs and learning styles of your English language learners. This includes understanding the cultural differences that can affect language acquisition.
• Develop Lesson Plans : TEFL certification will teach you how to develop effective lesson plans that cater to the needs of your students while also incorporating appropriate language and grammar techniques.
• Utilize Classroom Management Techniques: Classroom management skills are critical for any teacher and especially important when teaching English language learners. A TEFL certification will provide you with effective strategies for managing your classroom and ensuring that all students receive the support they need to succeed.
• Build Confidence : TEFL certification can help you build confidence as a teacher, which is essential to creating an effective learning environment for your students. As you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to teach English language learners, you’ll be better equipped to succeed in your role as an educator.

Overall, TEFL certification can be an incredibly useful tool for enhancing your teaching skills and ensuring that you’re able to provide the best possible education for your students.

How Much Do TEFL Certifications Cost?

The cost of TEFL certifications can vary depending on the level of certification and the type of course. Generally, the cost can range from $200 to $1,500.

Online TEFL courses are the most affordable option, with prices starting at around $200 for a basic 120-hour certification. In-person courses can range from $500 to $1,500, depending on the program’s duration and location.

Higher-level TEFL certifications such as the CELTA and Delta can cost more, with prices ranging from $1,500 to $4,000. These courses are usually more intensive, requiring more classroom hours and practical teaching experience.

It’s important to note that the cost of the TEFL certification should not be the only factor to consider when choosing a program. The quality of the course and the reputation of the institution providing the certification are also important factors. Ultimately, investing in a high-quality TEFL certification can open up many career opportunities worldwide, whether you want to go to a European country like Spain or teach English in an exotic location like Thailand.

Wrapping It Up

In conclusion, obtaining a TEFL certification is a smart investment for anyone looking to teach English as a foreign language. It opens up a world of opportunities, both in terms of job prospects and personal growth. It is a way to gain knowledge and understanding of a new culture, as well as to become a better teacher. With a TEFL certification, the world of teaching is your oyster.

To learn more about all things teaching abroad in Spain, browse through RVF International’s blog. We provide tips and advice on TEFL certification, finding teaching jobs abroad, cultural adjustment, and much more. So don’t wait any longer — start exploring the world today with RVF International!