So, You Want To Teach English Abroad?
ESL (English as a Second Language) / TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) means teaching English to people whose first language is not English.
To be an ESL / TEFL teacher you need to have a good understanding of the English language and feel confident in your ability to explain and express your knowledge to others. Having the following attributes will also be of benefit to you: good time management and planning skills; the ability to work under pressure; a friendly and confident manner.
The main job responsibilities of an ESL / TEFL teacher include: preparing and delivering English lessons; assessing students ability and potential; giving students feedback on their work. Teaching roles are focused on conversation, rather than grammar, and it is widely accepted that ESL / TEFL teachers speak only in English for the duration of their classes; the ability to speak a foreign language not being a requirement when teaching English abroad.
Nearly all ESL / TEFL jobs require you to be a native English speaker}, which means that either the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Ireland or the UK is your home country, and that English is your first language. You can be any age from 18 to 80; though those under 21 or over 50 may find it more difficult to find a teaching position.
Most ESL / TEFL positions require you to have a university degree, however, that degree does not need to be an English or teaching related one. You can find ESL / TEFL positions without having a degree but you: will only be able to choose from a handful of countries; will likely be offered lesser paid jobs; may have to work illegally (i.e. without a work permit).
Specific ESL / TEFL qualifications are not needed in order to teach English abroad, but you will be able to choose from more jobs, and will be paid more, if you have them. A quality ESL / TEFL course program should consist of: at least 100 hours of study; 6 or more hours of practice teaching real students; accreditation from an overseeing body (a university or examining board).
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