Taking a TEFL course for teaching English abroad: what is it, why should you do it and where should you go?

What is a TEFL course for Teaching English abroad as a Foreign Language?

• TEFL literally means Teaching English as a Foreign Language. In a nutshell, a TEFL course is a training program that gives you the skills and confidence you need to teach English as a foreign language to children and adults.
• TEFL: The TEFL course is entirely in English and is made up of various modules aimed at developing didactic skills and the methodology of teaching the English language to non-native speakers. With the globally recognized TEFL diploma, you demonstrate the essential skills for an English teacher. Internationally, the demand for English teachers is increasing, and with a TEFL course, you significantly increase your chances of a paid teaching job!
• More about TEFL courses - online and abroad

Why should you take a TEFL course abroad?

• The TEFL course is a course that trains you, without a background as a teacher, to teach English to children and adults.
• The course is entirely in English and focuses on developing teaching skills and methods for teaching English to non-native speakers.
• The demand for English teachers has been growing internationally for years, and a TEFL course will significantly increase your chances of finding a paid teaching job.
• There is a wide range of course options available, from online courses to intensive practical courses in Spain, Italy, Thailand, or Costa Rica. All courses can be supplemented with short modules for those who want to specialize in grammar and specific target groups.
• By taking the TEFL course abroad in the country you wish to work in, you will be more likely to find a first teaching job, especially for paid jobs.
• For some students, taking an intensive TEFL course abroad better fits their planning and provides the opportunity to focus on the course, increasing the chance for obtaining the TEFL certificate.

Where is the best place to take a TEFL course?

• Taking the TEFL course in the country or region where you wish to start your teaching career can be very helpful, because the TEFL school generally has a local network for English teacher jobs.
• Go to Malaga, Spain: take your TEFL course, including job search assistance.
• Go to Rome, Italy: start working as an English teacher in Italy after your TEFL course.
• Go to Bangkok, Thailand: Intensive TEFL course with practice hours with real students.
• Go to Chiang Mai, Thailand: onsite courses on level 3 and level 5, paid internship program available.
• Go to Costa Rica: Intensive 4-week TEFL course with practice hours with Costa Rican students.
• The online course can be done at home, but also while traveling the world, as long as there is an internet connection.

What kind of teaching jobs can you apply for with a TEFL certificate?

• In non-Western countries, paid teacher vacancies are most often found at schools where the parents of the children belong to the richer upper class of society or are stationed in that country as expats. People who speak fluent English are often hired to encourage conversation, rather than to teach grammar. Basic knowledge of English grammar is a big advantage when students come to you with strange questions. There are many non-Western countries where you can teach English, even if English is not your native language. To guarantee the quality of education, a certificate or (TEFL) diploma is increasingly requested.
• As a voluntary English teacher, most teaching positions are available in less developed countries and rural areas. Teaching materials and educational facilities are often limited.

What do you get out  taking a TEFL course abroad?

• Involvement: it strengthens your sense of involvement with a group of children or adults who want to develop their English or need help.
• Experience: you are pulled out of your comfort zone and are challenged to think and experience.
• Creativity: you can really use your creativity when creating or using teaching materials or lesson content.
• Empathy: you train yourself to immerse yourself not only in another culture but also in the thought processes of your students.
• Income: when you combine your TEFL course with teaching English abroad, you can often earn enough to pay for your stay. If you have been able to get one of the better positions, you can usually live well on it or save something to be able to travel further afterward.
• Flexibility: you strengthen your ability to flexibly look for solutions for situations that suddenly arise.

What do you need, or can you learn, when taking a TEFL course abroad?

• Being aware of your surroundings: wherever you take a TEFL course, you will always have to take your surroundings into account.
• Being aware of the organization: every school or educational institution also has its own way of looking at education, and as a student you will be confronted with the vision of the organization. 
• Communication skills: strengthening your knowledge of the English language makes communication skills grow.
• Being able to plan: taking a course asks you to plan ahead to be able to get the most and best learning experience.
• Being able to radiate self-confidence: as a student, being confident helps you to be taken seriously by your teacher.

What are the risks of taking a TEFL course abroad?

• The coverage of your health insurance may be cancelled when, for example, you go and work abroad.
• You may suffer from homesickness and want to go home earlier (but there is a lot you can do about it and prepare for it!).
• You may have problems with the organization with which you are going abroad.
• What are the consequences if, for example, you end up in the hospital? If you end up in the hospital, you may have to pay the costs yourself if you have not taken out insurance that covers your activities.

Are you insured for a TEFL course  abroad?

• Doing a TEFL course abroad will be covered by your current travel and health insurance when you are not going abroad for too long and are not going to do paid work or undertake special activities. In other cases, special insurance is often recommended or sometimes necessary.
• Local organizations generally don't offer any or only offer very limited insurance.
• During your work abroad in specific cases, you will need special insurance to remain insured against illness and accidents.
• Read more: Travel insurances and insurances for long term abroad - Theme