Taking a TEFL Course for teaching english abroad: What is it, why should you do it and where should you go?

• TEFL literally means Teaching English as a Foreign Language. In a nutshell, a TEFL course is a training program which 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?

• 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.  

Where is the best place to take a TEFL course?

• Taking the TEFL course in the country or region where you want to start your teaching career can be very helpful, because the TEFL school generaly 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 intership 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 are most often hired 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. In order 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