andrew f asked:
Hi, I just had a general question about how to obtain a TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language), a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language), or a TESOL (Teaching English to Students of Other Languages) certification so that I satisfy the general requirements to teach English overseas. I am not too clear on obtaining the certificates or where to obtain them. I am still in college to advise. Thank you for your time, take care.
Hi, I just had a general question about how to obtain a TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language), a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language), or a TESOL (Teaching English to Students of Other Languages) certification so that I satisfy the general requirements to teach English overseas. I am not too clear on obtaining the certificates or where to obtain them. I am still in college to advise. Thank you for your time, take care.
You can take a TESL or TEFL certificate either in-house at a local school or online. For an entry-level job almost any certificate will be fine.
When are you finishing college? Do you want to take the course in the US or in a foreign country? I highly recommend taking a course overseas, for a number of reasons! Most importantly,you’ll better experience the reality of living and working in a foreign country. Once you finish a course you are already settled in a foreign country and can easily start job searching there. It’s much more difficult to do a job search from the US. Also, about 30% of a TEFL course is teaching practice. This gives you the necessary hands on practice teaching with foreign students in a real classroom. By the time you graduate you’ll be more than prepared to get up and deliver an effective English lesson to your class.
I took a course through and had a wonderful experience. The course was extremely informative, and I started teaching native Czech speakers from the second day! Also, the school offered me lifetime job guidance and assistance, and has an extensive network of language school contacts worldwide. I have been teaching in Prague for the past year but am currently working closely with the office staff to find a job in South America:)