TEFL Frequently asked questions

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

• What does TEFL mean?

  TEFL stands for ‘Teaching English as a Foreign Language’. It covers a broad spectrum of courses, classes and qualifications relating to the teaching of English as a second language.

• Who is eligible to take a TEFL course?

  Anyone! People who have an interest in teaching will get a lot out of studying for a TEFL certificate. There are no entry qualifications, and you can do very well without any prior experience. The most important thing is a desire to learn.

• What is the difference between TEFL and TESOL (and ESL, IELTS, CELTA etc)?

  There are some detailed definitions of TEFL and TESOL (Teaching English as a Second or Other Language). In practice, TEFL is a largely UK-centric acronym. TESOL was borne out of teaching non-English speaking immigrants in the US, so it’s regarded as a way to teach people English whilst they’re living in an English speaking country. In reality, the two acronyms are almost interchangeable. They are more likely to be a reflection of where the teacher’s from.

  The world of TEFL is full of acronyms. Here are a few more that you may come across.

  • ESL – English as a Second Language (i.e. not a person’s native language)
  • IELTS – International English Language Testing System. A testing system used by Universities and employers to gauge ability in English. Other testing systems include:
  • TOEIC – Test of English for International Communication
  • TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language

  • KET (Key English Test) / PET (Preliminary English Test) / FCE (First Certificate in English) / CAE (Certificate in Advanced English) / CPE (Certificate of Proficiency in English)

  • CELTA – Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults. Perhaps the oldest globally recognised English Language teaching qualification. It involves four weeks of intensive study and costs around £1,000. A great introduction to Teaching English as a Foreign Language, but quite expensive.
  • DELTA – Diploma in English Language Teaching to Adults. A three month intensive course in language teaching that sits between a CELTA and an MA. You usually need 2 years’ experience in the classroom to take this course. Most top language schools require a DELTA before you can become a DOS.
  • DOS – Director of Studies. This person is effectively the academic principal of a language school, and will therefore be your boss. They’ll be responsible for the academic integrity of school and staff performance and development.

• Will your guarantee me a job?

  No. Anyone who guarantees you a job after taking their course isn’t being honest. Qualifications are important, but when applying for a job, nobody can guarantee you’ll succeed at the interview.

  Don’t forget: there is a worldwide shortage of qualified language teachers. By taking a LoveTEFL course you are giving yourself a vital head-start by showing commitment and obtaining a relevant qualification.

• There are lots of TEFL companies out there. What is different about LoveTEFL?

  LoveTEFL go one stage further than the others. We offer great quality, great value training, we help you to find employment and we support you once you’re in your new job. Our core courses all include specific elements on teaching Young Learners (we won’t just try to sell you more courses on this later).

  Our jobs overseas are not only free but also include the input of a highly experienced support team. Not only will you have a new job in a new country, you’ll have a support network around you.

• Can I get a job without a TEFL certificate?

  Yes you can. Just remember that you may end up working at the bottom end of the profession. You might get paid less, and in some countries, you might be working illegally.We believe passionately that anyone teaching English should pass an introductory training course as a bare minimum.

  If you don’t do this to get a job, do it out of respect for the students who will invest time and money in attending your lessons. Think about your experience at school; you probably got a lot more out of a lesson when the teacher knew how to teach well.

• What salary can I earn as a TEFL teacher?

  Teaching English overseas won’t make you rich, but you will learn enough to live well and explore the country in your spare time. Salaries vary depending on where you work, what experience and qualifications you have and how many hours a week you are teaching.

  We honestly can’t think of a better way to get to know and explore a country than as an English teacher. You might not come home with thousands in the bank, but the experience you will have had is priceless.

• Where do TEFL teachers teach?

  The hubs of English teaching tend to be in Asia, Europe and South America. There are also language teachers working in the UK, Australasia and North America. North Africa and the Middle East also have a fair number of teachers living and working there. With an English teaching qualification, and a sense of adventure, the world really is your oyster.

• Can I use my certificate and teaching experience when I get back home?

  Competition for ELT jobs in the UK, Ireland, US and Australia is fierce. In the UK, you’ll need a CELTA qualification plus experience before you’ll be shortlisted for interview. However, many language schools need additional staff to run summer schools, and these staff are sometimes recruited based on experience and enthusiasm.

  If you are keen to work in the UK as a language teacher, get a few years experience teaching overseas with a qualification such as ours, then build on this with a CELTA course.

• How can you learn to teach with an online course; surely that’s not possible?

  As long as you’re committed to learning, we can effectively replicate every element of learning to be a language teacher – other than actually standing up in front of a class. No course makes you a teacher – that only comes after years of practice – but LoveTEFL’s online course introduces you to all the core concepts of language teaching. It ensures that you can plan an effective lesson, for example, and this is perhaps the second most important ingredient of a successful teacher.

  (The most important is actually standing up there and delivering it!)Studying on-line does require commitment and drive, but you can study at your own speed, do lots of further reading (we provide lots of links) and fit in your studies around your current job and lifestyle.

• Why take a TEFL course?

  A TEFL course is, in our view, simply the best way to live and breathe another culture. It’s completely different to being an ex-pat, or living in a backpacker ‘bubble’ for a few months. It’s a fast-track way to a rewarding and exciting life abroad, and the skills you’ll learn are easily transferred into other occupations.

• What qualifications do I need to take a TEFL course?

  None. You just need a genuine desire to learn and develop.

• I don’t speak another language. Is this an issue?

  No. There is some debate about this, but if you can’t speak the language, it forces you (and your students) to communicate in English. Many schools ‘ban’ use of the local language in the classroom to prevent translation and ‘lazy’ teaching. As you pick up the local language, your day-to-day life will be easier, but stick to English in the classroom.

• I am a non-native speaker. Can I still take a TEFL course?

  Yes! You’ll just need a good level and understanding of English. There are plenty of jobs available for non-native speakers. Just be aware that you will be paid less than native-speakers in some countries, even though you’re doing the same job.

• Is it easy to find work once I have completed the LoveTEFL course?

  There is a shortage of English language teachers. Jobs are available all over the world. Whilst finding the right job is never ‘easy’, language teaching overseas (particularly in Asia) is one area that there are more jobs than teachers. It’s perfect for escaping the current recession in Europe and North America.

  Don’t forget also that LoveTEFL have their own supported job placements in Thailand and China to help you on your way.

• How do I reach LoveTEFL?

  Easy! Just click the contact button on the top right corner, or give us a bell on 01 4434755