How to become qualified for EFL teaching jobs abroad & online

Gain a ‘Teach English as a Foreign Language’ (TEFL) qualification so that you can become qualified for EFL teaching jobs abroad and online. A degree is also useful as this will widen your opportunities but obtaining a job abroad and teaching English online without a degree is entirely possible.

A TEFL teaching level 5 certificate is essentially an all-access pass to teaching jobs around the world and best of all you can also teach online – perfect for those on the move! Some online English teaching platforms will even allow teaching English online without TEFL. For example you could earn money online with Cambly. Why not teach Engish online to Japanese students while roaming the world!? Then you could look for English teaching jobs abroad and settle down somewhere for a semester or a year while you perhaps teach English in Africa!

What company did I choose?

I researched various companies offering the TEFL qualification. Eventually, I came across The TEFL Academy (TTA). This site offers a level 5 TEFL qualification which is the perfect arrow in your quiver for becoming an EFL teacher abroad and online.

Tip – Avoid expensive TEFL courses, there are some sites charging over £1000! This does not mean they are better, they are simply ripping you off. Also, be wary of sites advertising a free TEFL certificate. It may be fake but even if not, it will most likely not hold much value in comparison with a paid level 5 TEFL accreditation.

Why do I recommend a level 5 TEFL course?

There are numerous other companies out there for cheaper but they only provide you with a basic TEFL certificate. This hugely limits job EFL teaching job opportunities so if you are going to do it then I recommend doing the level 5 TEFL course. Most job postings I have come across ask for the level 5 so definitely worth it in the long run!

If you know for sure that you are only going to use your TEFL qualification for teaching online then a cheaper one may be suitable but just to cover all bases, I would recommend the TEFL level 5 certificate.

I am only informed about TTA so here are others by Goats On The Road.

The TEFL course cost

The TEFL Academy often offers their level 5 TEFL course for half price so I was lucky and got mine for £180 rather than £360. Often it’s on sale so take a look frequently! The long term benefits more than out way the cost anyway.

Why choose TTA?

• TTA are the world’s only TEFL course provider that have received official recognition from government regulated awarding bodies both in the US and the UK.

• Their course is regulated by Ofqual and approved as the same level as the CELTA & Trinity CertTESOL qualifications.

• TTA has more job opportunities and job support than any other TEFL provider by experienced EFL professionals.

• TTA offers a free 30 hour top up course.

Is it worth becoming qualified to do EFL teaching?

Absolutely! –

• Want to teach abroad? – choose the level 5 TEFL course and have access to jobs anywhere in the world.

• Want to teach online? – TEFL allows you the opportunity to set your own schedule and live the life of full-time travel.

• Either way you earn money and get to meet people from all over the world – most jobs don’t have this perk!

Top travel job tips –

• Find house sitting jobs and live rent-free while working for Cambly to make your money go even further!
• Find jobs with free accommodation and simply use Cambly to earn some extra pennies.
• Volunteer abroad with free accomodation while working on Cambly.

What work did it involve?

There were 10 units. Each consists of reading information that is provided on your portal. There was also a short end of unit test at the end of each unit but these are not difficult at all so don’t let them concern you.

Unit 5, 7 and 10 each had an end of unit assessment as well. These were mostly lesson plan based. Not overly difficult and not hugely time-consuming. However, it does require some concentration. All the information you need is provided within the reading material and you are able to go back to this as much as you want.

How long is the TEFL level 5 course?

The course says it is 120 hours long but on average, I spent around 80 hours altogether completing the level 5 qualification.

You have 6 months of access to the course so plenty of time to complete it and can fit in well with other priorities you have.

What can I do now that I am certified for EFL teaching?

First, celebrate! You are now able to work ANYWHERE in the world.

• Look up teaching job adverts. Here’s a few sites – TEFL Jobs Board – Job Index | TEFL.net, International Job Board – ESL (eslcafe.com), TEFL.com – English Language Teaching Jobs Worldwide & ESL || ESL Teaching English Worldwide || ESL Job Feed.

• Apply to companies that teach English online such as Cambly – even if you would prefer an in person job, this is good experience and will keep you going until you have a job. You can always keep at it a few hours a week as a little side earner. Becoming a Palfish teacher with Palfish free talk or their kids platform are other great options!

Main EFL teaching Points –

• Choose a level 5 TEFL course unless you are absolutely certain you won’t be teaching EFL in person.

• Don’t overpay for TEFL, don’t get the cheapest TEFL course and do not complete a free TEFL course – I definitely recommend The TEFL Academy.

• Just do it! Get TEFL certified and move from place to place while you work your way around the globe.

Check out this post on how I earn money online with Cambly, an excellent online teaching platform. An easy and enjoyable way to earn extra cash while living the nomad lifestyle. To make sure you don’t miss out on future TEFL job updates and information, sign up here for my blog updates.

Are you going to become an English teacher abroad or online? Are you already!? If you dream of travelling and enjoy helping others then it is the perfect job! Let me know in the comments.

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