TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. It is sometimes called TESOL - Teaching English as a Second Language. It's one of the best ways to get paid work abroad if you don't qualify for a working holiday visa.
It works like this: you do a course here in the UK, get a qualification, then go and teach English to children or adults abroad. Many TEFL course providers will help you find a job when you qualify - some even guarantee it.
Facts about TEFL:
- Courses generally last from a month to 18 months. You can do them online.
- The two main internationally-recognised certificates are the Trinity CertTESOL and the Cambridge CELTA.
- You can teach English just about anywhere (even in the UK). Popular places include the Far East and South America.
- You don't have to teach children - teaching business English to adults is also possible.
- You don't have to be able to speak the local language (although it will help) - you'll have an interpreter.