Teach English abroad

Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) is a great way to get paid work abroad. TEFL is also known as TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language) and TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). Generally, TEFL is taught in countries where English isn't spoken, and TESL is taught to foreigners in English-speaking countries. TESOL covers both. On this page, we use TEFL because it's the most common term in the UK.

Where and how can I do a TEFL course?
Where and how can I teach English abroad?
When should I teach English abroad?
Top tips
Further information

Where and how can I do a TEFL course?

You can do a TEFL course online or in a classroom. It's possible to do an intensive, one-month, full-time TEFL course, but it's very hard work! If you do a distance-learning course in your own time, you can take up to 18 months to complete it if you need to. Actual course time will vary in length; obviously, the more hours you do, the more confident you will be when you start.

Some courses include teaching practice in a classroom environment. If you are new to teaching, you might find this useful.

When choosing a TEFL course and a course provider, think about what you need. Some TEFL schools offer job placements, others have job-finding help. The two main internationally-recognised certificates are the Trinity CertTESOL and the Cambridge CELTA (which is geared towards teaching adults). However, you may find that the job you're applying for will require only the 'equivalent' of the CertTESOL or CELTA, which means that the certificate from your school will get you a job.

Where and how can I teach English abroad?

Pretty much anywhere - being a native English speaker is a huge advantage when it comes to teaching! Popular places to teach include the Far East and South and Central America. You can even teach in an English-speaking country, if you are in an area with a high number of non-English speaking people (although you will probably find getting a work permit difficult).

The type of teaching you do can vary. You may choose to do a variety, or perhaps you would prefer to specialise in teaching business English to adults. You may even be hired for a particular project - for example, if a business person needs to give a presentation to an English-speaking audience. You might choose to teach English as a volunteer, rather than as a paid worker, or incorporate it into a volunteering project.

When you first start teaching, you will usually be given an interpreter in your class if you don't speak the language. Learning some basics in the local language before you go will be helpful though.

When should I teach English abroad?

You can go pretty much any time, but if you have a particular country in mind, check when the academic year starts, and if it's possible to start in the middle of it (if you want to). Your TEFL course provider will be able to help you with this.

Top tips

• If you've never taught before, make sure you take a course which includes teaching practice (to actual language students)
• If you're a teacher, you might feel that a shorter course will suffice (they are cheaper overall but can sometimes be more expensive per hour)
• Shop around for a course that suits you - there are lots of providers and they offer different courses, qualifications and teaching methods
• If you want to go straight into a job, use a course provider which has its own schools abroad
• Having a teaching qualification can give you a lot of freedom to work and travel - but make sure you get one which is widely-recognised throughout the world.

Further information

• Search our list of career break companies for a TEFL course.
• Need to know something else? Email us.
• Back to top.