How to Get Certification to Teach English as a Foreign Language

Teaching English abroad is a great way to see the world. Although there is an increasing need for English teachers in foreign countries, there is also a growing interest in getting a job in another country. One way to set yourself apart from other applicants is to get a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certificate.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Understand the Benefits of Getting a TEFL Certificate

1. Get job placement services. Many schools that offer TEFL training also have job boards that can be used by their graduates only. These schools also have advisers that can help you find jobs that are not listed in many places.

2. Receive help from graduates teaching abroad. Some schools might let you get in touch with graduates of the program who are teaching in foreign countries right now. These graduates can answer your questions or help you get oriented in the new country once you get a job.

3. Distinguish yourself from other teaching applicants. Many people who get jobs teaching abroad do not have any educational training. Although having a TEFL is not a guaranteed way to get a job, it could help make your resume look more qualified than other candidates.

4. Expand your lesson plan portfolio with examples provided by the school that awarded you your TEFL certificate. If your school offers these tools, they can help you to prepare for your first year of teaching abroad.

Find a TEFL School

5. Search the Internet for schools. Many schools that grant TEFL certificates are found in other countries. The idea is that you go to school in the foreign country that you want to teach. Other programs are 100 percent Internet based.

6. Ask a counselor at your college's study abroad office. These people usually get this kind of program information sent to them. Also, they may have information about other graduates who took a similar path.

7. Contact a school that looks like a good fit for you. Keep in mind the cost of going into a program. In most cases you will pay tuition, plane fare and room and board. Make sure the program you choose is affordable.

8. Put together your materials and apply to get in to the school you chose.

9. Complete all of your assignments on time, and get to know your teachers while you are in school. This will help you to graduate successfully. It will also impress your teachers, who may have job contacts that they're willing to give their best students.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure the school you choose is an accredited program. Anyone at the school should know this, and they should also know which University is doing the accreditation of this program. Although your TEFL doesn't have to be accredited to get a certificate, you should still make sure your program is rigorous and planned enough to be worth your time and money.