10 May Get TEFL qualified

So you've decided to teach English as a Foreign Language? Awesome! You've come to the right place.

TEFL vs CELTA

If you've ever been interested in teaching, and if you have a love for travelling, then TEFL could be exactly what you've been looking for. You might think you need a BEd or a PGCE or some other teaching degree, but you don't. All you need is a TEFL or a CELTA qualification.

What exactly does that mean?

What's the difference between a TEFL and a CELTA?

You may have heard of TEFL and CELTA. Some people are adamant a CELTA course is the only worthwhile option.

I don't have a CELTA. I have a TEFL and it allowed me to teach in a number of different countries. It even allowed me to do a DELTA.

On a basic level, a TEFL and a CELTA are the same. They are both qualifications which train you to teach English as a Foreign Language. On another level, a TEFL and a CELTA are considered quite distinct.

A CELTA qualification is a teaching qualification. It is overseen by Cambridge Assessment. All CELTA courses are exactly the same, no matter where they are held.

A TEFL qualification is a teaching qualification. The thing with TEFL is that there is not one accrediting body, like Cambridge Assessment. Because of this, all TEFL courses are different.

This is not to say that a CELTA is more widely recognised than a TEFL, though many people will say that. The problem is that some TEFL courses have been so crap that they've given TEFL a bad name.

But as long as a TEFL course follows a few considerations, it should be a good course.

How long does it take to get a TEFL certificate?

A TEFL course in theory shouldn't be less than 120 hours. There are TEFL providers that claim you can get TEFL-qualified in 20 hours. It's an absurd thought that you can do enough in 20 hours to prepare you to teach English in a classroom.

At the same time, a TEFL course which advertises as 120 hours, might not take 120 hours. If it's a full-time face-to-face course then yes, it could take 120 hours, excluding any preparation before class. If you're taking a 120-hour course through distance learning, this 120 hours will take as long or as short as you want it to.

What qualifications are needed for TEFL?

You need a Grade 12 certificate, but no further study is needed. You need to be at least 18 years old and a native English-speaker or a speaker with English at a C1 level or higher.

How long is TEFL valid?

A TEFL qualification is valid for life.

What does a TEFL course involve?

Each TEFL course is different. A good TEFL course covers the basics of teaching English as a Foreign Language.

It looks at:

• lesson planning
• teaching methodologies
• theories of teaching and learning
• classroom management
• assessment

Which TEFL course is best in South Africa?

There are so many TEFL courses available in South Africa. It can be tempting to go with the cheapest TEFL course that you can find on Groupon.

But if you are considering TEFL as a serious option or job opportunity, don't waste your time or your money on these cheap-as-chips courses. Rather go for a reputable TEFL brand that is sure to prepare you for the classroom and help you find a job.

The TEFL Academy is one of the highest rated TEFL course providers in the world. I totally recommend their courses.

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