10 May What is TEFL?

What is TEFL and how does it work?

TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. Basically it means teaching learners whose first language is NOT English how to speak, read, write and communicate in English. TEFL teachers can teach all ages of learners. They can teach in:

1. Kindergartens

• Primary schools
• High schools
• Government/state schools
• International schools
• Private schools
• Universities
• Language schools/centres
• Summer camps
• In-company
• Privately 

TEFL teachers can teach:

• In the home country
• Abroad
• Online

TEFL teachers can teach 1-to-1 or groups. 

TEFL vs TESOL

TEFL and TESOL are abbreviations for pretty much the same thing. 

TEFL = Teach English as a Foreign Language

TESOL = Teach English to Speakers of Other Languages

Other common abbreviations you may hear are:

ESL = English as a Second Language

TESL = Teach English as a Second Language

What is TEFL certification?

TEFL certification is the qualification that allows you to teach English as a Foreign Language. 

You don’t need a teaching qualification like a BEd or a PGCE to teach English as a TEFL teacher. You only need a TEFL certificate or a CELTA.

A TEFL qualification can be done part-time or full-time, online or face-to-face, or a combination of both. 

A TEFL certificate allows you to teach English abroad or teach English online.

How can I teach English abroad?

Get qualified with a TEFL certificate. I recommend doing the Level 5 TEFL course from The TEFL Academy. Once you’re qualified, look for a job online and start applying - it’s as easy as that!

How much does TEFL pay?

TEFL salaries and rates of pay vary from country to country and job to job. Your teaching hours may vary and your base rate will be different. Other important factors to consider when thinking about your earning potential are:

• Cost of living in the country
• Benefits included in your contract (some include housing and airfare)
• Time and cost spent on commuting (compared to teaching online from home)

Here is a great article from Business Tech detailing different rates of pay for South Africans in different countries abroad:

8 Top Places For South Africans To Teach English Abroad

Disclaimer: This blog post may contain affiliate links. If you click on a link I may receive a small commission at no cost to you.