English as a foreign language teacher : Entry requirements

Although teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) is open to all graduates, the following subjects are particularly useful:

• English;
• modern languages;
• linguistics;
• education.

TEFL is increasingly a graduate role and it is now more difficult for those with no formal qualifications to obtain posts, and almost impossible in the UK. If you have a good basic education and an excellent command of English, it is still sometimes possible to find work in the private sector abroad with no training or experience, but a degree is often required. In addition, a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) is needed for teaching in state schools in the UK, and some countries require Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) as well as a recognised TEFL qualification. If you are a qualified TEFL teacher, you will usually be paid a better salary and/or have more favourable terms and conditions, as well as improved chances of finding work and the skills to be an effective teacher.

Many language schools in the UK and abroad offer training courses ranging from short introductions lasting a couple of days to intensive certificate courses lasting four to six weeks. If you are only interested in short-term work rather than a career in TEFL, you may prefer one of the shorter, cheaper courses, although in some countries you need a TEFL certificate in order to get the appropriate visa.

The standard qualification for entry into TEFL and for work in an accredited school in the UK is a certificate-level qualification. Most employers tend to favour courses of a minimum of 100 hours ELT/TESOL input, which include five observed hours of teaching practice and are validated by a reputable examination body or university. If you intend to teach in the UK or spend a year or more teaching abroad, the most commonly accepted minimum training courses are:

• Trinity College London  certTESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages);
• Cambridge CELTA  (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults);
• International House  certTEFL (Certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language) - this course is aimed primarily at teachers whose first language is not English.

Apart from the certTEFL, these courses can be studied full time or part time at centres in the UK and all over the world. Some TESOL/TEFL qualifications are taught by distance learning, but you may need to arrange your own teaching practice, and note also that the most widely recognised and respected qualifications are those taught face to face. For further information about the types of courses available see i-to-i TEFL Courses and the English Language Centre (CIC) . 

Pre-entry experience, for example as a language assistant in a summer language school or as a home tutor, is useful but not essential for a teaching post in a private language school. Check vacation jobs advertised by your university careers service, as short-term TEFL jobs are often available even if you have little or no experience. Knowledge of a foreign language can be useful and you will also need to show evidence of the following:

• a good command of English, both spoken and written, clear diction, and interest in the language, although you do not have to be a native English speaker;a lively and outgoing personality and a friendly and confident manner;
• good planning skills and organising skills;
• the ability to work under pressure;
• flexibility and an adaptable teaching style;
• creative skills and ideas for planning practical and interesting lessons;
• excellent spoken and written communication skills;
• effective listening skills;
• the ability to take criticism;
• the ability to get on with a wide range of people of varying ages from different backgrounds and cultures;
• patience and a good sense of humour.

For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.