Is TEFL a good career?

While some view teaching English abroad as a temporary venture or a way to explore before 'settling down', the reality is that TEFL can be a rewarding and sustainable career. Many individuals not only venture into this field for the thrill of travel and culture but also to carve out lucrative, long-term careers.

Can you make a living from TEFL?

The pay to teach English abroad varies, but you can expect to earn a decent salary. In top-paying countries, teachers can get paid a salary of anywhere from $2,000 to over $5,000 USD per month. Your TEFL salary will depend on your position, qualifications and the country you teach in.

Is there a demand for TEFL teachers?

It is estimated that over 100,000 positions open up for TEFL teachers all over the world EVERY YEAR – and that's not even considering online teaching.

Is TEFL actually worth it?

Although not every position or teach abroad destination requires it, a TEFL certificate is a surefire way to increase your employment prospects, earn a higher salary, and feel comfortable in the classroom. Not only that, but a TEFL certification provides essential professional skills that are useful in any career.

Is TEFL a viable career?

YES! I know full-time teachers who have been teaching English as a foreign language for almost twenty years. I also know online EFL teachers who have been teaching online since before the pandemic, and they've never looked back! Check out my previous article to find out how long TEFL jobs last.

ITTT FAQs - Is TEFL a good career choice?

Is 30 too old to do TEFL?

You're never too old to TEFL! We've trained teachers of all ages – take Diane, for example, who completed her training just before turning 62 and went on to teach in Germany.

Is it hard to get a job at TEFL?

How hard is it to get a TEFL job? Landing your first TEFL job is the hardest. Once you've got a year or more of teaching experience under your belt, things become easier. But in this sense the TEFL industry is no different to any other.

Is TEFL stressful?

TEFL itself is not stressful. Well more stressful than being any teacher. Being a teacher has its downs for sure, but it is definitely a rewarding vocation for any who decides to take this path. TEFL teachers, in comparison to public school teachers, do tend to get a lot more help within the classroom.

Is TEFL worth it 2023?

Yes, TEFL is worth it for those passionate about teaching English abroad or online. It offers opportunities for travel, cultural immersion, and can enhance job prospects globally.

Is Level 5 TEFL hard?

The Level 5 is more challenging than a Level 3 Course, and this means you'll struggle if you aren't a native English speaker. If you're not a native English speaker but your English is near native, you can enrol onto the course.

Where does TEFL pay the most?

Is the TEFL market saturated?

While the demand for ESL teachers is evergrowing, the TEFL industry is still saturated with general English teachers (myself included). This is why you need to reevaluate what you can offer.

How many hours a day do TEFL teachers work?

Most schools abroad work normal office hours so you will probably need to be in school, Monday to Friday, from 7:30 a.m. (in many Asian countries) until 4:00 p.m. This equates to around 40 hours per week. You will not have to teach for all of those hours but a typical teaching load would be around 20-25 hours per week.

How much do TEFL teachers get paid UK?

The average salary for TEFL jobs is £27,000. Read on to find out how much TEFL jobs pay across various UK locations and industries. We have 12 jobs paying higher than the average TEFL salary!

How long do TEFL jobs last?

Different schools offer TEFL contracts of varying lengths depending on their business or academic calendar. Many offer contracts for one academic year, which is typically 10- 12 months, and renew contracts for teachers in good standing. Some schools and summer camps hire teachers for shorter periods.

Is TEFL a long term career?

The ability to teach online is a great way to make a long-term career out of TEFL because it provides the opportunity to work with students all over the world without having to relocate.

Is 35 too old for TEFL?

Is There an Age Limit to TEFL? TEFL programs generally do not have strict age limits. Many opportunities exist for individuals of varying ages to pursue TEFL certification and teach English abroad.

How hard is the TEFL exam?

For instance, It is very rare for any student to fail a TEFL certification course provided by International TEFL Academy. As a matter of fact, International TEFL Academy has a passing rate of over 90% (one of the highest passing rates of any TEFL school worldwide).

Is the 120-hour TEFL worth it?

120 hours is considered the baseline for a professional-level TEFL certification for teaching English abroad or online. Not all 120-hour TEFL courses meet international standards, so it's essential to seek out those that are accredited and include live practice teaching.

Can you fail TEFL?

Although it is possible to fail a TEFL course, the vast majority of our students finish their training and go on to become successful EFL teachers. As part of our promise to our teacher trainees, we make every effort to help each and every course taker to reach their full potential.

How many hours is TEFL classroom?

The 20 hour TEFL classroom course will provide you with an internationally recognised certificate to teach abroad. No problem. BUT, you'll have a better chance of getting the better-paid teaching jobs with better conditions if you do a combined course such as the 120-hour course.

Are TEFL teachers in demand in UK?

Many travel to the UK for work but don't necessarily have fluent English skills, which creates a great market for teaching in the UK. Many people in the UK who don't speak much English have arrived here as refugees, and there is a great demand for voluntary teachers to work with this market.

How do I get clients for TEFL?

You're going to have to create a website, by the way. It really is a pre-requisite if you're running a TEFL business, for a number of reasons. Firstly, it's a statement of intent - potential clients are going to be reassured by a good-looking website, which contains a portfolio of your work, and contact details.

How do I get my first TEFL job?

Is Level 3 TEFL worth it?

Online TEFL Course, Level 3 Certificate (120hrs)

It is the best option if you want to find casual work teaching English, such as volunteer teaching, teaching whilst backpacking, plus some online roles.