Frequently Asked Questions About TEFL and TESOL Certification Programs

Do I need a TEFL/TESOL certificate to get a teaching job? 

Due to the competitive nature of the industry, it is becoming increasingly difficult to secure a job without a TEFL/TESOL certificate. You may be able to find a teaching position in a less developed country without a certificate. However, positions that don't require certification will likely pay less money. 
 
Do I need a college degree? 

While recommended, a college degree is not required to teach English abroad. Those without a degree, should have an educational background that would qualify them to enter higher education in their home country. The coursework in your certification program will prepare you to teach English overseas. However, if you're lacking the appropriate educational qualifications, you will have to demonstrate that you have the ability to successfully complete the course. 
 
Is it necessary to know the language of the country where I plan to teach? 

No. Most instructors will use the "Communicative Approach". In the classroom, the only language used in this approach will be English. Of course you should plan to learn your host countries language as you go about your daily life outside the classroom.
 
Must I be a native English speaker to take the course? 

No. But applicants for whom English is a second language will have to demonstrate acceptable English language skills before attending the course. 
 
Is previous teaching experience necessary? 

No. The coursework will provide the framework for your success as a teacher.
 
Is it necessary to have an advanced knowledge of grammar? 

No. Our course provides students with an extensive amount of grammar instruction. This instruction will adequately prepare students for the classroom. 
 
Do I have to obtain a visa or work permit? 

Each country has it's own requirements. Contact the embassy or consulate of the country where you plan to work (visit www.embassyworld.com for more information). Your program will also assist you in this regard.
 

• There are teaching jobs worldwide, but the current hotspots are in Asia, Central America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe and the Middle East. Most of these teaching positions can be arranged in advance with the additional advantage of having the employer take care of your work and residence visas.
   
• However, if there is a high demand for English teachers in your country of choice, you might want to arrange employment after arriving on a tourist visa. This will give you the opportunity of being there in person to conduct your research, checkout individual schools and attend interviews in person.
   
• It is possible to work in Europe without a European Union passport even though this is often listed as a job requirement. Instead of signing a contract in the States, it is best to establish communication with directors of schools in the area in which you wish to teach. Send them your resume and a cover letter explaining your plans to come to their country. Once there, you can visit the schools and request an interview. When you are hired, proof of employment will be all you need to obtain a work visa.
   

  When do schools usually hire?

  • A large number of overseas private language schools hire teachers on an as-needed basis any time of the year. Often, they are willing to hire you immediately to replace a teacher who has just left or a teacher who is about to complete their contract. Most of these contracts are for a minimum of one year. Our Teacher Placement Service has numerous job openings year-round and assists our graduates in finding teaching positions every month of the year.
     
  • Private language schools which run summer programs tend to hire in the late spring which is ideal for university students looking to work right away. Many summer camps only last a few months and thus involve short-term contracts between May and August.
     
  • Government programs such as JET (Japan), EPIK (Korea) and NET SCHEME (Hong Kong) hire a few months before the academic year starts. Keep in mind that public schools, colleges and universities generally begin in September (Northern Hemisphere) and in March (Southern Hemisphere).

• A typical contract is a one-year renewable contract which often includes a probationary period and notice of one month to end the contract early. Always read a contract carefully, compare it with other contracts, get a second opinion and only sign an English version.
   
• Check out Internet discussion sites to see what other teachers say about your potential employer. Also, ask your employer to put you in touch with a current or former employee who can answer some of your questions.
   
• The onus is on you to research the school and to ask the right questions to help you assess the job offer. All of these and many other important elements of the job search process are extensively covered during our course. Oxford Seminars instructors provide you with sample contracts, key questions, ample advice, and personal experiences to help you in this area. Our students feel much more confident about the entire job search process after completing the course with us.
   

Who will I be teaching/tutoring?

U.S.A.

• ESL students (children and teens)
   
• Home stay students
   
• Adult immigrants
   
• International students at local colleges/universities

Internationally:

• Students in the public school system
   
• Students wanting to attend universities in English-speaking countries
   
• Children of diplomats
   
• Business people
   
• Homemakers
   
• People involved in the tourism industry