Do You Have to Have a TEFL Certification to Teach Abroad?

The TEFL industry can be quite confusing. Because there are so many people doing it, in so many different places, in so many different ways, there are loads of different questions that people have about teaching English as a Foreign Language.

One of the more common question is Do I have to have a TEFL certification to teach abroad?

To cut a long story short, yes. But let’s unpack that a bit more for you.

What is a TEFL certification?

A TEFL certification is a certification which allows you to teach English as a Foreign Language abroad. It is usually a 120-hour course which can be done online or face-to-face, often with a practical classroom teaching component.

There are a number of TEFL courses which are shorter than 120 hours but we wouldn’t recommend wasting your time or your money on those courses. Rather spend a few more pounds and invest in a TEFL course which will actually be helpful in your quest to be a TEFL teacher.

A reputable TEFL course will help you understand theories of learning and teaching and introduce you to the methods and techniques used in teaching English as a Foreign Language. It will help you brush up on your English knowledge of grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation, as well help you take a deeper look at the four skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking. It will show you how to plan effective lessons and give you ideas for resources.

In a nutshell, a TEFL certification will prepare you to be an effective English as a Foreign Language teacher, no matter who, where or what you are teaching.

Why do I need a TEFL certification to teach abroad?

Teaching English as a Foreign Language may come across as a nice-and-easy backpacker job that anyone can do, but it’s actually a lot more complicated than that. Just because you can speak the language doesn’t mean you can teach the language.

Do you know what a phrasal verb is? Can you explain why we say If I were you and not If I am you? Do you know your first conditional from your second conditional?

Possibly, but if you haven’t had any formal training in English language teaching then probably not. This is why it’s necessary to have done a TEFL course and have a TEFL certificate to prove it. After all, this is not just any job. Being able to speak English is a skill, so you are essentially helping people change their lives for the better – no pressure then!

Can I get a job without a TEFL certification?

So those are all reasons that a TEFL certification will help you teach English abroad. But the bigger question is, can you get a job without it? And the short answer is no. While there are some countries where you don’t need a degree in order to teach English as a Foreign Language, the minimum requirement (for a paid position) is a TEFL certification.

Basically, TEFL employers look for a TEFL certification first and foremost. After that they may or may not require a bachelor’s degree, depending on the country. Finally, they might prefer teachers with some experience or with a teaching degree. So while you can get away without a degree or a teacher’s license – and many TEFL teachers do – you won’t be able to find a job without a TEFL certification.

But I’m a native speaker!

Sorry, bud – that makes no difference. Having the benefit of being an English first language speaker does not give you any inherent talent for teaching the language. In fact, there are no reasons why native speakers should be better teachers than non-native speakers. Bottom line? Even if you can speak English like the Queen, you still need a TEFL certification.

I’m a qualified teacher!

Okay, you’ve found the loophole. If you are a qualified teacher with a teaching degree, it is possible to find a TEFL job without a TEFL certificate. This is because you have studied teaching and presumably have some experience in the classroom. This is not to say that all employers will welcome you with open arms because teaching English as a Foreign Language is very different to teaching History or Biology, but it could open doors for you if you look hard enough.

In general though, it just makes sense to do a TEFL course and get TEFL qualified if you want to each English abroad. It will prepare you to be a teacher and it will show potential employers that you are qualified to do the job.