Teaching English Foreign Language: TEFL!

TEFL simply stands for Teaching English Foreign Language and is used when talking about English language teaching outside a normal educational setting. For example, if you are learning English at school in Norway, it's not usually referred to in a TEFL context. Another similar term is TESOL: Teaching English as a Second Language.

If you were to go specifically to a language school and teach abroad, the teachers there are TEFL teachers - some with qualifications, others not. The world of teaching English is not as regulated as other educational settings, and it's important to be aware of this. Although the rules are frequently bent, most state schools in most countries have certain requirements for teaching education.

In language schools, the only requirement is often that your level of English is higher than the students. This varies tremendously, depending on the schools you go to. An important point here is that this is by no means a negative point on its own. Many of us have had experiences with bad teachers who were well educated. Likewise, we have had good experiences with "un-educated" teachers.

The situation you should think about is how you feel with regards to the cometition - other people who wish to teach English - and how you will feel in front of a classroom.

TEFL teachers who have completed an onsite course and received a TEFL certification, often feel much more confident when they start, and hence enjoy their jobs much more. If you dread standing in front your first classroom, then a TEFL course would be a good way for you to start, in a safe setting, observed and supported by experienced teachers.

Apply here for our 2-week TEFL course