The average armchair traveler is more than content exercising their imagination in front of the bay window, on a daybed basking in the afternoon sun, with their latest page-turner. Far away in a fantasy fiction or engulfed by a hot, steamy, romance addiction. Whilst this may be the the seasoned couch potato’s dream, for many of us, it’s not quite satisfying and far from a multi-sensory experience that the curious traveler wouldn’t be able to avoid if they tried.
Think armrests on planes, trains, and pedicab rickshaws as you traverse foreign places in a sea of unknown faces. Whether you’re imagining time off the grid in the Andes or a bit more comfortably situated in the urban sprawl of one of the Gulf countries, the benefits of having a TEFL certificate will surely come in handy.
Make a difference in the lives of others, forever! A TEFL certificate doesn’t expire. :D
Are you toiling away to make ends meet but you’ve had enough? Ça suffit. Have you been entertaining the idea of embracing a game changer that you won’t ever be able to take back? Consider no longer. Teaching is a challenging albeit rewarding endeavor. It’s a way to introduce the sum of the world to kiddos in those precious stages of development or a way to walk a more mature audience through complex ideas.
Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) is a nifty way to travel and earn your income while on the road or back at home. If you’re American or Canadian, nine times out of ten you’ll need a teaching degree to break into the scholastic system. But if you’re in hitting up a far-flung place, having a TEFL certificate in your pocket will come in handy.
Don’t let your current lack of a TEFL certification thwart you from an incredible experience and beyond. Consider some of these benefits of having a TEFL certificate.
Does a TEFL certification expire?
As the late Ms. Winehouse used to sing, “No, No, No.” TEFL-certified teachers are ubiquitous in the international teaching sphere. “Why’s that?” you might be asking yourself while scratching your head. ‘Cause it’s one of those “one and you’re done” kind of deals. One certification and you’re good to go. . .for life.
One of the most advantageous benefits of having a TEFL certificate is that it will never expire. That’s jamais in French or noch nie in German! That and that fact that it is accepted all over the world. It’s kind of like the bitcoin of teaching. It’s yours and only yours, its value is appreciated all over the globe, and it can’t be taken from you. No questions asked. So, the good news, the answer is no!
How long does TEFL certification take?
Where will your TEFL certificate take YOU?
There are many avenues to obtain your TEFL certificate. Before you even consider which to take, let’s be clear—a certified TEFL course includes 100 hours of studying and training. That’s two and a half weeks of a full time gig. How you obtain those hours, well, that’s (kind of) up to you.
[7 Best Online TEFL Courses to Apply for Now]
If you’re looking to stay connected and convenience is of highest importance, you can obtain your street cred online. Before you do, shop around. There are a bunch of different offers out there at a bunch of different prices. Do your real informal market research to find the one that will suit you best.
Prefer moving a bit and being in-person? There are equally a bunch of options to obtain your TEFL certificate through real, tangible courses. See what’s offered in your area and perhaps you’ll find something just down the street. Otherwise, if you’re ready to get the show on the road and can’t wait any longer, you can obtain your certificate abroad.
Increasingly popular, there are many organizations that will help support you as you begin teaching abroad. Meaning, they can help provide the necessary paperwork to keep you legal, while offering credible TEFL certification programs. What’s nice about these gigs is that they often have a shoe in to your first teaching gig.
10 benefits of having a TEFL certificate
1. More—and better—jobs
Peruse or browse any international teaching job board and you’ll see real quickly for yourself that they almost all require a TEFL certificate. Many of these positions are through international teaching agencies (like International TEFL Academy, where you can also snag your certificate) that will help you with the necessary administrative paperwork to get you legally in the country for work.
They often propose the reimbursement of flights and can help arrange your housing. Not all, but many. Not only will you have more job opportunities, but you’ll have better opportunities, too. Check out some of the best TEFL summer jobs for 2023.
2. Better pay
Speaking of benefits, another benefit of having a TEFL certificate is that international teaching jobs tend to pay a pretty penny for TEFL-certified teachers. Institutes and schools alike pay more because, well, you have some skills, and are therefore worth more to their students! Sure it will most likely cost you to afford the training course, but you’ll certainly have the opportunity to receive a nice return on that personal investment.
[Read Article & More Tips on the TEFL Certificate]
3. More confidence
Smiling students—check. A+ English quizzes—check.
Even though you’ve most likely spent a solid decade if not two in school, teaching isn’t so obvious. It’s not as easy as it looks. Teaching takes intelligence, tactics, and intuition. It calls for a hefty amount of planning and organization, too.
Another benefit of having a TEFL certificate is that you will be more prepared to take on a classroom of students. You’ll have plenty of tools and tricks up your sleeves to help you deliver lessons or lectures with success. Learn more here on how to end your TEFL course ready to roll for future jobs. Having the know-how knowledge will help you be more confident in whatever you do.
4. Pedagogy
Otherwise known as the practice and methods behind teaching, developing a proper pedagogy with the help of your TEFL course will help you not only seem, but actually become a pro. Teaching is more than the sharing of knowledge. It’s the act of being receptive to the many styles of learners that you’ll eventually have in front of you. To adapt your methods of transmission to leave no child behind!
5. Teaching skills for all levels
Common misconception: teaching English abroad is always with youngsters who have never studies English. False! While many positions are orientated towards children who are giving English their first-go, there are many opportunities teaching adolescents and adults that have intermediate and advanced levels. That being said, you should be prepared to take on any age and level of learner. Teaching advanced students tends to be a little more generous to your wallet, too.
[Browse ALL TEFL Certificate Programs]
6. Phonology, anyone?
Teaching English, or any language for that matter, is so much more than vocabulary and grammar. In fact, most students can (and should) study those two on their own (though most opt not to!). What's equally important, is the phonetics of a language and how we speak.
Now we’re getting into some culture! Expressions, idioms, and accents are such an important aspect to learning a foreign language. Someone can have the largest vocabulary and might have mastered all of Grammar Girls podcasts, but if they can’t be understood in personal and professional contexts, they are going to be wickedly limited in their range of communication.
You’ll learn all about phonology while obtaining your TEFL certificate, and your students will thank (and pay) you for it.
Take the leap & get trained to teach English abroad. You won’t regret it!
7. Accepted worldwide
Remember that bitcoin reference? It’s true. C’est vrai. Not only does a TEFL certification not expire, it’s also accepted worldwide. Not even American Express can say that. From Asia, to North America, Australia, to Europe, I mean. . .you know what worldwide means.
8. Visa, visa
Having a TEFL certification can help you secure a teaching position, in China, for example. Well, that Chinese agency which will hire you will also help you obtain a working visa. They can provide the necessary administrative paperwork that you might not yet understand that you’ll need. It’s crucial. Ain’t got no visa, won’t be earning money for that pizza. Another benefit of having a TEFL certificate, you’ll be able to legally earn that dough.
9. One and done
No renewal necessary. I’m sure most of you can relate to standing in a long, unnecessary line at the DMV to renew your drivers’ license or passport. No need for such hassle with your TEFL certificate. Once you have it, you’re good to go. Wonder where to go? Check out these Ten Best TEFL Courses Abroad from our 2019 Official Report.
10. It’s for life!
All together now, “It’s for life!” You’ll never have to worry about missing that flight because you forgot to renew your TEFL certificate. Been there, done that? Oops. Talk to any graduated, traditionally certified teacher and they will be able to tell you all about mandatory in-services and continuing education credits.
Sure, arguments could be made against this fact, but those with TEFL certificates typically employ their polished skills shortly after they have that certification in hand. And if not, there is certainly a niche for a non-traditional TEFL teachers. Are you in your 30s, 40s, or 60s? There are positions just for you, too. Get the inside scoop on TEFL for seniors.
Is a TEFL certificate worth it?
Heck yes. Don’t believe us? Peep this vid from other meaningful travelers, like YOU →
Get your TEFL certification stat
Jumpstart a meaningful chapter of your life. The benefits of having a TEFL certificate are real!
The next time your buddy approached you asking, “does that TEFL certification expire?” you too, will be singing, “No, no no.” Do yourself a big ole favor and don’t delay the opportunity to obtain your certification today. The benefits are endless, you see?! Maybe your mother or father have already told you, but no one can take an education away from you.
As the novelist Henry James once said, “The right time is any time that one is still so lucky as to have.” If you have the time, consider these lifelong benefits as a testament for your future.
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