Top TEFL Myths
The TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) industry is getting bigger and bigger every year, with an increasing amount of teacher heading abroad to teach English. But, as the industry is growing, so do the TEFL myths! Here are some of the top TEFL myths and whether it is fact or fiction!
1- You will become a TEFL teacher overnight as soon once you have your TEFL qualification
This is a common misconception amongst people who are new to TEFL that once you’ve got a TEFL qualification, you’ll instantly become a TEFL teacher. This isn’t the case, while a TEFL certification gives you the all skills and confidence you need to teach English abroad, it is only with time and practice that you can really master the art of TEFL.
Things like patience and dedication aren’t skills that you can be taught overnight, it’s something you just develop as a TEFL teacher. The challenge of being a TEFL teachers isn’t the initial training, it’s when you first step into your first classroom. Fear not though! Teaching gets easier as time goes on, and your training will give you everything you need to start out.
2- You need to speak the local language to be able to teach English abroad
This is something we get asked all the time and is something that seems to really surprise people, but the answer is NO! You don’t need to be able speak any other languages in order to be able to teach English abroad. In fact employers want you to create a fully English speaking atmosphere in your lessons, so that the only language your students are hearing is… you guessed it – English!
Having said this, knowing a few basic phrases of the local language when you’re teaching English abroad is really going to help you getting out and about in your new adopted home!
3- You need to have a background in teaching
Teaching English as a foreign language is open to everyone, not just professional teachers. Previous teaching experience really isn’t needed as a TEFL course gives you all the skills and knowledge needed to be able to teach it! In fact most people to TEFL are complete newbies to teaching.
With a TEFL certificate and the ability to speak English, you’ll be in a great position to find TEFL jobs in loads of countries. The demand for English teachers worldwide is huge, so it’s a great chance to go to all the places you’ve always wanted to.
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4- You Need a Degree to Be a TEFL Teacher
This is a bit of a complicated one, and is mostly dependant on the country you’d like to teach in. Some countries, Japan for example, require a minimum of a 4 year degree (in any subject) and a 120 Hour TEFL course. This is because you need a degree to obtain a visa – although there are loads of countries where this is not the case. China, for instance, is in such high demand for English teachers that they are willing to overlook the degree situation. But China isn’t the only place where you can get a visa without a degree; plenty of Asian, African, South American and European countries will hire non-university applicants.
On the other hand, having a degree isn’t a requirement that is set in stone. Other aspects, such as personal and professional elements are often taken into consideration, meaning even in countries where a degree is necessary, you might still be able to find employment. Although be careful: working without a Visa can be tricky business, and if you get caught you could even be deported!
5- The TEFL Qualification is the Same Wherever You Take It
There’s no such thing as “The TEFL Course”; instead, there are many different course providers who train you to teach English overseas. There isn’t an all-powerful governing body to decide on syllabus content, so each TEFL course will have different learning material… however; they are all based on similar themes. So, to avoid dodgy qualifications that aren’t worth your time, make sure you fully research the course you want to take. Then have a look at alternatives and compare them against each other.
6- TEFL Jobs are Few and Far Between
Are you kidding?! There are more people learning English in China than the entire population of the United States – and that’s just one country! There are almost endless opportunities out there; you just have to look for them.
However; just because there are an abundance of jobs out there, doesn’t mean that you’re “owed” a job. You’ll have to be up to scratch and pro-active in your job hunting approach. Also, be aware that it is sometimes easier to obtain a job when you are physically in your desired country. As a fluent English speaker, you’re in demand – even more so if you’ve got a TEFL course under your belt! Click here to find out where you could be teaching.
7- You’ll Get Paid to Teach Wherever You Go
Whilst is can be said that there are plenty of paid teaching opportunities around the world, some destinations simply cannot offer that luxury. Many places throughout Africa and other developing areas offer experience on a voluntary basis because they literally can’t afford to hire you. Although, for some people, this is completely fine (if not more rewarding than receiving a salary!). However, for others…probably the majority, you’ll have to do some research before you get set on a particular destination.
You may also have trouble even getting in to specific countries due to visa restrictions etc, especially if you are not a university degree holder. This is because many countries such as Japan and much of Europe require at least a full university degree and a TEFL certificate in order to legally gain permission to work in the country. So, again, be vigilant when researching destinations and make sure that you can actually legally enter the country to work!
8- TEFL is Just for a Gap-year and Travelling
You might not think that TEFL will earn you millions, and you’d be right… However you can quite easily make a full career out of it, whilst earning a decent salary! Whether it is travelling around and finding work in different areas or moving up through the ranks to take on a more managerial role in a language school – either way, TEFL definitely isn’t just for gap years and students!
9- My TEFL Course Will Allow Me to Travel Freely and Move-on Whenever I Like
Quite a common assumption by wannabe TEFLers is that once you’ve done your course, you can come and go as you please! And this isn’t the case. In reality, you’ll almost definitely be tied into a contract, which will almost definitely last at least a term (usually you are expected to stay for the full year!).
Now although you can just leave whenever you like, the assumption is (and you are expected to) finish your contract in full before leaving. Having said this, there are scenarios where short term contracts are appropriate, for instance, when schools need to hire extra staff (if a teacher leaves or more students join the school).
Note – if the work is casual, then don’t expect to sign a contract.
This is the perfect blog for anyone who wants to know about this topic. You know so much its almost hard to argue with you (not that I really would want…HaHa). You definitely put a new spin on a subject thats been written about for years. Great stuff, just great!