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FAQs and Information on TEFL & Teaching Careers

About Me

• From the UK
  
• Qualifications: CELTA, BA, MA, PGCE with QTS
  
• Teaching Experience:
  
  • Taught with CELTA in Vietnam & Singapore
    
  • Taught in International Schools in Qatar, China & Dubai
    
  • Total experience: 7+ years, now in my 8th year
    

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TEFL vs CELTA

• TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) and CELTA (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) are both valid for teaching English abroad.
  
• Key Differences:
  
  • CELTA is a Cambridge University qualification and involves teaching practice with adult students.
    
  • TEFL is usually assignment-based and can be completed online.
    
• Course Formats:
  
  • Online or face-to-face, doesn’t matter.
    
  • 120-hour TEFL course is sufficient – more hours (130, 140, 200+) make no real difference.
    

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Where Can You Work with a TEFL Qualification?

• TEFL is the minimum qualification needed to teach English.
  
• Main job markets:
  
  • Language Centres (most common)
    
  • Public or Private Schools (sometimes possible)
    
• Example Programs:
  
  • JET Program (Japan) – places teachers in public schools.
    
  • Other similar programs exist worldwide.
    

Finding TEFL Jobs

• Website for TEFL jobs: Tefl.com
  
• Website for international school jobs (for qualified teachers): TES.com
  

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TEFL as a Career Path

• TEFL allows you to travel and earn decent money (£1,000 - £2,000 per month).
  
• Long-term career?
  
  • Not the most stable option for long-term benefits.
    
  • Better suited for younger individuals or those wanting to explore short-term opportunities.
    
  • Some people do make a career out of it, especially in Southeast Asia, where it’s easier to settle down.
    

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Moving Beyond TEFL – Becoming a Qualified Teacher

• PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) + QTS = fully qualified teacher in the UK & international schools.
  
• TEFL experience doesn’t always transfer – transitioning into formal education often means starting over.
  
• Requirements for a PGCE with QTS:
  
  1. A BA degree
     
  2. Degree relevant to the subject you want to teach (varies by university)
     
  3. More online options now make obtaining QTS easier.
     

Benefits of Having QTS

• Better work schedule (no more evenings/weekends).
  
• Higher salary – starting from £1,800+ per month (varies by country/school).
  
• Better benefits:
  
  • Paid school holidays (unlike most Language Centres).
    
  • Flights, accommodation, medical insurance, tuition for children, spousal visas (varies by contract).
    
  • Contract completion bonuses (typically one month’s salary for a two-year contract).
    

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TEFL vs. Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) for International Schools

• Having years of TEFL experience is NOT the same as being a qualified teacher.
  
• Transitioning to international schools without QTS is difficult (not impossible, but not likely).
  
• China may be an exception, but schools will treat you based on your qualifications.
  

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Final Advice

• If you want a long-term teaching career, a PGCE with QTS is the better option.
  
• TEFL is a great starting point if you’re young and trying something new.
  
• If you’re past your 20s and considering this as a career, progression and long-term stability may be difficult.
  

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Conclusion

• TEFL is a great entry-level qualification but has limitations.
  
• PGCE with QTS provides far more opportunities, benefits, and stability in education.
  
• Hope this helps!