3 Benefits of a TEFL/TESOL Certificate for Non-Native English Speaking Teachers
Most people have dreams of traveling or working abroad. Many times, unfortunately, we believe it's out of our grasp. However, that is not true. The TEFL/TESOL certificate is a tool that allows us to attain opportunities abroad. By investing some time and money, the world opens an unending box of opportunities. Albeit, these opportunities, even though plentiful, can be limited to non-native English speaking teachers. In a moment, we will discuss some obstacles a non-native English speaking teacher can face, how to overcome those obstacles and the benefits of a TESOL/TESOL Certification.
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Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course!
This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Ramon A. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
1. Find a job
When job hunting, a non-native English speaking teacher may feel frustrated when they see the desired requirements agencies or schools stipulate. All the say see is "native speakers only". These three words may kill the ambition of some prospective teachers, even if they are qualified. Many "desirable" countries are the ones with the strictest immigration policies. They place these strict policies to filter out any "undesired talent" and maintain their version of quality control. Even with these policies in place, this doesn't mean non-native English speaking teachers must give up or settle for anything less than what they desire.
Also Read: Why Drilling is a Common Teaching Method in an ESL Class
2. Know the reality
First off all, many of these requirements of "native English speaker" are requirements of an agency, and not necessarily the government. For example, China has a huge English teaching market with strict immigration policies. However, you will see teachers of different nationalities teaching English. Strict doesn't mean impossible. We just have to jump through a few more hoops to achieve our goal. As long as you have (provable) teaching experience, a bachelor's degree, and a TEFL/TESOL certificate, your opportunities are high. Instead of applying directly with the agency or school, why don't you try messaging them first asking about the position? This is a great way for employers to see what you have to offer. This initial contact will open many doors. I wrote a blog for ITTT on how to land a job in China for non-native English speakers.
Also Read: A Teacher's Image in the Students' Eyes
3. Self-study
Now, back to the TEFL/TESOL certificate. This single certification is what will open the world to anybody seeking a teaching job abroad. No matter what country we choose to teach, a TEFL/TESOL certificate is required to land a job and a legal working visa. From my personal experience, I can say that employers regard this document highly. Because of my TEFL/TESOL certificate, my future employer raised their initial offer and have provided great benefits. Something important to note is the job hunting assistance a TEFL/TESOL Certification institute provides for their graduates. It's not only about acquiring the piece of paper, but also about what we learn along the way. I have plenty of teaching experience. However, my methods were developed through practice and not theory. By doing this course, I was able to formalize my educational methodology and familiarize myself with new terminology and theories that can be applied to my classes.
Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course!
All in all, it may seem as if non-native English speaking teachers are at an unfortunate disadvantage, but through proper research and preparation, our goals can be achieved. The opportunities are out there. We just have to persevere, demonstrate our abilities, and show the employer how they can benefit from us. Our first step towards unlocking the door to those opportunities is acquiring our TEFL/TESOL Certification.
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