Tefl Certificate Vs. Masters Degree

Federico Riva Destinations TEFL Information A degree in TEFL/TESOL is at level 6 (of the UK qualifications system) and is therefore a very high level of study in the English teaching world. We will show later what level six means, in the overall qualification scheme. What can these degrees be used for? Other jobs that will become available with your degree 1. Director of Studies in an ESL situation 2. Consulting and advisory positions 3. Writing and editing for publications such as magazines 4. Curriculum development Levels of TEFL Degrees Conclusion Ready to teach English as a Foreign Language? Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials! A few examples of such Level 6 university courses from around the world are shown below:...  [Read more]

Teaching English in schools and language centers is an extremely popular way to earn a good living while experiencing life in different parts of the world. In recent years more and more people have also taken advantage of the huge worldwide demand for the English language by teaching English online from within their home country. Whether you would prefer the adventure of teaching overseas or the convenience of working from home, Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) is a realistic option for anyone who has a good standard of written and spoken English. If you have already conducted some research regarding teaching English abroad or online you might have come across the suggestion that a full degree is required in order to secure a good quality teaching position. However, this is...  [Read more]

Whether you are a newly qualified teacher or are simply looking to move on to a new country after teaching for some time, it is important to research the requirements for English teachers in your chosen destination. Finding out what qualifications are needed, whether you need a visa before arriving etc. in advance will help you to create a successful plan and avoid disappointment farther down the road. This infographic looks at the requirements needed for teaching in Latin America. With regard to qualifications the majority of countries in the region will require at least a TEFL certificate. While preferred, a degree is not always necessary in most Latin American countries making it a great destination for those who have not completed a university degree. One exception is Costa Rica...  [Read more]

  Andra is from Indonesia and is studying for his master?s degree at a university in Malaysia. In this TEFL review, Andra tells us how he has been teaching English to primary and secondary school students for more than two years. Andra points out that students? parents will have more confidence in their child?s teacher if he or she has a recognized teaching qualification and this is one of the reasons he decided to take the 120-hour online TEFL course with ITTT. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can quickly get to grips with each...  [Read more]

In the global ESL teaching market, a TEFL certification often stands out to employers, even if you lack a degree. Possessing an internationally recognized TEFL credential significantly boosts your employability, positioning you ahead of non-certified candidates. While a degree can be beneficial, it is not always a prerequisite for many ESL positions. Additionally, any prior teaching experience, though not mandatory, can further enhance your appeal to potential employers. Europe Latin America North Africa/Middle East Asia Online With countries ranging from ancient to very modern, Europe offers a whole range of history, climate, and population density. There are many countries where a degree is not required and these include the ever popular, Spain, Italy and the Czech Republic. If you are...  [Read more]

TEFL/TESOL Schools & Employers: You can check the authenticity of a prospective teacher's certificate by completing the form below with your name, email address, school name and your position, and the ITTT certification number you’d like to verify. The graduate's name should appear along with the course graduation date. ITTT graduates: Give your certificate number to the school or language center at which you'd like to teach and show them this page. They will be able to verify the authenticity of your ITTT certificate. Please note that this system covers ITTT online course certificates only, and it's not possible to display results here for In-class or Combined certificate numbers. If a course was completed recently, the certificate number will take a few days to be entered into the...  [Read more]

Federico Riva Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Explore the pros and cons of group vs. one-to-one language lessons in this insightful blog. Discover which teaching approach suits you best as a teacher and which offers students a more personalized learning experience. Federico Riva Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Revamp your teaching with modern classroom management strategies. Create engaging, respectful, and productive learning environments today! Federico Riva TEFL Information Alumni Experiences EFL teachers come from a variety of backgrounds and it is often surprising just what experiences the people who enter the profession have. There are a whole range of ages, ethnicities, teaching experiences and qualifications that new entrants to the profession have and this is great...  [Read more]

No, while having a degree can provide more opportunities, it is not an absolute requirement. Many language schools are open to hiring individuals solely based on their passion and capability to teach. With a proper TEFL certification, even those without a formal degree can successfully teach English abroad and fulfill their aspirations in the field. Why do certain TEFL positions require a degree? How can I find a TEFL job without a degree? Where can I teach English without a degree? Europe Asia South and Central America North Africa and the Middle East While possessing inherent teaching qualities such as passion, commitment, and rapport with students are invaluable, certain TEFL positions do require a degree. This necessity is often not based on the presumption that a degree ensures...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas There are many views about learning English grammar. Many people think that learning English grammar is not important and unnecessary. This idea is not wrong because it depends on the purpose of your English learning. Essential grammar study Challenges Ways to learn English grammar: Must learn with practice Improve your English grammar by reading a lot Practice writing skills every day Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate May T. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. For middle and high school students, learning English grammar is very important because it accounts for the highest score in the English...  [Read more]

Teaching English in China is as popular as ever. In 2014, 7.26 million students graduated with Bachelor and Master degrees and the numbers for 2015 are expected to rise. There are over 30,000 organizations or companies offering private English classes, with the Chinese market having nearly doubled in size in the last five years and is now worth around $3.1 billion.   English teachers in China can expect to make between 6,000 - 16,000 RMB ($942 - $2,500 USD). Those teaching at an international school, however, can make up to 30,000 RMB ($4,700 USD).   How far exactly will your salary get you in China? Most teachers put away a good amount of their salaries and save them up. You can live quite comfortably when teaching in China.   Most foreigners are settled in the...  [Read more]

An internet search for free TEFL courses will yield numerous results, including several free options and many seemingly budget-friendly ones. While these may appear attractive at first glance, it is crucial to evaluate them carefully before signing up. Does the course come with certification? Does the course have enough study hours? Does the course result in a recognized qualification? You get what you pay for A checklist of TEFL course features Free or unusually cheap TEFL courses often don't provide any certification. After completion, they may offer you various certification options for an additional cost, such as a digital certificate or a physical one mailed to you. With a reputable, globally recognized TEFL course like those provided by ITTT, all certification costs are included in...  [Read more]

Federico Riva TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas We can start by considering a number of factors to investigate what these courses do or do not provide in terms of their outcomes. These factors are: Hours: Most free courses don't offer enough hours. Accreditation: Most free courses do not provide a recognized qualification. Marketing tool: The course is free, but you pay for certification. Summary: Are you ready to teach English as a foreign language online? Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials! It is possible to find some legitimate free TEFL or TESOL courses that do what they claim. Typically, they will be of a few hours' duration, such as a weekend course, and will have titles like "Introduction to TEFL/TESOL." These...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences The question posed to many of those that are obtaining their certificate to teach English as a foreign language is what are the advantages of having one. This question can have several different answers for many different people. One of the main advantages of obtaining a certificate to teach English as a foreign language is to obtain steady employment. Career perspective Travel Life-long learning Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate David S. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Teaching English to those that are not native to the language will be an employment opportunity for the foreseeable...  [Read more]

With a TEFL degree, numerous opportunities open up in the field of English language teaching and beyond. Here are some of the primary avenues you can explore: A TEFL degree provides the foundation and credentials for these diverse paths, enriching both your professional journey and the lives of your students. Entry level Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Level 5 Level 6 Level 7 Level 8 What can these degrees be used for? Other jobs that will become available with your degree Consulting and advisory positions Writing and editing for publications such as magazines Curriculum development From the above, we can see that a degree in TEFL/TESOL is at level 6 and is therefore a very high level of study in the English teaching world. A few examples of such Level 6 courses are shown below: ...  [Read more]

A 120-hour TEFL certificate is a foundational qualification for aspiring English teachers planning to work abroad. This certification not only equips you with essential teaching skills but also significantly enhances your resume. In the competitive landscape of English teaching positions globally, holding a 120-hour TEFL certificate often distinguishes candidates. While some positions might not mandate it, having this certification invariably gives you an edge, making you a preferred choice for employers in many countries. Can I teach English abroad with a 120-hour TEFL certificate? Which countries recognize a 120-hour TEFL certification? Can I teach English in Europe with a 120-hour TEFL certificate? Can I teach English in Asia with a 120-hour TEFL certificate? Can I teach English in...  [Read more]

Online TEFL courses offer flexibility, allowing students to study at their own pace and from any location, making them an increasingly popular choice. Besides the convenience, they are often more affordable than in-person courses. While their value is evident, it is recommended to research the variety of courses available to ensure you choose one that best fits your needs and enhances your teaching prospects. Are online TEFL courses as effective as in-person TEFL courses? Who accredits ITTT's certificates for online TEFL courses? Will I receive a full TEFL certificate if I take an online TEFL course? How will I be evaluated while taking an online TEFL course? How will I get the online TEFL course materials? How fast can I complete an online TEFL course? How long will it take for me to...  [Read more]

Contrary to popular belief, possessing a degree isn't always a prerequisite for teaching online. While a TEFL certification might be preferred or even mandatory on some platforms, there are numerous others where it is sufficient on its own. Dive into our article for a comprehensive exploration of these options. Eight companies that do not require their online teachers to have a degree PalFish Lingoda Verbal Planet italki Preply Cambly Chatschool SkimaTalk Typical hourly pay rate = US$10-30 Minimum weekly hours = 4 Typical hourly pay rate = US$8-13 Minimum weekly hours = 5 Typical hourly pay rate = US$12-26 Minimum weekly hours = None Typical hourly pay rate = US$3-35 Minimum weekly hours = None Typical hourly pay rate = US$10-45 Minimum weekly hours = 8 Typical hourly pay rate = US$10-12...  [Read more]

No, they don't. Once earned, a TEFL certificate remains valid for life, enabling certificate holders to work immediately post-completion or at any future time. It is a versatile qualification, beneficial for both immediate job opportunities and as a reliable backup when traveling. With a TEFL certificate in hand, teaching English and earning an income is feasible anywhere globally. Should I complete additional TEFL qualifications? Should I consider a TEFL refresher course? While your primary certification is lifelong, continual skill enhancement is beneficial. Courses like an advanced Diploma in TESOL or specialized certificates in areas like business English or young learners enhance your teaching proficiency. Such additions not only boost your CV/resume but also unlock more diverse...  [Read more]

When selecting the appropriate TEFL certificate, you will be presented with a myriad of choices, from introductory courses to advanced diplomas and degrees. The best fit depends not only on your personal aspirations but also on the specific requirements of your desired teaching destination. Different countries have varying prerequisites for work permits or visas related to TEFL qualifications. In competitive teaching markets, possessing a superior qualification or a specialized teaching certificate can give you an edge. Let's delve into the most prevalent types of TEFL certifications and their primary target audience. Standard level TEFL certification Advanced level TEFL certification Specialized TEFL courses This level of qualification is aimed at trainees who are looking to start a new...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences When you start to look around for ways to use your Teaching English as a Foreign Language certificate (TEFL) you begin to find out that there are numerous options available to teachers of English. For many people around the world, learning English as a second language has become necessary for advancement in their jobs, for education and travel as English is quickly becoming the language of the world. For this reason, there are many options when it comes to teaching English. These options include teaching abroad, teaching ESL (English as a Second Language) online and even teaching in your local communities to immigrants. Let's explore some of these options together. International Experience Education Local Work Possible Difficulties Do you want to...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences There are many similarities, but also many differences, in teaching English as a foreign language and teaching English as a second language. Teaching English as a foreign language is when you teach English in a country that does not have English as an official language. Teaching English as a second language is when you teach English to someone who speaks another language as their first language, normally in a country where English is the official language. I have taught both English as a foreign language (EFL) and English as a second language (ESL) and these two experiences had quite a few similarities and quite a few differences. EFL and ESL Example Similarities between EFL and ESL Differences between EFL and ESL "This was a big difference for me as a...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences I learned English when I was 20 after my family and I decided to immigrate to Canada from Brazil. I hadn't had much exposure to the English language prior to the move. 25 years have gone by, and now I have the opportunity to teach English back in my home country of Brazil! Listen to this blog post Are you ready to teach English abroad? Related Articles: Take our 4-week in-class course in Natal, Brazil, and start your own TEFL adventure! This post was written by our ITTT graduate George K. After coming back to my small hometown in the Brazilian countryside a couple of years ago, I met one of my childhood friends, Rodrigo. He had just opened a small English school in town and after a quick chat, I told him that I have decided to come back to live in...  [Read more]

  If for an employer, government office, or just for your own peace of mind, you require additional authentication with your TEFL certificate, we have a few options to choose from. Firstly, our online course certificates can be verified through the verification page on our website: www.teflcourse.net/certificate-verification/ . Your employer or the local education authority can enter your certificate number and your name should appear, along with your course graduation date. Secondly, you can have a notarized copy of your certificate printed, stamped and signed by a Thai Notary Public, as Thailand is where all our certificates are printed and posted from. This official copy can then be sent to you along with your original TEFL certificate. The fee for the Notary Public service is...  [Read more]

Many people dream of starting a new life in another country and earning a TEFL certificate is a great way to make that dream a reality. One of the obstacles to moving abroad is finding work that you are able to do to support yourself comfortably overseas. Unless you already work for a company that has offices in your desired location it can seem difficult to find a way to earn money abroad. However, as a qualified English teacher your skills will be in demand in almost all countries around the world and you are highly likely to find work in your dream destination. A TEFL certificate also enables you to earn money while travelling. Rather than spending just a short while in a handful of countries before your savings run out and you have to head home, you can earn a living while taking...  [Read more]

As a result of government restrictions and official requirements for visa applications, there are a variety of countries where it is hard for teachers to find a job without having a 4-year university degree on their CV/resume. However, if you are able to be flexible and are willing to look for employment in areas where the demand is high and restrictions are less rigorous, TEFL qualified teachers without a degree can still have several great destinations to choose from. Will a TEFL certificate help me get a job if I don't have a degree? Where can I teach in Asia without a university degree? Where can I teach in Latin America without a degree? Where can I teach in Europe without a degree? Can I teach legally in China if I don?t have a degree? Can I teach in China with a different...  [Read more]

Federico Riva TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Embarking on a career in English language teaching can be an incredibly rewarding journey. However, if you lack a university degree, you might wonder if this path is open to you. The good news is that with a TEFL or TESOL certificate and the right approach, you can find exciting teaching opportunities worldwide, even without a degree. In this guide, we'll explore regions where you can teach English as a foreign language, highlighting the options available and shedding light on how you can make this dream a reality. Where can I teach EFL without a university degree? Latin America Asia Europe European example: Spain Conclusion Are you ready to teach English as a foreign language? Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our...  [Read more]

Absolutely! Possessing a TEFL certificate significantly enhances your prospects in the online teaching world. Most top-tier online ESL teaching platforms prioritize or even mandate a TEFL certification. Not only does it verify your teaching capabilities, but it also makes you eligible for higher-paying online teaching roles. What are the requirements for most online English teaching jobs? What certification do I need to teach English online? In most cases, you will need to meet the following requirements to teach English online: That is all there is to it! There are even some platforms where you can work as an English teacher without a university degree. While having a teaching license, an online teaching certificate, an advanced degree, and a lot of teaching experience can all help you...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas I've been traveling basically all my life, and that makes me a person that always will want to travel and will always want to be in different situations, cultures and of course countries. International Experience Challenging Yourself Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Silvia P. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. I finally decided to learn how to teach English in not English speaking countries. Why? Because, the need is huge, many countries are developing very fast because English is an amazing language that everybody should at least know the basics and I think that magic happens when people can...  [Read more]

Federico Riva Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas As someone who currently teaches both one-to-one students and groups of students, I find it easier to discuss this topic based on my personal experience. One-to-One: A Satisfying Experience for Teachers and Students Cultural Considerations: Groups Add Complexity Grammar Teaching: A Comparison Talk Time: Group vs. Individual Resource Management: A Cost Comparison Class Dynamics: Group Challenges Homework: Accountability Matters Personalized Learning: Tailoring the Experience Challenges of One-on-One: Student Commitment The Choice: Personal Comfort vs. Individual Attention Conclusion: The Flexibility and Depth of One-to-One Lessons Are you ready to teach English as a foreign language? Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in...  [Read more]

  As an ITTT TEFL course graduate, you are able to issue a high-quality certificate of completion to any English language student who completes a series of lessons with you. Each certificate allows you to enter the name of the student, the level of language class they completed, and how many hours of study the course involved. Every certificate you issue has a unique identification number and a box where you can enter your own ITTT certification number. This ensures that every student you teach knows that you are a fully ITTT-qualified English teacher. Being able to offer an official certificate of completion to your students means you can potentially stand out from the competition if you are teaching in a crowded and competitive market. They can also provide additional motivation...  [Read more]