10 February 2015 / by Elena Riches

TEFL teacher: What does it take to become one?

For those already familiar with the term 'TEFL' (an explanation of the various terms can be found here) you will know that it means teaching English as a foreign language but, what does this actually entail, other than the obvious. It would be a common misconception to think that teaching English to foreigners is totally different to teaching English in a school in the UK but, essentially it isn't really much different. Both consist of the following:





As you can see from my thesis, there isn't a lot of difference in the way it is executed and implemented; the difference lies in the qualification of the teacher and, fundamentally, anyone (including non-native English speakers) who has a good command of spoken English can be an English teacher, providing they obtain the necessary qualifications. To teach English in a primary or secondary school in the UK, you would need to have CSE's in English, Mathematics and Science, a degree and be QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) certified. To teach English to foreigners, you only need a TEFL (or equivalent) certificate.


I purposely made a point of mentioning that anyone with a good command of 'spoken' English could potentially apply to be a TEFL teacher because, with the comprehensive training that you receive when taking a TEFL course, providing you are able to speak it well the rest will be taught. So, if you've decided that becoming a TEFL teacher is the way forward for you, then you'll need the relevant certification. Click here for a no-obligation interview to get you started on your new career path.


N.B. With the modern paperless classes that Oxbridge TEFL have now implemented, there will be no more printing or photocopying.

04

February 2012
I wish to....... What do you wish to do?
by Radmila Gurkova
I wish to complain….. ‘I wish to’ can mean the same as ‘I want to’ but it is really formal and not very common. However the word ‘wish’ can vary in definition. Wish as a noun means ‘offer good wishes’ I wish you the best with your new job. We wish you a merry Christmas Wish can also b...

04

February 2012
anymore..... What don't you do anymore?
by Radmila Gurkova
Anymore: any longer, nowadays Example: Harry doesn’t travel anymore. Anymore is properly used in a statement about a change in a previous condition or activity. It is often spelled as a two words, any more, but most authorities accept it as a...

04

February 2012
Sorry for or sorry about?
by Radmila Gurkova
Sorry for or sorry about? Do you know when to use the correct one? Sorry for expresses pity, remorse I feel sorry for her I’m sorry for your loss Sorry about expresses regret and disappointment He is sorry for arriving late to class She is sorry about destr...

03

February 2012
A Doodle for Google
by Radmila Gurkova
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhVp9gcxLJY Google Doodles are the google logo made into fun images to celebrate anniversaries, lives of famous people like pioneers, scientists or artists, and special events taking place around the world. The google doodle began in 1998 when the co-founders of google placed a stick-man on their logo to indi...

03

February 2012
Twittering with feathered friends
by Radmila Gurkova
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npjOSLCR2hE Are you a “Bird Watcher” Do you know many people who are? The RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) say that this year there has been a decline in wild birds in the garden. The RSPB say that this time of year food is scarce leading to a possibility that wild birds...

03

February 2012
Friday Fun: The History of English #5
by Radmila Gurkova
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVDmFVx8O_A&feature=youtu.be The history of the English language posts continue with this video that covers the impact of science on the development of the English language. Are there any words mentioned in the video that you use in your work? Do you know how much of English comes from Latin? ...

27

January 2012
Your Textbook on the iPad – no way!!
by Radmila Gurkova
Apple re-invents the way you can read your textbook, make electronic notes on the text page, highlight images and basically learn - in a more interactive, modern way.  No more looking through old textbooks or wondering in amazement if you have the latest one only the week after you have purchased it. Apple yet again sets the boundaries in ins...

27

January 2012
Become...
by Radmila Gurkova
When do we use become? Example:  I became interested in teaching when I came to barcelona ...

27

January 2012
Get...
by Radmila Gurkova
I got interested in teaching 5 ye...

27

January 2012
Few, a Few.....
by Radmila Gurkova
FEW - a small number of Can I ask y...