At interview, ask about desired levels of performance.
Career HelpLine
Lifelong Prospects
"I am certainly interested in studying for a TEFL qualification this summer, with a view to teaching abroad over the next couple of years (especially the Far East and South America). However, one question keeps arising: Is this a valid, long-term career option? The reason I ask is that the jobs advertised on your website tend to offer one year contracts "with the possibility of renewal". Obviously, once my initial teaching and travelling is over, I will be looking for some kind of long-term stability within teaching, as we all have to settle down at some point (at least that's what my Parents keep saying). Any help with this query would be greatly appreciated.
"
Gone are the days when any native English speaker seeking a life of travel
and adventure could pursue a successful career as a Teacher of English as a
Foreign/Second Language without experience or qualifications.
Almost all
employers now seek teachers with a TEFL/TESL qualification plus experience,
in addition to a first degree. Many even insist on an MA
Linguistics/TEFL/TESL postgraduate qualification.
With an average of 63 applications for each EFL/ESL post advertised, it is
now more important than ever before for the TEFL/TESL professional to
participate in a recognised course and gain a qualification in Teaching
English as a Foreign/Second Language.
The TEFL Professional Network guide to Teacher Development Programmes is
organised according to country/location. Simply select the country/location in which
you wish to study, from the Course Locations menu on this page, and hit "go!".
Remember that several organisations are also offering Teacher Development
Programmes via the Internet. E-mail and snailmail links to these programmes
may also be accessed from the locations menu.
Institutions providing Teacher Development Programmes may submit their
details for inclusion in our guide. Simply click here and complete the
application.