Teach English In China

It is generally preferred for the English teacher to be a native English speaker. However, TEFL International has helped many non-native English speakers to receive their TESOL certificate and teach English as a foreign language in many countries, including the Philippines, China, and Mexico.  It can be done.  Go here to examine your ESL teaching options:  www.tefllife.com

Here are some common terms you should familiarize yourself with:

Before you excitedly answer any employment ads you should learn the meaning of commonly used terms as well as recommendations for working locally or abroad.  This will help you avoid any type of scam or fraud.

TEFL: Teaching English Foreign Language; often refers to teaching English in a foreign country. Known to students as EFL classes.

TESL: Teaching English as a Second Language; usually refers to teaching English to foreigners in an English speaking country. Known to students as ESL classes.

Would you prefer to teach locally or abroad?

For people who wish to travel TEFL can be a great opportunity to interact with new cultures and to finance traveling. It is important to investigate the country you will be traveling to as well as the employer offering the position to ensure you will be safe and have reliable work. TEFL International has an overall English teacher placement rate of 89% within 30 days of graduation.

While many foreign positions are available to individuals without experience or certification you will likely find the education and resources of a class to be valuable before taking an assignment. If you think you would like to try this career out you might offer your services locally, as a private tutor, or take an instruction class to familiarize yourself with the responsibilities and work required to teach a language.

If you choose to work in your own country there will be various guidelines for certification, experience and materials as determined by the employers. If you consider private tutoring you can research recommended course materials and methods online or at a book store or library. You can then advertise your services in a local paper or on college and university billboards.

Teaching English as a second language can be very rewarding. However, English is a language that is full of rule breaking nuances. Trying to explain these to a student can be difficult and a person needs to have patience and good personal skills to become an effective teacher.  TEFL TESOL courses are, of course, of additional value, as well. TESOL jobs abroad are plentiful, and should remain so, but a TESOL certificate from TEFL International is still your best guarantee of a good English teaching job abroad.

Do your research to be sure you are interested in the opportunities that there are. Teaching English to non-English speakers really is rewarding and profitable. And, you may get the chance to travel as a bonus!