TEFL Courses

As you’d expect, teaching English is a wildly popular option for gap students but it is by no means their reserve. People of all backgrounds are turning to TEFL in recent years as travel gets cheaper and easier and the demand for teachers goes strong. Certificates are now requisite for most positions – in fact, you don’t really want to work in a school where they’re not.

When you start looking for a TEFL course, look out for the two most recognised qualifications: the Cambridge Celta and the Trinity CertTesol, which will stand you in good stead with potential employers. Both require you to have completed 100 hours of study, including 6 hours of teaching; you can build this up abroad, or at home. You can even gain your qualification long-distance / online before departure. And don’t see your TEFL certificate solely in terms of a simple ticket to travel and earn – it’s a practical skill that you could return to at any time in the future, so this is a qualification that’s definitely worth taking.

You’ll find a number of TEFL agencies advertising their courses on Season Workers. These companies coordinate your whole trip for you, allowing you to choose the length and destination of your teaching position. Some course providers even find you work afterwards. You will usually receive a salary for teaching but this varies from country to country – check out the costs of living to see how much you might need! First, decide whether you’d like to train before you leave or on-site, then make a list of destinations and contact the agencies to find out what they can offer you.