Top 3 Advantages of Tefl Courses
It is said that just over a billion people are learning English as a second language at this very moment. I’m sure you’ll agree, that is a huge number by anyone’s standards. Being the single most popular second language in the world and the most significant in terms of language learning, teaching English as a second language, orTEFLas it’s more commonly known, is a fantastic career option for thousands of people. Let us explain some of the advantages of gaining that all important TEFL qualification below, to clear up what it’s all about.
1. On a personal level, teaching English as a foreign language affords you many different career paths and opportunities. With so many people taking ESL courses all over the world, you can work in your local area, go abroad or even teach online from your own living room. English teachers are always in huge demand, therefore this new career could either be the start of a brilliant overseas adventure, teaching as you travel in various exotic places, or it could just be a way to earn a little extra cash in your spare time. Whatever you choose to do, remember, the opportunities for work are there and they are plentiful for those with TEFL qualifications!
2. Now let’s think about the work itself. If you’re looking for a 9 to 5 job, where every day is the same and nothing is ever a major challenge, gaining a TEFL qualification is certainly not for you. As a teacher of English as a foreign or second language, you will encounter a broad range of students, all with different abilities, confidence levels and expectations, and that’s just in one day of work. Working in a classroom is a challenging and exciting yet ever-changing environment and you will have to be able to deal with that confidently. Yes, teaching can be a difficult vocation, but the benefits surely outweigh any stress or difficulties. If you’re looking for a career where you can meet new people every day, help others and enjoy the day to day variation, then taking a TEFL course to start teaching might be a fantastic option for you.
3. The final and perhaps most important point to discuss is that with a TEFL qualification, you are in the fairly unique position of being able to make a huge difference in people’s lives. As a teacher of English, you can encourage, empower and enable hundreds, if not thousands, of students to speak English and therefore improve their lives. Depending on where and which students you teach, the benefits will be different. Some may be learning to get a new job, some just for fun and others because it is vital in their daily lives. The benefits to speak another language are huge for many people and you could be part of that process. To say teaching English as a foreign language is highly rewarding would be an understatement.
After reading the top 3 tips above, I’m sure you’ll agree there is a lot to be said for taking a TEFL course. If you want more information, check out some of the other articles around this site about becoming a TEFL teacher, or search online for the various courses in your local area.
