English As A Foreign Language (efl) Teacher

Typical Salary

£14,000 To £35,000

Typical Hours

35 to 37 variable

evenings / weekends flexibly

How To Become a English As A Foreign Language (efl) Teacher

You can get into this job through:

a university course
a college course
applying directly
professional development training

College / University

Some employers may expect you to have a degree or postgraduate course that gives you qualified teacher status (QTS). Useful subjects include:

English
linguistics
modern foreign languages
education studies

2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

You can take Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) courses at colleges and private training providers all over the world. They vary widely in cost and length. You can do:

a full-time course lasting 4 weeks or 120 hours
a part-time course lasting 11, 16 weeks or 36 weeks
a distance learning course where you may need to arrange your own teaching practice

an excellent standard of English

A levels or equivalent qualifications

Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship are not listed for this job.

Routes into this Career

Routes into this Career are not listed for this job.

You could get experience as a paid language assistant in schools abroad. You do not need Teaching English as a Foreign Language qualifications for this, but you'll need to have completed at least 2 years in higher education.

The British Council has information about working abroad as an English language assistant.

You may need foreign language skills for some jobs.

Other Routes

You can work as an EFL teacher in further education. You'll usually need a Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training, which you can do through professional development. After the Diploma, you can get qualified teacher learning and skills status (QTLS).

To work in schools in the UK, you'll usually need to be a qualified teacher.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

knowledge of English language
knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
excellent verbal communication skills
the ability to read English
excellent written communication skills
analytical thinking skills
persistence and determination
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Day To Day Tasks

In this role you could:

plan lessons and student activities
teach individuals or classes face-to-face or through online learning
source teaching materials and create learning resources
encourage students to practice speaking, to develop language and understanding
set and mark tests and exercises
organise social and cultural activities, like sports, social events and trips
keep learner records

Working Environment

You could work at a language school, at a college or from home.

Career Path & Progression

With experience, you may be able to progress to a management position in a commercial language school or a college.

You could also move into private tuition or teacher training. You could open your own language school or write EFL learning materials, online resources and apps.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & Information

Further information

You can get more details on TEFL qualifications from Trinity College London and Cambridge English.

You can find out more about how to become a teacher in further education from FE Advice.

Restrictions & Requirements

You'll need to:

pass enhanced background checks, as you may be working with children and vulnerable adults