For our purposes, theyre interchangeable.
The demand cant really be put into words.
Its a welcomed side gig for many.
Edward Young, who taught in Japan for three years, leads an English class in Tottori Prefecture. Photo courtesy of Jessie Smith
Teachers get to set their own schedules and connect with students around the world.
And certified teachers can rake in $25 an hour teaching pre-made lessons.
Not bad for a part-time, entry-level position.
But before you sign up and pay to obtain a TEFL certification online, heres what you oughta know.
7 Ways to Make Money if You Hate People
Do you avoid people too?
Enough small talk.Here are some waysto earn extra cash, without all of the social stuff.
you’re gonna wanna be prepared professionally, mentally.
Why Do You Want to Teach ESL?
Do a quick pulse check.
Ask yourself what you plan to accomplish as an ESL teacher.
Do you want a career change?
A lucrative side gig?
To travel and work in other countries?
Your answer will determine what jot down of TEFL certification youre going to need.
Colleges and universities are big providers of TEFL certifications, and some degrees even include them.
These programs are only offered in-person.
(Full disclosure: I earned a CELTA before teaching English abroad.
It was the most intense program Ive ever experienced.)
Lastly, one of the most effective ways to earn money while traveling is byteaching English abroad.
Latin American and Southeast Asian countries have laxer rules and may not require a degree or a TEFL certification.
What Does it Take to Become TEFL-Certified?
Native English fluency isnt required, as TEFL certifications are popular credentials for foreign English teachers as well.
These lessons should be observed by a qualified ESL professor.
How Much Do TEFL Certifications Cost?
Depending on what program you choose and what your goals are as a teacher, costs will range widely.
A TEFL certification online can run for $9 on Groupon, but you should know that its unaccredited.
But if you plan to teach in person or long-term, skip the bargain bin programs.
The brand name TEFL certifications, aka the CELTA and Trinity, run between $2,000 and $3,000.
These programs are internationally recognized and are more suited for career ESL teachers.
Most accredited TEFL programs are usually half that price: around $1,100.
A true, university-level TEFL class could not possibly run under $1,000, Smith said.
How Do You Know If a TEFL Certification Online is Legit?
Online TEFL providers are everywhere.
And most of the time, theyre unaccredited.
Some companies arent transparent in their accreditation, which means they probably arent legit.
In some program listings, youll see the words self-accredited, Smith said.
Which needless to say means just about nothing.
Price is another factor.
The cheaper the price, the higher the chance the program is unaccredited.
That doesnt mean, however, that expensive programs are automatically legit.
Shady providers can just as easily charge more money to give an air of quality.
communicate with the accrediting body directly to confirm that the provider is legit.
If youre only shelling out $9, you may decide its not worth your time.
Most accrediting bodies require TEFL providers to include a practicum to receive accreditation.
One notable exception is International Open Academys TEFL program, which is fully online.
The Penny Hoarder confirmed with TQUK that the program is accredited.
If youre unsure about a specific program, dont waste your money.
Apply to another one thats better vetted.
At the end of the day, quality is what counts.
Adam Hardy is a staff writer at The Penny Hoarder.
Hes a Cambridge-certified English teacher who taught South Korean grade schoolers and North Korean refugees in Seoul.
Read his latest articles here, or say hi on Twitter@hardyjournalism.
It sounds appealing right?
Check it out here!
