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How to Use Your TEFL Certification

Your Passport to Teaching English Around the World

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Completing a TEFL certificate course is a rewarding decision that opens doors to a world of opportunities. CIEE TEFL is committed to empowering our students and alumni to secure fulfilling English teaching jobs that align with their aspirations. Whether you're seeking teaching positions online or abroad, we provide the resources and guidance to help you succeed. 

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Unlock a World of Teaching Opportunities with CIEE TEFL's Ultimate Regional & Country Guides

If you have a particular region or country in mind for your English teaching endeavors, feel free to dive straight into our Ultimate Regional and Country Guides:

These invaluable resources provide a clear overview of what awaits you when teaching in some of the world's most sought-after destinations. 

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Access Personalized Job Search Assistance

CIEE TEFL's dedicated advisors offer personalized job search assistance, ensuring you have the support you need to land your dream teaching job. In addition to comprehensive job search resources, CIEE TEFL students and alumni receive one-on-one TEFL job coaching and exclusive access to free TEFL job placement assistance with reputable employers. 

With CIEE TEFL as your partner, you can confidently navigate the job search process and secure a rewarding TEFL career that aligns with your goals and aspirations. 

TEFL vs. Teach Abroad Job Placement Assistance Explained

At CIEE, we offer two distinct pathways to pursue a career in teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL): CIEE Teach Abroad and CIEE TEFL. Understanding the key differences between these opportunities is crucial in making an informed decision that aligns with your aspirations.

CIEE Teach Abroad provides comprehensive and immersive teaching experiences in countries like South Korea, China, Spain, Thailand, and Ireland. These programs offer a higher level of support, including pre-departure guidance, support in finding a job placement, and ongoing assistance throughout your teaching tenure. Each program has specific requirements and associated fees.

CIEE TEFL focuses on providing TEFL certifications through a variety of courses, with our 150-hour TEFL course being the most popular. This course exceeds the international standard of 120 hours and includes 20 hours of practicum, a highly sought-after component by schools and organizations. Upon completion of your TEFL certification, CIEE TEFL offers lifetime job placement assistance, connecting you with reputable employers in Chile, Hungary, Japan, and Murcia, Spain. While job placement is not guaranteed, CIEE has a proven track record of successfully placing CIEE TEFL alumni in these locations.

CIEE TEFL Job Placement Assistance Locations

Colorful buildings by the ocean in Valparaiso, Chile

Chile

Enrich your life by teaching English to adult students in Chile, where dynamic lessons, cultural immersion, and ample travel opportunities await.  

Tower in Budapest

Hungary

Enhance your teaching skills and explore Hungary's vibrant culture by assisting classroom teachers in Budapest, where you'll have time to experience the city's unique charm. 

Bridge over the water in Murcia, Spain

Spain

Embark on a transformative cultural adventure in Murcia, Spain, where you're able to practice your Spanish language skills, teach English part-time, and explore Europe's captivating landscapes. 

kyoto skyline buildings lit up

Japan

Nurture the English language skills of Japanese students of all ages while refining your teaching techniques and immersing yourself in the traditions of Japanese culture. 

Why TEFL Is Important for Teaching Abroad

Uncover the reasons why obtaining a TEFL certification is an essential step towards becoming a successful teacher overseas.

Frequently Asked Questions Post-TEFL Certification

There are many different types of teaching jobs you can get with a TEFL certification. Here are a few of the most common:

  • EFL teacher: EFL teachers teach English to students who are learning English as a foreign language. They may work in schools, universities, or online.
  • English tutor: English tutors work with students one-on-one to help them improve their English language skills. They may work in private tutoring centers, online, or at home.

The specific type of teaching job you can get with a TEFL certification will depend on your qualifications, experience, and preferences. However, with a TEFL certification, you will have a wide range of opportunities to teach English to students of all ages and levels of proficiency.

Yes, you can teach English online with a TEFL certification. In fact, many online teaching companies require their teachers to have a TEFL certification. This is because a TEFL certification demonstrates that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to teach English to non-native speakers in an online setting. 

The average salary for TEFL teachers abroad can vary widely depending on the country, experience level, and qualifications. However, in general, TEFL teachers can expect to earn a decent salary in most countries. Here are some examples of average monthly salaries for TEFL teachers in different countries:

  • Middle East: $2,000 - $5,000 USD
  • Asia: $800 - $2,500 USD
  • Europe: $1,000 - $2,500 USD
  • Latin America: $500 - $1,300 USD

In addition to salary, many TEFL teachers also receive benefits such as housing allowances, travel reimbursement, and health insurance. These benefits can significantly increase the overall value of a TEFL teaching position.  

There are no strict age limits for teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) in most countries. However, some employers may have minimum age requirements, typically 18 or 21 years old. This is because they may want to ensure that their teachers have the maturity and experience to effectively manage a classroom and handle challenging situations.

Additionally, some employers might apply age limitations due to visa restrictions, employer preferences, or school administration decisions. Some countries have visa restrictions for older teachers, while some employers may prefer younger teachers due to physical demands or marketability concerns.

It's important to note that these reasons are not always universal, and many employers are open to hiring workers of all ages. If you are an older individual seeking employment abroad, it is crucial to research potential employers and highlight your skills, experience, and adaptability to increase your chances of securing a position. 

TEFL teachers abroad may encounter challenges in understanding cultural norms, adapting teaching approaches, respecting religious beliefs, interpreting non-verbal cues, and navigating gender roles. Embracing cultural differences, seeking guidance, and adapting to living in a new culture can lead to success as a TEFL teacher abroad.

Effective TEFL courses should equip teachers with the skills to navigate cultural differences in the classroom. The CIEE 150-Hour TEFL Certificate course prioritizes this aspect, recognizing its significance for successful teaching abroad. 

The length of a typical contract for TEFL teaching positions can vary depending on the employer, the country, and the type of position. However, most TEFL teaching contracts are for one academic year, which typically lasts 9 to 12 months. Some employers may also offer shorter contracts, such as for a semester or summer camp, while others may offer opportunities to extend the original contract to allow stays of 2 years or more. 

Hear from CIEE TEFL Alumni

  • "What I liked most about the CIEE TEFL course was all of the content surrounding how to create lesson plans and effectively lead a lesson."

    Carrington

  • "I liked that I was given lists of activities to draw upon in the future. I feel a lot more knowledgeable now about HOW to teach an EFL course, which is exciting."

    Lydia

  • "I learned way more that I though I would. The course moved at a good pace and the instructor gave great feedback and was invested. I also felt like there were good opportunities to connect with other people in the course. I highly recommend CIEE for all their programs!"

    Megan

  • "I learned way more that I though I would. The course moved at a good pace and the instructor gave great feedback and was invested. I also felt like there were good opportunities to connect with other people in the course. I highly recommend CIEE for all their programs!!!"

    Cassidy

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For more help, call our team at 207-553-5229 or send us an email at tefl@ciee.org.

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Still Have Questions?

Check out our FAQ page for more answer to your questions about TEFL certification.