Is TEFL a Good Career Choice in 2023?

Is TEFL a good career choice? Well, technically a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certificate is not a career choice at all.

It’s a piece of paper that enables a person to perform work as a teacher of English to non-native English speakers in countries wherein English is not the primary language.

Plus, a TEFL certification is typically needed in order to secure work visas, which allows teachers to legally work abroad.

Although most individuals utilize their TEFL to teach and live abroad, TEFL certification might also be useful for individuals who hope to work from home and teach English. Teachers can work online and teach students who live in countries all over the world.

But for the sake of understanding, we’ll refer to the practice of teaching English as a foreign language as TEFL. And in this blog post, we’ll discuss whether TEFL is a good career choice to consider pursuing and why.

So is TEFL a Good Career Choice?

The short answer is yes. Usually. There are a few factors to consider in order to make a good career in TEFL. We’ll get to those, so that you know what to avoid and can maximize your career potential as a TEFL instructor.

Are you seeking certification for teaching English?

If you are or want to be an online ESL tutor, then certification is required by many companies & desired by many private clients.

👉 We recommend this TEFL course! They even offer post-completion job support and resources.

Can I make a long-term career out of TEFL?

This is a question with a less straightforward answer. Many factors play into whether an individual can make a long-term career out of teaching English as a foreign language.

Age is one factor to consider. The average age of a TEFL teacher is around 30 years old, with many individuals in their mid-20s.

The physical and mental energy required to teach is understandably demanding and may not be feasible for older individuals, although this is not always the case.

Another important factor is whether an individual is looking to move abroad or teach online from home.

The ability to teach online is a great way to make a long-term career out of TEFL because it provides the opportunity to work with students all over the world without having to relocate.

TEFL is a good career choice for someone interested in international travel.

Not everyone is cut out for a life of constant travel, and many individuals who pursue TEFL do so with the intention of living in another country for a year or two (or more) and then moving back home.

Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule. Some individuals are able to make a long-term career out of TEFL regardless of age or location.

But in general, these are the two main factors to consider when determining whether a career in TEFL is feasible in the long-term.

What Qualifications Do I Need to Pursue a TEFL Career?

In order to pursue a career in TEFL, there are a few qualifications you’ll need. The first and most important is, of course, a TEFL certification.

TEFL certifications come in all shapes and sizes, but the most important factor is that the certification is accredited. There are many online TEFL courses that are not accredited and, as a result, not recognized by most schools and employers.

Pro Tip: Do your research to make sure you’re getting a quality education and certification that will be recognized in the country (or countries) you hope to work.

In addition to a TEFL certification, most employers will also require that you have a bachelor’s degree. The subject of your degree is not always important, but many employers prefer applicants with a degree in education, English, linguistics, or a related field.

Some employers might also require that you have previous teaching experience, although this is not always the case.

TEFL is a good career choice for someone who wants a unique job opportunity.

So, if you’re hoping to pursue a career in TEFL, make sure you have the necessary qualifications. With a TEFL certification and bachelor’s degree, you’ll be well on your way to a successful TEFL career.

Are TEFL Teachers in Demand?

Yes! The demand for TEFL teachers is constantly increasing as the world becomes more globalized.

More and more individuals are looking to learn English in order to improve their career prospects and take advantage of the many opportunities that come with being bilingual.

This is especially true in countries where English is not the first language. In these countries, there is often a high demand for TEFL teachers who can help students learn English and improve their language skills.

The demand for TEFL teachers is not limited to any one country or region. There is a growing need for English teachers all over the world, making TEFL a great career choice for those looking to live and work in different countries.

TEFL is a great career choice for those looking to live and work abroad.

If you’re thinking about pursuing a career in TEFL, you can be confident that there will be plenty of opportunities available. With a TEFL certification and a bachelor’s degree, you’ll be qualified to teach English in a variety of settings all over the world.

What are the Most Popular TEFL Countries?

It is important to remember that TEFL is a popular job all over the world. However, certain countries are more popular than others for teaching English.

TEFL Career in Asia

In Asia, Japan, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Indonesia are among the most popular countries. This is because they have large populations of people who want to learn English and they also have a strong economy.

Each of these countries has its own unique culture and teaching environment. For example, in Vietnam, you can expect to find a very traditional culture with a strong focus on education.

In addition, Vietnam is a great place to live and work if you’re looking for an adventure.

In Cambodia, you can expect to find a more laid-back atmosphere with a focus on learning English for practical purposes. Cambodia is another popular destination for those looking for an adventure.

Indonesia is a great place to teach English if you’re interested in living near the beach. Indonesia has a mix of both cultures, with a strong focus on grammar and speaking skills. It also happens to be one of the most affordable places to live and work.

Japan is a popular place to teach in Asia, which is a good career choice for TEFL.

Japan is very business-focused, so most TEFL teaching jobs are with adults and business professionals seeking to advance their own careers. Plus, it’s a great place to live and work if you’re interested in a modern, cosmopolitan lifestyle.

TEFL Career in Europe

In Europe, Spain, Italy, and Russia are the most popular destinations for TEFL teachers. This is because these countries have a rich history and culture that attracts people from all over the world.

Spain is a popular place to teach English as a foreign language because of its diverse culture and relaxed lifestyle. In Spain, you can expect to find a wide variety of students, from young children to adults.

Italy is a popular place to teach English as a foreign language because of its rich history and beautiful scenery. Italy is also a great place to live and work if you’re interested in food and wine.

TEFL is a good career choice if you want to live and work in Russia/

Russia is a popular place to teach English as a foreign language because of its large population and diverse culture. Russia is a great place to live and work if you’re interested in Russian history and culture.

TEFL Career in Latin America

In Latin America, Costa Rica, Argentina, and Mexico are the most popular destinations for TEFL teachers. This is because these countries offer beautiful scenery and a great lifestyle for those who want to teach English.

Each of these countries also has a large tourism industry, so learning English can help the residents in these countries expand their job prospects.

Costa Rica is a popular place to teach English as a foreign language because of its beautiful beaches and relaxed lifestyle. Costa Rica is also a great place to live and work if you’re interested in eco-tourism.

Argentina is a popular place to teach English as a foreign language because of its rich culture and beautiful scenery.

Argentina is also a great place to learn ballroom dance, especially the Argentine tango! They also have an excellent wine scene if you’re into that sort of thing.

TEFL is a good career choice if you want to live and work in Mexico.

Mexico is a popular place to teach English as a foreign language because of its large population and diverse culture.

Mexico is a popular place for North Americans to live and work as TEFL instructors because it’s easy to get home and visit friends and family, or have those people visit Mexico!

TEFL Career Choice FAQs

Let’s talk about some commonly asked questions regarding TEFL as a good career choice, to help you decide if this is something you may want to pursue.

How Long Do TEFL jobs last?

The length of a TEFL job can vary depending on the country and the type of job. For example, in Japan, most TEFL jobs are one-year contracts. In Europe, however, many TEFL jobs are for 6 months to a year. And in Latin America, most TEFL jobs are for 2 years.

There are people seeking a career in TEFL who just stay in one place and renew their contracts repeatedly. However, other people take advantage of the shorter TEFL contracts to relocate to a new country every year or two.

What Other TEFL-Related Jobs are Available in the Long Term?

There are a number of other opportunities available for those with a TEFL certification. For example, you could become a TEFL trainer and train other people to become TEFL instructors.

You could also become a materials writer, creating new lesson plans and materials for TEFL instructors to use in their classrooms.

Pro Tip: If you want to create lesson plans for online TEFL learning, you can do that right now on The Tutor Resource!

There are also a number of administrative positions available in TEFL-related fields, such as working in a language school or an online TEFL company.

These positions usually require bilingualism and prior experience in the field, but they can be a great way to use your TEFL skills in a different way.

Do I Need a Degree to Teach English?

Yes, you need a degree to teach English as a foreign language in most countries. However, there are some exceptions. For example, in Japan, you can teach English without a degree if you have a TEFL certification and at least 2 years of work experience.

In Europe, many countries require a degree, but again there are some that do not. For example, in Poland, you can teach English without a degree if you have a TEFL certification and at least 3 years of work experience.

In Latin America, most countries require a degree, but of course there are some that don’t. For example, in Mexico, you can teach English without a degree if you have a TEFL certification and at least 2 years of work experience.

What Skills Do I Need to Make a Career Out of TEFL?

Obviously, you need to be a native English speaker, or at the very least, have near-native level English.

Some schools or countries also require you to have a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution. They may even require the degree to be in certain disciplines, like English or Teaching.

You also need to be patient, adaptable, and creative. As a TEFL teacher, you’ll be working with students of all levels, so you need to be able to adjust your teaching methods to meet the needs of each individual student.

It’s also important to be able to stay calm under pressure and think on your feet. Sometimes, things in the classroom don’t go as planned, and you’ll need to be able to come up with a solution quickly.

Finally, it’s helpful if you’re familiar with the culture of the country where you’ll be teaching. This will make it easier for you to connect with your students and understand their needs.

What are the Benefits of Pursuing a Career in TEFL?

There are many benefits to pursuing a career in TEFL. We’ll talk about a few of them here, to give you an idea of how rewarding a TEFL career can be.

You Get to Travel. A lot!

Perhaps the most obvious is the opportunity to travel and live in different countries. If you love to travel, this is a great way to see the world while also earning a living.

There are a number of reasons why traveling is often a rewarding benefit to teaching English as a foreign language in another country.

First, traveling provides teachers with the opportunity to learn about other cultures and customs. This can help them better understand their students and the countries in which they are living and teaching.

Additionally, traveling can also be a valuable professional development opportunity, providing teachers with the chance to learn new teaching methods and techniques.

You Meet New People from All Over the World

When you’re living in a foreign country, you’ll meet people from all over the world. Meeting new people is a great way to learn about a new culture and to improve one’s language skills. It is also a great way to make new friends.

Not to mention, you’ll get to encounter different cultures in a deeper and more meaningful way than if you were just visiting a place on vacation.

When you live in a country, you have the opportunity to really get to know the people and the culture. This can be a very rewarding experience.

Gets You Out of Your Comfort Zone

For many people, teaching English as a foreign language is a way to push themselves out of their comfort zone. This is especially true for those who are teaching in a country where they do not speak the local language.

Teaching English in a foreign country can be a challenging and rewarding experience. It is a great way to test your language skills and to learn more about other cultures.

Of course, it is also important to remember that there is always a learning curve when it comes to living in a new country.

Give yourself some time to adjust to your new surroundings and to learn about the local culture. Be prepared for a bit of culture shock in the beginning. With time, you’ll be able to settle into your new life and feel more comfortable.

You Can Make a Positive Impact on Your Students’ Lives

One of the most rewarding aspects of teaching English as a foreign language is the opportunity to make a positive impact on your students’ lives.

As a teacher, you have the opportunity to help your students learn a new language and to prepare them for success in their future lives.

You can also help your students to understand and appreciate other cultures. This is a valuable skill that will serve them well in their personal and professional lives.

It Can Pay Very Well

In many cases, teaching English as a foreign language is a well-paying job. In some countries, teachers can earn a salary that is comparable to what they would earn in their home country.

In other cases, teachers may be able to earn a higher salary than they would at home. This is often the case in countries where the cost of living is lower than in Western countries.

Even if you aren’t earning a lot of money, foreign teachers often have their housing subsidized as well as other living costs. This can help to offset the lower salary and make teaching English abroad a very attractive option.

Of course, salaries vary depending on the country in which you are teaching. It is important to do your research to find out how much you can expect to earn in your chosen country before you commit to moving there.

Why is Teaching English a Good Career Choice?

Teaching English as a foreign language is a great way to travel the world, meet new people, and make a positive impact on your students’ lives. It is also a well-paying job that can provide you with many benefits.

If you are thinking about teaching English abroad, be sure to do your research to find the right country and job for you. With some planning and preparation, you can have a successful and rewarding experience teaching English as a foreign language.

Steps for Becoming a TEFL Teacher

If you think that TEFL is a good career choice for you, then here are the basic steps you’ll need to take in order to start teaching.

Get Certified

The first thing you need to do in order to teach English as a foreign language is to get a TEFL certification. You can do this online, in your home country, or in a foreign country.

All options have pros and cons, so be sure to research and decide what is best for you.

Overall, If you want to get your certification while working a day job or taking care of other obligations, you may want to get certified in your home country.

However, if you want to gain some teaching experience before moving to a foreign country, you may want to get certified in a foreign country.

We feel that an online certification is the easiest because you can do the lessons and take the tests in your own time rather than attending classes on set days and times.

Find a Job

Once you have your certification, the next step is to find a job. You can search for teaching jobs online, through a placement agency, or by contacting schools directly.

When you find a job that interests you, be sure to read the job description carefully and make sure you are qualified for the position. Once you’ve found a job that is a good fit for you, the next step is to apply.

Don’t limit yourself to only one application, though. Apply to every job that you feel suits your interest and background. You don’t know which one could be your dream job!

Or Go Freelance

While many TEFL teachers do go through agencies, schools, or online companies that’s not the only option. You can also launch a freelance tutoring business. Online tutoring is becoming more and more common as the world becomes more interconnected.

Don’t be afraid to try freelance teaching. It can also be very rewarding and very lucrative, as well as very flexible with timing. You don’t even need to make your own curriculum. Although, if you want to make your own online lessons, it’s certainly possible to do so.

Final Thoughts: Is TEFL a Good Career Choice?

So, is TEFL a good career choice? For many people, the answer is a resounding yes!

It is a great way to see the world, meet new people, and make a difference in your students’ lives. With some planning and preparation, you can have a successful and rewarding experience teaching English as a foreign language.

Research is essential if you want to make sure that you are getting the most out of your experience. We suggest obtaining a TEFL certification, whether online or in a foreign country, and finding a job that is the right fit for you.

Don’t be afraid to try freelance teaching, either. It is a great way to be your own boss and set your own hours. Online tutoring is becoming more and more popular, so there is certainly a demand for it.

If you are thinking about making TEFL a career choice, we say go for it! It is a rewarding and exciting experience.