This document provides an overview of teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) as a career option. It discusses what TEFL involves, required qualifications and training, examples of teaching positions in different countries and sectors, qualities needed, and resources for finding jobs and learning opportunities. The CELTA is highlighted as one of the main TEFL certification courses that takes 4 weeks to complete and costs around £1000. Useful websites are also listed for exploring TEFL openings worldwide.

1. Teaching English as a Foreign Language Justin Richardson Careers Adviser

2. Objectives To look at: What TEFL is and where the opportunities are How to train Qualities needed How to get your first TEFL job Further help and resources

3. My background in TEFL Istanbul, Turkey – Private Language School (1 year) Nagoya, Japan – Conversation School (2 years) Japanese Boarding School, London (6 months) FE College, Nottingham (1 year) Highlights New culture, new experiences ! Students Making Friends Opportunity to travel Job is interesting – what you put in is what you get out !

4. TEFL English is the language of international communication 80% of information is in English There is a world-wide demand for teachers of English TEFL can be UK or overseas TEFL can be year off or permanent

5. Careers in TEFL TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) Can be UK or Overseas ESP (English for Specific Purposes) ESL or E2L (English as a Second Language) Usually in UK for those whose first language is not English OR overseas where English is official Language

6. Teaching Posts in UK Private Sector Language Schools Colleges Often Seasonal Often in Tourist areas Public Sector Local Education Authorities (usually qualified Teachers) Colleges of FE Adult Education Home Tutoring

7. Teaching Posts Abroad State Schools Private Schools Further Education Higher Education Salary and conditions vary enormously – although cost of living in areas will often be correspondingly low. Better paid jobs available in Japan and parts of the Middle East Many teachers often supplement their income by offering one-to-one tuition after school hours.

8. What qualities will you need?

9. Training An EFL qualification is not essential for all posts Depends on the country, the school, the contract 4 main courses: UCLES CELTA (RSA?) - studied in UK or overseas and costs around £1000 www.cambridgeesol.org/teaching/celta.htm Trinity College Certificate www.trinitycollege.co.uk University Certificate Commercial Language School Certificate Introductory Courses are also available A PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) is needed for teaching ESL in state schools and some countries require QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) as well as a recognised TEFL qualification.

10. The CELTA Course – entry criteria A Degree Good Language Awareness Interest in people and other cultures Confidence, resilience, communication (Experience of travel useful) Pre-Interview Language Awareness Task Individual, paired and/or group interviews Language tests Brief teaching exercise

11. Course Content Principles & techniques of English language learning Practical awareness of learning needs and motivation Linguistic form, function and meaning Teaching materials - commercially produced and self-produced Teaching Aids (eg TV, video, computer) Classroom management & lesson planning Teaching the skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking Testing and evaluation 8 hours per day! (but can be done part-time)

12. Methods of Instruction Intensive sessions of EFL methodology (grammatical terminology) Observation of lessons taught by experienced teachers Teaching practice (under supervision) Detailed analysis and discussion of individual performance Reading and writing assessments and private study Continuous assessment of practical and written work

13. Examples of who recruits ?

14. What to consider….. Check the school with English UK What if you are unhappy with your job/the country etc? Check your contract…when do you get paid? What are the hours of work? Where is the accommodation? Will you have insurance cover? Read the “Basic Questions Sheet” Call into Careers Service for advice

15. Things to think about ! Hours, pay, reputation, responsibilities Check any contracts closely for details of details of holiday and sickness pay ( www.efl-law.com ) is a useful website Style of teaching employed and type of school Area where you will be living Culture What do you want to get from the experience ? What happens after working abroad !

16. Career Development After 2 years: Diploma (DELTA or Trinity) MA Applied Linguistics Senior job Director of Studies Principal Self-Employment Teacher Training Freelance Writer/Editor/Sales Rep in publishing Script Writing eg BBC Education Administration eg British Council or UNESCO

17. Where to look for vacancies EFL Gazette Times Educational Supplement The Guardian (Tuesdays) Overseas Jobs Express Careers Service Vacancy Bulletins or website www.liv.ac.uk/careers TEFL files in Careers Resource Centre ELT Guide Teaching English Abroad Websites

18. Useful Websites www.thes.co.uk ( The Times Higher Education Supplement) www.tefl.com TEFL.com The Guardian ( www.guardian.co.uk ) Tuesdays www.overseasjobs.com Overseas jobs www.jet-uk.org (Assistant Language Teacher – Japan) www.britishcouncil.org.uk (info for teachers and jobs) www.languageassistant.co.uk (European, Latin American China and Russia placements) www.cactusteachers.com (info and applications to courses) www.englishuk.com (addresses of accredited UK schools) www.prospects.ac.uk/links/vcsc (course surveys) www.cambridgeesol.org/teaching/celta.htm (everything! - includes where to apply) http://www.liv.ac.uk/english/elu/celta.htm EL Gazette www.elgazette.com

19. Other Opportunities JET (Japanese Exchange and Teaching Programme) Have opportunities for Assistant Language Teachers and Coordinator for International Relations Presentation on Tue, 4 th Nov 6pm – 7pm www.jet-uk.org for further details English Language Assistant Scheme – British Council See www.britishcouncil.org/languageassistants-ela.htm Good opportunity to enhance language and cultural learning and find out if interested in teaching.

20. Further Information Seminars and Employer Presentations Loan: Teaching English as a Foreign Language and Teaching Abroad Reference: Teaching English Abroad – Susan Griffiths ELT Guide Teach Abroad Teaching English in the EU Section A4 Yellow files in Careers Resource Centre cnewton@liverpool.ac.uk (University of Liverpool TEFL course) Prospects website www.prospects.ac.uk/links/Occupations Country Profiles www.prospects.ac.uk/link/Countries

21. What Next? Attend other seminars / presentations / events See What’s On Programme Handouts Use resources in the Careers Resource Centre Discuss your plans with a Careers Adviser Quick Query Interview (15-mins) Guidance Interview (40-mins)