Getting into TEFL Teaching

[bexk11]

Hi,

I'm looking at getting into TEFL teaching but was after a bit of advice about the best route to take. Is the CELTA the best qualification to have? and how easy is it to get a job in the UK once you have this? Is it best to gain experience abroad first? I have a teaching qualification in Further Education here in the UK, but am keen to move into TEFL but want to take the right qualification, can anyone give me any advice?

Thanks

[ICAL_Pete]

Essentially you will need a degree and a TEFL Certificate. You are right in that CELTA is arguably the best qualification, but it is an advanced course and I would personally not recommend it to anyone who does not have at least 2 years experience teaching along with a thorough knowledge of the English language.

Students who have taken CELTA have said it to be the most academically challenging 4 weeks of their lives!

For a full breakdown of qualifications you can see here but in your situation I would suggest a basic TEFL Certificate and then go and teach abroad for a few years to get some experience. If you then still want to return to the UK you'll be in a good position to find a great job.