With global demand for English teachers on the rise, driven mainly by the influence of English as the lingua franca of business and English-speaking popular culture, there are vast opportunities for people with TEFL certification.
Global demand for English teachers
One of the foremost factors that drives the demand for English teachers is the globalisation of the economic landscape. Entrepreneurs and businesses need to be proficient in the English language as they navigate international markets since English is regarded as the common working language for international trade.
Many international business degrees are also taught in English instead of the local language. As more individuals show increased interest in learning English, the demand for English teachers follows. International tourism has also been a factor in the global demand for English teachers. Though travellers often try their best to communicate in local languages, it can be difficult.
Meanwhile, individuals who work in tourism receive people from all over the world who often don’t speak their local language. A convenient solution is to learn English to meet the needs of English-speaking visitors.
With international trade and tourism spreading the English language all over the world, it can be viewed as a lingua franca. Lingua franca is a language that is used as a common language between speakers who have different native languages.
English is now rising as the lingua franca for diplomacy, academia, and trade, thus increasing the global demand for English teachers. While the rising demand for English teachers is a worldwide phenomenon, every region has its own reasoning.
In Asia-Pacific countries like China and South Korea, it is rapid economic growth combined with international competitiveness that drives the demand for more English teachers. The Middle East, on the other hand, focuses more on educational reform and the transition from an oil-driven economy to a future-proof economy.
Latin America is working on several trade relations and wishes to become an international player in commerce. Europe, with its many cultures and languages on a relatively small land area, seeks regional integration. Africa, where at least 237 million people speak English, values the language as a gateway to international investment and development.
Qualifications and certifications
What do you need to become an English teacher? Traditionally, most employers would have asked for a bachelor’s degree in English or education. Still, times have changed, and now it’s possible to travel the world and teach English without a degree.
For many teaching jobs in non-native English-speaking countries, you only need an English as a second language teaching certification.
The most well-known English as a second language (ESL) certification is a TEFL certification where TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. The certifications focus on teaching English to non-native speakers and are often required for teaching English abroad, especially in countries where English is not the primary language.
Most employers and online teaching platforms will ask for a TEFL Certificate of at least 120 hours of training. For those looking to refine their teaching skills and gain further language proficiency, Berges Institute Online English Classes can be an excellent resource.
How do I start?
Are you ready to start your teaching English career? Here is a quick guide for you.
Self assessment and goal setting
Firstly, reflect on what your short- and long-term goals are: do you wish to teach English in your own country or travel abroad? What about teaching English to adult immigrants as they start a new life?
Get the necessary qualifications and certifications
Now that you have your goals, you can find out what kind of qualifications and certifications you’ll need. Find your ideal employer and check in with them.
A TEFL Certificate of at least 120 hours of training is a must if you plan to teach English around the world. Some employers may insist on a bachelor’s degree and teaching experience, though this isn’t always the case.
Experience
All beginnings are hard, but the more experience you have under your belt, the easier it will become. But that advice doesn’t help you when you are just getting started. How do you get that first job without any record?
An option is to work or volunteer as a (private) tutor. Ask around friends and family if they know someone who might be looking for a tutor or offer your services at your local high school or college.
When the job is completed, ask the student or their parents for a review and if they are alright with potential employers calling them up for a reference.
Network and connect
Creating a network and connecting with like-minded people will increase your chances of finding a good teaching job. A wide network will give you more access to job opportunities and inside information. Not only that, but if you’re just starting, it can be a great way of asking for mentorship, support, referrals, and recommendations.
Another great way to meet colleagues and potential employers is by attending workshops, conferences, and seminars. Not only will you stay updated on best practices in English education, but you’ll also meet lots of like-minded people.
Research the perfect job
Are you looking for a one-on-one tutoring job, or do you want the excitement of a full classroom? What about in-person or online? Or even in your own country or abroad? Asking yourself these questions will help you narrow down the type of job openings to apply for.
Things to consider are location, available hours, type of institution, student population, work environment, compensation and benefits, job stability, and professional growth opportunities. It is also recommended to seek feedback and reviews from current or former employees to get a better sense of the everyday work atmosphere.
Apply for positions
Now, it is time to take the plunge and go for it. Apply for positions that interest you and go through the process. If you don’t have much experience yet, give extra attention to your Cover Letter to show other essential skills such as communication, enthusiasm, perfect spelling and grammar, and storytelling abilities.
Conclusion
The global demand for English teachers is on the rise, driven by the increasing influence of English as the lingua franca of international business and popular culture. There are vast opportunities for individuals with TEFL certification, as the need for English teachers spans various regions, driven by factors like international trade, tourism, economic growth, educational reform, and regional integration.
While traditional qualifications were often required, it is now possible to teach English abroad with just a TEFL certification, making it more accessible for individuals who wish to start a career in teaching English.
By following a step-by-step process of self-assessment, obtaining necessary qualifications, gaining experience, networking, researching, and applying for positions, individuals can kickstart their teaching careers and explore the diverse opportunities available in the field of English education.
