Teaching

Earn your TEFL certification so you can teach English abroad

Tyler Casemore

Posted: August 21, 2019

Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) might sound like a tongue twister, but it’s not! It’s a great way to learn a new set of skills while opening doors to opportunities throughout the world.

Over the last few years, there has been an upward trend in the demand for English as a foreign language educators. The team at GVI has all the resources you need to earn a TEFL certification and can help set you off on the right path in this exciting and rewarding career.

What is TEFL?

Teach English abroad interns lead a lesson in a school in Limpopo, South Africa.

TEFL, TESL, TESOL are terms that refer to where and who you are teaching English to. These terms are sometimes used interchangeably, so you easily mistake one for the other.

TESL refers to “Teaching English as a Second Language”. These are programs in English-speaking countries for students whose first language is different from English.

TEFL, “Teaching English as a Foreign Language”, often refers to programs in countries where English is not the primary language.

TESOL, “Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages” is a general name for the field of teaching that includes both TESL and TEFL. Since GVI offers TEFL training, we’ll stick with TEFL in this article.

How to get TEFL certification?

A GVI intern helps a student with their cutting while working to gain a TEFL certification in Thailand.

TEFL qualifications can be earned online, in-class or with a mix of both. To obtain this certification, most institutions require the student to complete over 100 hours of course-based study while adding in-classroom time with students to learn practical teaching methods.

Obtaining a TEFL certification with a practical component shows future employers that you have spent time learning, training and applying the methods in a real classroom setting. If you obtain your TEFL certification, you will appear more desirable to future employers.

Earn your TEFL certification with GVI in Thailand

A teach English in Thailand participant explains the different food groups to a class of learners.

Phang Nga, Thailand is one of the places where GVI offers a totally immersive TEFL certification internship. This internship is spread out over 24 weeks. Your first 12 weeks are spent obtaining your TEFL certification.

To obtain a TEFL certification with GVI, interns will participate in a 170-hour TEFL course. You will receive instruction on how to teach phonics, plan lessons, and manage classrooms. GVI staff will also observe and train you in practical classroom sessions.

Once you have obtained your TEFL certificate, the next half of your internship will be spent as an education project staff member. This could take place at the GVI base or you might find yourself working alongside students in an educational partner institute in Thailand.

You will have lots of time to explore the area, so be sure to grab a snorkel and flippers and explore the water or kayak around Phang Nga Bay. Who knows, maybe you will stay and teach English in Thailand.

Explore Costa Rica while earning your TEFL certification

A TEFL certified teacher leads story time in Quepos, Costa Rica.

The ocean-side town of Quepos, Costa Rica will be your home for three months as you complete your teaching internship and earn your TEFL certification. Combining study and practical classroom experience is an efficient way to acquire the tools to teach English abroad. As your responsibilities grow in the classroom, GVI will be there to help you along the way.

Explore the diverse Costa Rican landscape during your weekends away from the classroom. Lush tropical forests, shimmering blue water and expansive beaches are yours to enjoy!

If you are looking to relax, enjoy a fresh cup of aromatic Costa Rican coffee while you brush up on your Spanish. That’s right, GVI offers Spanish lessons to those taking part in the TEFL internship.

Where is TEFL certification recognised?

A teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) participant mentors a student in Puerto Morelos, Mexico.

After you complete your TEFL certification you’ll surely be looking for an opportunity to try your new skills. The best part about the TEFL certificate you get through GVI is that it is recognised worldwide.

Compared to those without TEFL certification, having this training should help you achieve more desirable working conditions. You could command a higher starting wage, insurance coverage, and even housing over your contract tenure. Some employers will even help with your visa application process.

If you have ever dreamed of travelling the world, earning money and experiencing different cultures throughout the world, take part now and get your TEFL certification. Invest in yourself and help make a positive impact on society.

Tyler Casemore is an intern at the GVI Writing Academy. The Writing Academy is a skills-development program that pairs development editors with budding travel writers. Learn more about the program here.