Do Teaching Credentials Expire

  No, TEFL certificates do not expire, they are valid for life. Once you have completed your course, either online or by attending a training center, you will be able to start work straight away or set off on your travels and use it later when your funds starts to get low. A TEFL certificate really is a great qualification to have in your backpack or briefcase as you can use it to earn a good income at any time, in any part of the world. Although your certification will never expire, we do recommend that you continue to develop your skills and knowledge as you progress in your teaching career. Additional courses such as an advanced TEFL Diploma or a specialized certificate in teaching business English or teaching young learners will build on your existing skills, allowing you to...  [Read more]

No, TESOL certificates are valid for life, they do not expire. As soon as you complete your online or in-class training course you can use your certificate to find a teaching job, or you can keep it until you are ready to look for work in the future. A TESOL certificate is a very versatile qualification as it can be used to gain employment at any time, in any country worldwide. Although your initial TESOL qualification is valid for life, it is still a good idea to continue your development as an English language teacher as you progress through your career. Specialized courses such as the certificate in teaching business English (CTBE) and the certificate in teaching English to young learners (CTEYL) will expand your knowledge of these specific areas of teaching and lead to...  [Read more]

Due to its widespread job market, high salaries and unique culture, Japan has long been one of the most popular teaching destinations in Asia. Although there might be a few other countries in the region with a better balance of high wages and a low cost of living, nowhere else can quite match the incredible mix of modern development and ancient traditions that Japan is so famous for. The requirements for gaining a work visa in Japan are not quite as stringent as some other countries as you simply need to possess a degree in any subject. The other essential qualities you need are to be fluent in English, to have a very professional approach, and a clear passion and desire for teaching in the classroom. Although a TESOL certification is not an official requirement, it is still...  [Read more]

Although Greece has been popular with ESL teachers for many years, the recent economic downturn has had a significant impact on the number of jobs available. Despite this, teachers continue to be drawn to the country due to the great climate, stunning beaches, and the general culture. As there are less jobs available than in the past, employers can afford to be a little more picky when it comes to the hiring process. Also, recent changes to immigration laws have made it harder for non-EU citizens to obtain the necessary work visa. As a consequence of these factors, many employers choose to only hire teachers with an EU passport. The basic requirements expected when applying for most teaching jobs are a university degree and a TESOL qualification. Greece has a large network of...  [Read more]

The Southeast Asia region continues to boom in terms of demand for foreign ESL teachers and Vietnam is no exception. In recent times the salaries being offered have begun to improve as schools look to attract more teachers to the country. Within just a few years, Vietnam is likely to become one of the most popular teaching destinations in the region. Official work permits for teachers in Vietnam are restricted to native English speakers who have a bachelor?s degree. It is also common for individual employers to insist on teachers having a TESOL certificate of at least 120-hours duration. Classroom experience might also be required when applying for jobs at the very top end of the pay scale, although these are small in number. Often you can bypass this requirement if you conduct a...  [Read more]

France receives more foreign visitors than any other nation in the world and many of these come to teach English. Thousands of ESL teachers come to France each year to experience the history, culture, fashion, and cuisine. If you want to join them, have a read through the following guide to teaching English in France. As you will find in most of Western Europe, employers of foreign teachers in France generally expect their employees to have completed a TESOL certification course. Anyone who arrives without one is likely to struggle in what is a very competitive job market, where the majority of those applying will be TESOL certified. If you are successful in applying for the government-run teaching assistant recruitment program known as TAPIF, you will have everything arranged...  [Read more]

The Taiwan government has recently stated its ambition is for the country to become bilingual Chinese ? English by the year 2030, which is certainly going to provide a huge amount of opportunities for ESL teachers. As well as having a booming job market, Taiwan also offers high salaries, excellent benefit packages, a relatively low cost of living, and an international reputation as one of the world?s most friendly nations. In order to work as an ESL teacher in Taiwan you need to be a native English speaker from the USA, the UK, Ireland, South Africa, Canada, New Zealand, or Australia. You must also be over 20 years old and possess a degree in any subject. A TESOL qualification is not a legal requirement for finding a teaching job, however, the majority of employers expect their...  [Read more]

In some situations, ESL teachers are recruited from within their own country via an interview using a phone or webcam. However, in many countries employers prefer to interview potential teachers in person within their own school complex. Although every interview is likely to vary to some degree, there are a few simple rules you should stick to in order to have the best chance of success. It is commonly believed that people form a first impression of someone within the first seven seconds of meeting them. With this in mind, it is very important that you get a few basic interview techniques right to avoid ruining your chances before you have even started answering any questions. It may seem obvious, but being late for the interview has been the downfall of many job hunters. Once you...  [Read more]

Italy remains one of Europe?s top destinations for teaching English abroad due to its popular culture, Mediterranean climate, and its laid back approach to life. To ensure you maximise your potential in the local job market, we recommend that you follow these simple tips. The main requirement you will need to teach ESL in Italy is an internationally recognised TESOL qualification. Almost all respected employers in all regions of the country will expect their job applicants to have taken the time to complete a relevant teacher training course. Although a small percentage of vacant positions are advertised online, most jobs are secured following an in-person interview on the school premises. The most common and straightforward approach is to simply fly into the city of your choice and...  [Read more]

Although some people grow to love the lifestyle of an ESL teacher so much that they never return to work in their home country, the majority will head home at some stage. In many cases this can be an unsettling experience as you are no longer the same person that left home in the first place. So many things can feel strange, from the everyday language and time zone, to the climate and cuisine. One way to tackle this reverse culture shock is to find a job that allows you to use the new skills and knowledge that teaching English abroad has given you. The obvious answer might be to simply carry on working as an ESL teacher. Most cities will have language schools and community colleges that provide English lessons to a range of clients, whether it is foreign students, immigrants, or...  [Read more]

With around 100,000 foreign teachers working across the country each year, China is now the world leader in ESL teaching jobs. This recent boom has been brought about by a buoyant economy that has given more and more families the financial freedom to provide a good education for their children. There are an estimated 300 million people currently learning English in China, so potential jobs are widespread and relatively easy to come by. As there is often a shortage of available teachers in many areas, schools are increasingly offering high salaries and other bonuses in an effort to attract teachers to their door. The exact figure you can expect to earn will vary considerably depending on the type of employer and the location you choose, but the average is between $1,000 and $2,500...  [Read more]

Spain has many attractions that draw a large number of teachers every year. The warm climate, relaxed lifestyle, world class beaches, and world famous cuisine are just a few. Many people also take the opportunity to learn Spanish while living and working in a modern, international city such as Madrid or Barcelona. If Spain is on your list of potential destinations, take a look at the following tips that should help you on your way. The main requirement for teaching English in Spain is a TESOL qualification. The vast majority of employers that offer a decent salary will expect their job applicants to have completed an internationally recognised teacher training course. A relatively small number of teaching jobs can be secured from within your home country via a government recruitment...  [Read more]

Hungary has seen a rapid increase in demand for ESL teachers in recent years as more and more local people see English language proficiency as a way to step up the job ladder. With a great location in the heart of Europe, a low cost of living, and a laid-back approach to life, Hungary also has much to offer TESOL qualified teachers. Due to a very high demand, it is possible to get a teaching position in Hungary without any qualifications or previous classroom experience. However, the more you have to offer, the better your chances of securing the highest paying positions. A TESOL certificate is certainly a real advantage as most good employers expect it, particularly a course that also included teaching practice. Native English speakers are also sought after, although non-native...  [Read more]

Turkey occupies a unique position at the junction between Europe and Asia and it is rapidly becoming one of the region?s boom destinations for ESL teachers. Jobs are easily found in major cities and popular tourist areas as the English language is becoming more and more vital in many types of employment. While it is still possible to land a job without any specific qualifications or experience, these positions are not likely to pay very well or offer the best working conditions. To ensure you are eligible for the most sought after jobs, a TESOL qualification is usually required. Some positions will also specify a degree and/or previous classroom experience. Many employers will give preference to teachers whose TESOL course included teaching practice over those who only have an online...  [Read more]

Thailand is one of the undisputed top destinations in Southeast Asia for ESL teachers. Jobs are relatively easy to find in many areas of the country, although the average salary is not as high as in several other countries across Asia. However, many teachers still flock to Thailand to enjoy the laid back lifestyle, vibrant culture, and extensive entertainment options. In years gone by it was common for teachers to work in Thailand without an official work permit, however, things have moved on and you will now need to meet the set requirements if you want to earn a good income. The main requirement for gaining a work permit is a university degree in any subject. A TESOL qualification is not officially required, although without one you may struggle to find a job with a reputable...  [Read more]

Portugal is a very popular tourist destination, which is one of the main reasons why the demand for ESL teachers is high in many areas. However, the local economy has had a rough time in recent years, so the salaries on offer for foreign teachers are not particularly high. Despite this, teachers are still drawn to the country by the promise of a pleasant lifestyle. All employers of foreign ESL teachers in Portugal require a university degree and a TESOL qualification, while many also expect at least one years teaching experience. If you are new to teaching, a TESOL course that included a practical teaching component is often accepted instead of previous work experience. The salary offered to teachers is generally determined by their level of experience, with contracts lasting either...  [Read more]

Hong Kong is a traditional favorite with many teachers as it is a modern, vibrant place where English is commonly used and most Western style comforts are readily available. The downside of its popularity is that the competition for the best positions is generally very strong. To give yourself the best chance of success, there are a few things you should know. Although there have been government guidelines in place for many years regarding foreign teachers, these have only recently begun to be properly enforced. The result of this is that it is now very difficult for anyone without a university degree and two years teaching experience and/or a TESOL qualification to find a legitimate job. On top of these basic restrictions, each employer is free to set their own requirements for jobs...  [Read more]

South Korea has become one of the most popular countries in the world for teaching English abroad as demand is high and so are the salaries. The average monthly pay is around $1,500 to $3,000 and most teachers are able to save a considerable percentage of this each month. Many jobs also include a range of extra benefits such as return airfares, free housing and a bonus for completing the contract. The EPIK Program is a government backed scheme that recruits foreign teachers to work in public schools across the country. This is a very popular option is all the details are sorted out before you need to leave your own country. Other common options include private language institutes, universities and even international schools. Regardless of the type of school you choose to work for...  [Read more]

Latin America attracts a large number of teachers from all over the world who are looking for fun and adventure. Across the region there are a wide variety of opportunities available in a diverse range of countries. By doing your own research and following a few simple tips, most people should have no trouble finding a good teaching job that will lay the foundation for a trip of a lifetime. The Latin America region typically has less restrictions on teachers than any other part of the world. There is generally no requirement for teachers to have a degree or previous classroom experience which makes it a perfect choice for first-time teachers. One thing that most employers will expect however, is for you to have completed a reputable TESOL training course. In many cases an online...  [Read more]

If you don’t like the idea of being tied to an online English teaching platform and would prefer to set your own schedule, it is possible to start up your own online teaching business from scratch. Although this is theoretically possible for anyone regardless of their background, in practice you will probably require some amount of previous teaching experience in order to get it off the ground. This is the approach that our former TESOL trainee Bri took and she has shared her story and a range of essential tips via the ITTT blog page. How To Start Your Own ESL Teaching Service  [Read more]