i-to-i’s Top TEFL Myths (Part 1)

The TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) industry is growing rapidly, with more and more adventurers heading overseas, to teach English, each year. But as the industry grows, so do the Chinese whispers! Below are i-to-i TEFL’s top TEFL myths… but be careful, as some may be more truthful than others!

(Reliability Score: 1= ‘Complete baloney… must be phoney!’ 5= ‘I hadn’t a clue… but this one’s true!’)

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  1. You Will Become a TEFL Teacher Just by Completing the Course

  

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  There’s a common misconception amongst TEFL newbies that once you’ve completed your course, you will instantly “become” a TEFL teacher… and this is complete nonsense! Whilst a TEFL certification will give you the skills and confidence needed to make it as an English teacher overseas, it will not teach you the values of being a good teacher or guarantee you TEFL jobs abroad.

  Qualities such as patience and dedication can’t be taught. The real challenge of being a TEFL teacher is not in the training; instead, it’s the first time you step into the classroom on your own. But fear not! Teaching gets easier and easier, and your training will equip you with everything you need to get started.

   

  Reliability Score: 1 – Complete baloney, must be phoney.

  2. You Need to be Able to Speak the Local Language in Order to Teach Overseas

  

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  This myth is one that crops up all the time! The quick answer is a big “No!” You don’t need the ability to speak ANY other languages in order to teach overseas.

  This is because TEFL focuses on completely immersing your students in an English speaking environment, even when they’re complete beginners. Having said that, I’m sure it wouldn’t hurt to be able to say “Hello”, “Please”, “Thanks”, “2 Beers Please!” – and other essential phrases to make your day-to-day life run a bit smoother.

  Reliability Score: 2 – Myth, but a few words/phrases could come in handy.

  3. You Need to Have Had Some Previous Teaching Experience

  

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  TEFL courses are open to everyone, not just teachers. You don’t need to have ANY previous experience. To be honest, the majority of TEFLers are complete beginners. Having said this, TEFL courses are also great for existing teachers, who want to brush up on their skills. So don’t worry: with the ability to speak fluent English and a TEFL certificate under your belt, you should be able to find paid work in most places.

  If it’s your first time teaching, or you’d just like a bit of experience (and fun!) before jumping in head first, then why not try the Teach in Poland Internship – you’ll come out of the other side with a 140 hour TEFL certificate, 400 hours of teaching practice and loads of great Poland memories! You can also check out the Teach in Thailand Internship - you'll spend 5 incredible months TEFLing this year! Learn more about internships here!

  Reliability Score: 2 – Not Essential, but Couldn’t Hurt.

  4. You Need a Degree to Be a TEFL Teacher

  

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  This is a bit of a complicated one, and is mostly dependant on the country you’d like to teach in. Some countries, Japan for example, require a minimum of a 4 year degree (in any subject) and a 120 Hour TEFL course. This is because you need a degree to obtain a visa – although there are loads of countries where this is not the case. China, for instance, is in such high demand for English teachers that they are willing to overlook the degree situation. But China isn’t the only place where you can get a visa without a degree; plenty of Asian, African, South American and European countries will hire non-university applicants.

  On the other hand, having a degree isn’t a requirement that is set in stone. Other aspects, such as personal and professional elements are often taken into consideration, meaning even in countries where a degree is necessary, you might still be able to find employment. Although be careful: working without a Visa can be tricky business, and if you get caught you could even be deported!

  For more information on which countries require a degree, click here.

  Reliability Score: 3 – Myth, but you will need a degree to teach in some countires

  5. The TEFL Qualification is the Same Wherever You Take It

  

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  There’s no such thing as “The TEFL Course”; instead, there are many different course providers who train you to teach English overseas. There isn’t an all-powerful governing body to decide on syllabus content, so each TEFL course will have different learning material… however; they are all based on similar themes. So, to avoid dodgy qualifications that aren’t worth your time, make sure you fully research the course you want to take. Then have a look at alternatives and compare them against each other.

  Reliability Score: 1 – Quite the opposite… they’re all different!

  6. TEFL Jobs are Few and Far Between

  

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  Are you kidding?! There are more people learning English in China than the entire population of the United States – and that’s just one country! There are almost endless opportunities out there; you just have to look for them.

  However; just because there are an abundance of jobs out there, doesn’t mean that you’re “owed” a job. You’ll have to be up to scratch and pro-active in your job hunting approach. Also, be aware that it is sometimes easier to obtain a job when you are physically in your desired country. As a fluent English speaker, you’re in demand – even more so if you’ve got a TEFL course under your belt! Click here to find out where you could be teaching.

  Reliability Score: 3 – There are more opportunities than you can shake a stick at, but they won’t come looking for you!

  7. You’ll Get Paid to Teach Wherever You Go

  

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  Whilst is can be said that there are plenty of paid teaching opportunities around the world, some destinations simply cannot offer that luxury. Many places throughout Africa and other developing areas offer experience on a voluntary basis because they literally can’t afford to hire you. Although, for some people, this is completely fine (if not more rewarding than receiving a salary!). However, for others…probably the majority, you’ll have to do some research before you get set on a particular destination.

  You may also have trouble even getting in to specific countries due to visa restrictions etc, especially if you are not a university degree holder. This is because many countries such as Japan and much of Europe require at least a full university degree and a TEFL certificate in order to legally gain permission to work in the country. So, again, be vigilant when researching destinations and make sure that you can actually legally enter the country to work!

  Reliability Score: 3 – In general you can expect to be paid, but not everywhere!

  8. TEFL is Just for a Gap-year and Travelling

  

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  You might not think that TEFL will earn you millions, and you’d be right… However you can quite easily make a full career out of it, whilst earning a decent salary! Whether it is travelling around and finding work in different areas or moving up through the ranks to take on a more managerial role in a language school – either way, TEFL definitely isn’t just for gap years and students!

  Reliability Score: 1 – Not at all! TEFL can be a full time career and it’s not just for students!

  9. My TEFL Course Will Allow Me to Travel Freely and Move-on Whenever I Like

  

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  Quite a common assumption by wannabe TEFLers is that once you’ve done your course, you can come and go as you please! And this isn’t the case. In reality, you’ll almost definitely be tied into a contract, which will almost definitely last at least a term (usually you are expected to stay for the full year!).

  Now although you can just leave whenever you like, the assumption is (and you are expected to) finish your contract in full before leaving. Having said this, there are scenarios where short term contracts are appropriate, for instance, when schools need to hire extra staff (if a teacher leaves or more students join the school).

  Note – if the work is casual, then don’t expect to sign a contract.

  Reliability Score: 2 – Technically, it’s possible, but in reality… NO!

For more TEFL myths, look out for part 2 of i-to-i’s Top TEFL Myths…

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