Frequently Asked TEFL Questions

TEFL, TESOL, EFL, ESL - it can all get a little confusing can’t it? That’s why we’ve pooled our 16-odd years of TEFL know-how and come up with the answers to the most common TEFL questions we get asked.

Most popular searches:

e.g. What does TEFL stand for? (8017x), what is tefl (3477x), tefl (3476x), what is tefl? (2935x), e.g. What is volunteering (2316x), what (1799x), do i need a degree? (1461x), qualifications (1233x), accreditation (943x), video (574x)

Popular Questions & Answers...

Online TEFL Courses

  1. CELTA vs i-to-i TEFL: which is better? (38334 views)
  2. Which TEFL course is right for me? (34329 views)
  3. What qualifications do I need to do a TEFL ... (31893 views)
  4. Are i-to-i courses accredited? (25824 views)
  5. Do I need a TEFL/TESOL certificate to teach abroad? ... (21720 views)

Favourite TEFL Questions

  1. Do I need a degree to teach English overseas? ... (54657 views)
  2. Which TEFL course is right for me? (34329 views)
  3. What qualifications do I need to do a TEFL ... (31893 views)
  4. Do I need a TEFL/TESOL certificate to teach abroad? ... (21720 views)
  5. How does TEFL work? (15649 views)

China Internship

  1. What is the dress code while I’m teaching? ... (4315 views)
  2. Will I get Christmas Day off? (2790 views)
  3. When will I find out where I’ll be teaching? ... (1739 views)
  4. When should I book my return flight? (1697 views)
  5. Which airport should I fly into? (1662 views)

Weekend/Classroom TEFL Courses

  1. CELTA vs i-to-i TEFL: which is better? (38334 views)
  2. Which TEFL course is right for me? (34329 views)
  3. What qualifications do I need to do a TEFL ... (31893 views)
  4. Are i-to-i courses accredited? (25824 views)
  5. Do I need a TEFL/TESOL certificate to teach abroad? ... (21720 views)

Finding A TEFL Job

  1. Do I need a TEFL/TESOL certificate to teach abroad? ... (21720 views)
  2. Where can I find a job? (7896 views)
  3. Do I need a PGCE to teach overseas? (4390 views)
  4. Why do some countries require a degree to teach ... (2949 views)
  5. Can I talk to someone who's found work abroad ... (2722 views)

About i-to-i

  1. CELTA vs i-to-i TEFL: which is better? (38334 views)
  2. How many people have qualified as TEFL teachers with ... (3086 views)
  3. How did i-to-i start? (2393 views)
  4. Can I talk to someone who's done an i-to-i ... (1874 views)

Accreditation

  1. CELTA vs i-to-i TEFL: which is better? (38334 views)
  2. Are i-to-i courses accredited? (25824 views)
  3. Are i-to-i courses internationally recognized? (6235 views)

Randoms

  1. Does my certificate expire? (5904 views)
  2. What happens if I lose my certificate? (2809 views)
  3. Do I need a grammar book to do the ... (2503 views)
  4. What does the Easter bunny do when it's not ... (2331 views)
  5. Can I do more courses with i-to-i? (1807 views)

China

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i-to-i Job Placement in China

  1. Can I renew my contract after it finishes? (1592 views)
  2. What do I need in order to apply for ... (619 views)
  3. How do I apply? (603 views)
  4. Will I get Chinese lessons as part of my ... (601 views)
  5. Who is my contract with? (488 views)

Finding Work in China

  1. How much tax will I have to pay on ... (1993 views)
  2. How many hours a week do TEFL teachers in ... (1796 views)
  3. Which visa do I need to work legally in ... (1760 views)
  4. Will my employer pay for the cost of my ... (1059 views)
  5. Is a job in China guaranteed if I complete ... (609 views)

Living in China

  1. How much tax will I have to pay on ... (1993 views)
  2. How many hours a week do TEFL teachers in ... (1796 views)
  3. Which visa do I need to work legally in ... (1760 views)
  4. Will my employer pay for the cost of my ... (1059 views)
  5. What is the standard of accommodation like in China? ... (662 views)

Argentina

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Finding Work in Argentina

  1. Is a job in Argentina guaranteed if I complete ... (2634 views)
  2. Do I need a degree to teach in Argentina? ... (2579 views)
  3. Do I need to speak Spanish in order to ... (2023 views)
  4. What is the demand for TEFL teachers in Argentina ... (1891 views)
  5. How much TEFL training do I need to teach ... (1688 views)

Requirements to Teach in Argentina

  1. Is a job in Argentina guaranteed if I complete ... (2634 views)
  2. Do I need a degree to teach in Argentina? ... (2579 views)
  3. Do I need to speak Spanish in order to ... (2023 views)
  4. How much TEFL training do I need to teach ... (1688 views)
  5. How much tax will I have to pay on ... (1562 views)

Living in Argentina

  1. How much tax will I have to pay on ... (1562 views)
  2. Will my employer pay for the cost of my ... (735 views)
  3. Is it possible for families or couples to find ... (701 views)
  4. What is the standard of accommodation like in Argentina? ... (689 views)
  5. What is the cost of living like in Argentina? ... (679 views)

Teaching in Argentina

  1. Is a job in Argentina guaranteed if I complete ... (2634 views)
  2. Do I need a degree to teach in Argentina? ... (2579 views)
  3. Do I need to speak Spanish in order to ... (2023 views)
  4. What is the demand for TEFL teachers in Argentina ... (1891 views)
  5. How much tax will I have to pay on ... (1562 views)

Brazil

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Finding Work in Brazil

  1. Do I need to speak Portuguese in order to ... (2846 views)
  2. Is a job in Brazil guaranteed if I complete ... (1777 views)
  3. Can I find TEFL jobs in Brazil from my ... (1763 views)
  4. What is the demand for TEFL teachers in Brazil ... (1635 views)
  5. What is the standard application process for TEFL jobs ... (1431 views)

Requirements to Teach in Brazil

  1. Do I need to speak Portuguese in order to ... (2846 views)
  2. Is a job in Brazil guaranteed if I complete ... (1777 views)
  3. How much tax will I have to pay on ... (1603 views)
  4. Which visa do I need to work legally in ... (1554 views)
  5. What is the standard application process for TEFL jobs ... (1431 views)

Living in Brazil

  1. Can I find TEFL jobs in Brazil from my ... (1763 views)
  2. How much tax will I have to pay on ... (1603 views)
  3. Which visa do I need to work legally in ... (1554 views)
  4. Is it possible for families or couples to find ... (1020 views)
  5. What is the cost of living like in Brazil? ... (657 views)

Teaching in Brazil

  1. Do I need to speak Portuguese in order to ... (2846 views)
  2. What is the demand for TEFL teachers in Brazil ... (1635 views)
  3. How much tax will I have to pay on ... (1603 views)
  4. Will my employer pay for the cost of my ... (1147 views)
  5. Is it possible for families or couples to find ... (1020 views)

Costa Rica

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Finding Work in Costa Rica

  1. What is the standard application process for TEFL jobs ... (2288 views)
  2. Do I need a degree to teach in Costa ... (2008 views)
  3. Is a job in Costa Rica guaranteed if I ... (1625 views)
  4. Do I need to speak Spanish in order to ... (1493 views)
  5. Is it possible for families or couples to find ... (1195 views)

Requirements to Teach in Costa Rica

  1. What is the standard application process for TEFL jobs ... (2288 views)
  2. Do I need a degree to teach in Costa ... (2008 views)
  3. Is a job in Costa Rica guaranteed if I ... (1625 views)
  4. Do I need to speak Spanish in order to ... (1493 views)
  5. How much TEFL training do I need to teach ... (1432 views)

Living in Costa Rica

  1. Is it possible for families or couples to find ... (1195 views)
  2. How much tax will I have to pay on ... (831 views)
  3. Which visa do I need to work legally in ... (829 views)
  4. What is the cost of living like in Costa ... (640 views)
  5. What is the standard of accommodation like in Costa ... (559 views)

Teaching in Costa Rica

  1. Do I need a degree to teach in Costa ... (2008 views)
  2. Do I need to speak Spanish in order to ... (1493 views)
  3. How much TEFL training do I need to teach ... (1432 views)
  4. How long are teaching contracts in Costa Rica? ... (1076 views)
  5. How many hours a week do TEFL teachers in ... (865 views)

Europe

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Czech Republic

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Finding Work in the Czech Republic

  1. How much TEFL training do I need to teach ... (1972 views)
  2. Do I need to speak Czech in order to ... (1432 views)
  3. What is the demand for TEFL teachers in the ... (1194 views)
  4. Will my employer pay for the cost of my ... (1076 views)
  5. Is it possible for families or couples to find ... (981 views)

i-to-i Job Placement in the Czech Republic

  1. How do I apply? (725 views)
  2. Who is my contract with? (516 views)
  3. What happens if I can’t complete my contract? (491 views)
  4. When should I book my flights? (423 views)
  5. When should I apply for my visa? (387 views)

Living in the Czech Republic

  1. How much tax will I have to pay on ... (864 views)
  2. Which visa do I need to work legally in ... (831 views)
  3. Can I find TEFL jobs while in the Czech ... (675 views)
  4. What is the cost of living like in the ... (571 views)
  5. What is the standard of accommodation like in the ... (507 views)

Teaching in the Czech Republic

  1. How much TEFL training do I need to teach ... (1972 views)
  2. Do I need to speak Czech in order to ... (1432 views)
  3. What is the demand for TEFL teachers in the ... (1194 views)
  4. Will my employer pay for the cost of my ... (1076 views)
  5. Is it possible for families or couples to find ... (981 views)

South America

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Ecuador

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Finding Work in Ecuador

  1. Will my employer pay for the cost of my ... (1553 views)
  2. How much TEFL training do I need to teach ... (1443 views)
  3. Do I need to speak Spanish in order to ... (1441 views)
  4. Is it possible for families or couples to find ... (1072 views)
  5. Can I find TEFL jobs while in Ecuador? ... (1007 views)

i-to-i Job Placement in Ecuador

  1. How do I apply? (782 views)
  2. What do I need in order to apply for ... (557 views)
  3. What visa will I need? (451 views)
  4. When should I book my flights? (425 views)
  5. When should I apply for my visa? (414 views)

Living in Ecuador

  1. How much can I earn teaching in Ecuador? ... (1548 views)
  2. How much tax will I have to pay on ... (1234 views)
  3. Is it possible for families or couples to find ... (1072 views)
  4. Which visa do I need to work legally in ... (1072 views)
  5. Can I find TEFL jobs while in Ecuador? ... (1007 views)

Teaching in Ecuador

  1. Will my employer pay for the cost of my ... (1553 views)
  2. How much can I earn teaching in Ecuador? ... (1548 views)
  3. How much TEFL training do I need to teach ... (1443 views)
  4. Do I need to speak Spanish in order to ... (1441 views)
  5. How much tax will I have to pay on ... (1234 views)

France

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Finding Work in France

  1. Which visa do I need to work legally in ... (3016 views)
  2. What is the standard application process for TEFL jobs ... (2333 views)
  3. What is the demand for TEFL teachers in France ... (1886 views)
  4. How much can I earn teaching in France? ... (1525 views)
  5. How long are teaching contracts in France? (1420 views)

Requirements to Teach in France

  1. Which visa do I need to work legally in ... (3016 views)
  2. What is the standard application process for TEFL jobs ... (2333 views)
  3. How much TEFL training do I need to teach ... (1689 views)
  4. How much tax will I have to pay on ... (1242 views)
  5. Do I need to speak French in order to ... (1203 views)

Living in France

  1. Which visa do I need to work legally in ... (3016 views)
  2. How much tax will I have to pay on ... (1242 views)
  3. Can I find TEFL jobs while in France? ... (1111 views)
  4. What is the cost of living like in France? ... (839 views)
  5. What is the standard of accommodation like in France? ... (694 views)

Teaching in France

  1. What is the demand for TEFL teachers in France ... (1886 views)
  2. How much TEFL training do I need to teach ... (1689 views)
  3. How much can I earn teaching in France? ... (1525 views)
  4. How long are teaching contracts in France? (1420 views)
  5. Do I need to speak French in order to ... (1203 views)

Greece

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Finding Work in Greece

  1. How much TEFL training do I need to teach ... (2103 views)
  2. How long are teaching contracts in Greece? (1393 views)
  3. Will my employer pay for the cost of my ... (1100 views)
  4. Is it possible for families or couples to find ... (977 views)
  5. What is the standard application process for TEFL jobs ... (964 views)

Requirements to Teach in Greece

  1. How much TEFL training do I need to teach ... (2103 views)
  2. Which visa do I need to work legally in ... (1214 views)
  3. Do I need to speak Greek in order to ... (1209 views)
  4. How much tax will I have to pay on ... (923 views)
  5. How many hours a week do TEFL teachers in ... (732 views)

Living in Greece

  1. Which visa do I need to work legally in ... (1214 views)
  2. How much tax will I have to pay on ... (923 views)
  3. Can I find TEFL jobs while in Greece? ... (789 views)
  4. What is the standard of accommodation like in Greece? ... (612 views)
  5. What is the cost of living like in Greece? ... (578 views)

Teaching in Greece

  1. How long are teaching contracts in Greece? (1393 views)
  2. Do I need to speak Greek in order to ... (1209 views)
  3. Will my employer pay for the cost of my ... (1100 views)
  4. Is it possible for families or couples to find ... (977 views)
  5. What is the standard application process for TEFL jobs ... (964 views)

Asia

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Indonesia

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Finding Work in Indonesia

  1. How much TEFL training do I need to teach ... (2128 views)
  2. What is the standard application process for TEFL jobs ... (1821 views)
  3. Which visa do I need to work legally in ... (1685 views)
  4. What is the demand for TEFL teachers in Indonesia ... (1445 views)
  5. Is a job in Indonesia guaranteed if I complete ... (1198 views)

i-to-i Job Placement in Indonesia

  1. Who is my contract with? (916 views)
  2. Can I renew my contract after it finishes? (586 views)
  3. How much holiday will I get per year? (577 views)
  4. What visa will I need? (500 views)
  5. How do I apply? (404 views)

Living in Indonesia

  1. Which visa do I need to work legally in ... (1685 views)
  2. How much tax will I have to pay on ... (1195 views)
  3. What is the cost of living like in Indonesia? ... (993 views)
  4. Is it possible for families or couples to find ... (898 views)
  5. Can I find TEFL jobs while in Indonesia? ... (727 views)

Teaching in Indonesia

  1. How much TEFL training do I need to teach ... (2128 views)
  2. What is the standard application process for TEFL jobs ... (1821 views)
  3. What is the demand for TEFL teachers in Indonesia ... (1445 views)
  4. Is a job in Indonesia guaranteed if I complete ... (1198 views)
  5. How much tax will I have to pay on ... (1195 views)

Italy

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Finding Work in Italy

  1. What is the standard application process for TEFL jobs ... (2575 views)
  2. Is a job in Italy guaranteed if I complete ... (2149 views)
  3. What is the demand for TEFL teachers in Italy ... (1554 views)
  4. Is it possible for families or couples to find ... (1285 views)
  5. Can I find TEFL jobs while in Italy? ... (1060 views)

Requirements to Teach in Italy

  1. What is the standard application process for TEFL jobs ... (2575 views)
  2. Which visa do I need to work legally in ... (1909 views)
  3. How much TEFL training do I need to teach ... (1737 views)
  4. How many hours a week do TEFL teachers in ... (1718 views)
  5. How much tax will I have to pay on ... (1207 views)

Living in Italy

  1. Which visa do I need to work legally in ... (1909 views)
  2. How much tax will I have to pay on ... (1207 views)
  3. Can I find TEFL jobs while in Italy? ... (1060 views)
  4. What is the cost of living like in Italy? ... (755 views)
  5. What is the standard of accommodation like in Italy? ... (672 views)

Teaching in Italy

  1. Is a job in Italy guaranteed if I complete ... (2149 views)
  2. How much TEFL training do I need to teach ... (1737 views)
  3. How many hours a week do TEFL teachers in ... (1718 views)
  4. Is it possible for families or couples to find ... (1285 views)
  5. How long are teaching contracts in Italy? (809 views)

Japan

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Finding Work in Japan

  1. How much TEFL training do I need to teach ... (2677 views)
  2. Which visa do I need to work legally in ... (2267 views)
  3. Do I need to speak Japanese in order to ... (1627 views)
  4. How much tax will I have to pay on ... (1623 views)
  5. What is the demand for TEFL teachers in Japan ... (1349 views)

i-to-i Job Placement in Japan

  1. What happens if I don’t complete my contract? (1089 views)
  2. Who is my contract with? (1083 views)
  3. Will I get Japanese lessons as part of my ... (646 views)
  4. How much holiday will I get per year? (587 views)
  5. When should I apply for my visa? (446 views)

Living in Japan

  1. Which visa do I need to work legally in ... (2267 views)
  2. How much tax will I have to pay on ... (1623 views)
  3. What is the standard of accommodation like in Japan? ... (970 views)
  4. What is the cost of living like in Japan? ... (913 views)
  5. Can I find TEFL jobs while in Japan? ... (685 views)

Teaching in Japan

  1. How much TEFL training do I need to teach ... (2677 views)
  2. Do I need to speak Japanese in order to ... (1627 views)
  3. How many hours a week do TEFL teachers in ... (1083 views)
  4. Will my employer pay for the cost of my ... (673 views)
  5. How long are teaching contracts in Japan? (625 views)

South Korea

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Finding Work in South Korea

  1. How much TEFL training do I need to teach ... (2582 views)
  2. Which visa do I need to work legally in ... (2333 views)
  3. What is the demand for TEFL teachers in South ... (1527 views)
  4. Is a job in South Korea guaranteed if I ... (1016 views)
  5. Can I find TEFL jobs while in South Korea? ... (993 views)

i-to-i Job Placement in South Korea

  1. Will I get South Korean lessons as part of ... (883 views)
  2. Who is my contract with? (622 views)
  3. What do I need in order to apply for ... (554 views)
  4. Can I renew my contract after it finishes? (540 views)
  5. When should I apply for my visa? (469 views)

Living in South Korea

  1. How much tax will I have to pay on ... (1899 views)
  2. What is the standard of accommodation like in South ... (1129 views)
  3. Can I find TEFL jobs while in South Korea? ... (993 views)
  4. What is the cost of living like in South ... (829 views)

Teaching in South Korea

  1. How much TEFL training do I need to teach ... (2582 views)
  2. Which visa do I need to work legally in ... (2333 views)
  3. How much tax will I have to pay on ... (1899 views)
  4. What is the demand for TEFL teachers in South ... (1527 views)
  5. Is a job in South Korea guaranteed if I ... (1016 views)

Thailand

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Finding Work in Thailand

  1. How much TEFL training do I need to teach ... (3066 views)
  2. Do I need a degree to teach in Thailand? ... (1952 views)
  3. Is it possible for families or couples to find ... (1480 views)
  4. Can I find TEFL jobs while in Thailand? ... (985 views)
  5. What is the demand for TEFL teachers in Thailand ... (918 views)

Requirements to Teach in Thailand

  1. How much TEFL training do I need to teach ... (3066 views)
  2. Do I need a degree to teach in Thailand? ... (1952 views)
  3. How much tax will I have to pay on ... (1782 views)
  4. Which visa do I need to work legally in ... (1507 views)
  5. How many hours a week do TEFL teachers in ... (1458 views)

Living in Thailand

  1. How much tax will I have to pay on ... (1782 views)
  2. Which visa do I need to work legally in ... (1507 views)
  3. Can I find TEFL jobs while in Thailand? ... (985 views)
  4. What is the cost of living like in Thailand? ... (584 views)
  5. What is the standard of accommodation like in Thailand? ... (571 views)

Teaching in Thailand

  1. Is it possible for families or couples to find ... (1480 views)
  2. How many hours a week do TEFL teachers in ... (1458 views)
  3. How much can I earn teaching in Thailand? ... (1327 views)
  4. Do I need to speak Thai in order to ... (1045 views)
  5. Will my employer pay for the cost of my ... (527 views)

Africa

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South Africa

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Finding Work in South Africa

  1. What is the demand for TEFL teachers in South ... (2250 views)
  2. What is the standard application process for TEFL jobs ... (1469 views)
  3. How much TEFL training do I need to teach ... (1311 views)
  4. Will my employer pay for the cost of my ... (1025 views)
  5. Is it possible for families or couples to find ... (912 views)

Requirements to Teach in South Africa

  1. How many hours a week do TEFL teachers in ... (1487 views)
  2. What is the standard application process for TEFL jobs ... (1469 views)
  3. How much TEFL training do I need to teach ... (1311 views)
  4. How much tax will I have to pay on ... (1124 views)
  5. Which visa do I need to work legally in ... (1038 views)

Living in South Africa

  1. How much tax will I have to pay on ... (1124 views)
  2. Which visa do I need to work legally in ... (1038 views)
  3. Can I find TEFL jobs while in South Africa? ... (657 views)
  4. What is the standard of accommodation like in South ... (531 views)
  5. What is the cost of living like in South ... (521 views)

Teaching in South Africa

  1. What is the demand for TEFL teachers in South ... (2250 views)
  2. How many hours a week do TEFL teachers in ... (1487 views)
  3. Will my employer pay for the cost of my ... (1025 views)
  4. How long are teaching contracts in South Africa? ... (1016 views)
  5. How much can I earn teaching in South Africa? ... (1011 views)

Spain

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Finding Work in Spain

  1. What is the standard application process for TEFL jobs ... (2266 views)
  2. What is the demand for TEFL teachers in Spain ... (1557 views)
  3. Can I find TEFL jobs while in Spain? ... (1516 views)
  4. Do I need a degree to teach in Spain? ... (1411 views)
  5. Is it possible for families or couples to find ... (1308 views)

Requirements to Teach in Spain

  1. How much TEFL training do I need to teach ... (2377 views)
  2. Do I need a degree to teach in Spain? ... (1411 views)
  3. How long are teaching contracts in Spain? (1408 views)
  4. Which visa do I need to work legally in ... (1400 views)
  5. How much tax will I have to pay on ... (1317 views)

Living in Spain

  1. Can I find TEFL jobs while in Spain? ... (1516 views)
  2. Which visa do I need to work legally in ... (1400 views)
  3. What is the cost of living like in Spain? ... (741 views)
  4. What is the standard of accommodation like in Spain? ... (602 views)

Teaching in Spain

  1. How much TEFL training do I need to teach ... (2377 views)
  2. What is the standard application process for TEFL jobs ... (2266 views)
  3. How long are teaching contracts in Spain? (1408 views)
  4. How much tax will I have to pay on ... (1317 views)
  5. Is it possible for families or couples to find ... (1308 views)

Middle East

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Turkey

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Finding Work in Turkey

  1. Is a job in Turkey guaranteed if I complete ... (1658 views)
  2. Can I find TEFL jobs while in Turkey? ... (1221 views)
  3. Is it possible for families or couples to find ... (987 views)
  4. What is the demand for TEFL teachers in Turkey ... (913 views)
  5. What is the standard application process for TEFL jobs ... (775 views)

Requirements to Teach in Turkey

  1. How many hours a week do TEFL teachers in ... (2062 views)
  2. Which visa do I need to work legally in ... (1935 views)
  3. How much TEFL training do I need to teach ... (1540 views)
  4. Do I need to speak Turkish in order to ... (1470 views)
  5. How much tax will I have to pay on ... (1294 views)

Living in Turkey

  1. Which visa do I need to work legally in ... (1935 views)
  2. How much tax will I have to pay on ... (1294 views)
  3. Can I find TEFL jobs while in Turkey? ... (1221 views)
  4. What is the cost of living like in Turkey? ... (755 views)
  5. What is the standard of accommodation like in Turkey? ... (546 views)

Teaching in Turkey

  1. How many hours a week do TEFL teachers in ... (2062 views)
  2. Is a job in Turkey guaranteed if I complete ... (1658 views)
  3. How much TEFL training do I need to teach ... (1540 views)
  4. Do I need to speak Turkish in order to ... (1470 views)
  5. Is it possible for families or couples to find ... (987 views)

Advice from the Experts

A few of our TEFL experts (Dave, Meryl, Laura, Rebecca, Rachel and Rich) have also come out from behind their headsets to answer some of our most popular TEFL questions on camera: please excuse the giggles – they all got a bit nervous!

Anyway, take and look, and if you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, just give one of them a call – they don’t seem to be able to keep a straight face, but when it comes to TEFL they really know what they’re talking about!

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