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FAQ's

Answers to all of your TEFL related questions

TEFL FAQs

What is TEFL?

TEFL is an abbreviation for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. The English community uses this acronym, similar to TESOL (Teaching English as a Second Language), to refer to the teaching of English to non-native English speakers. A TEFL certificate is a globally recognized certification that is required to teach English to non-native speakers both online and in person.

What is required to get a TEFL certificate?

BeyondTEFL requires proficient fluency in English (B2 and above), an internet connection, and the course fee for all TEFL certifications.

Other online TEFL courses typically require a high school diploma/GED. Some in-person TEFL courses may require additional education, such as an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, as well as proof of English fluency for non-native speakers.

How many TEFL course hours do I need to teach English?

Most English teaching jobs abroad accept traditional 120-hour certifications. Specialized areas of study, such as Teaching Business English (TBE) and Teaching English to Young Learners (TEYL) may require additional hours depending on the employer.

What’s the best TEFL course to teach English abroad?

A traditional 120-hour TEFL course is the best course for teaching English abroad. BeyondTEFL’s accredited certification courses are recognized by public and private schools worldwide and are done online.

What’s the best TEFL course to teach English online?

BeyondTEFL’s 120-Hour Online TEFL course is the best and most flexible course for teaching English online. Online TEFL courses are less expensive than in-person courses and are accepted by nearly all online teaching platforms.

Do I need a specialty TEFL course?

You do not need a specialized TEFL course to teach English in person or online. Most teachers are content with a standard 120-hour TEFL certification, but specialty courses will improve your teaching skills, benefit your students, and increase your chances of being hired.

Do I have to be a native English speaker to teach English?

Though many schools only hire native English speakers, non-native English speakers are still hired all over the world, both in person and online. The main requirements for employment are a high level of English proficiency and a TEFL certification.

I’m a teacher, do I really need a TEFL certificate?

To teach English as a foreign language abroad, you must have a TEFL certification. Teaching English to native students in your home country is not the same as teaching English to non-native students. The good news is that prior job experience as a licensed teacher will put you miles ahead of other candidates while also providing an advantage to your students!

How much can I earn teaching English?

Salaries for English teachers working abroad and online vary depending on qualifications, experience, and the employer. Depending on your credentials, English teachers in East Asian countries such as South Korea, China, Japan, and Taiwan can earn up to $3,000 per month. Online teachers can earn up to $30 per hour. It all depends on your contract hours and additional benefits like housing, insurance, and vacation time.

How long does it take to get TEFL certified?

The time it takes to earn a TEFL certification differs depending on whether the course is taken online or in person. Quality online courses typically take 1-3 months to complete. In-person TEFL courses vary, but for the traditional 120-hour TEFL certificate, teachers must complete a total of 120 hours, spanning from weeks to months.

How long is a TEFL certificate good for?

TEFL certificates have no expiration date and are valid for life. However, with the rapidly growing language education sector, as well as the advancement of technology, it is recommended that you maintain an updated TEFL certificate as well as any specialty courses you may find useful throughout your career to maintain knowledge of current teaching practices.

How long does it take to complete a TEFL course?

It is entirely up to you how long it takes to complete our courses. BeyondTEFL gives you 180 days to finish all of our courses, which is more than double the amount of time given by other TEFL providers. To complete the course in a concise and timely manner, we recommend devoting 6-12 hours per week.

Do I need any experience to take a TEFL course?

You do not need any prior teaching experience to enroll in our TEFL courses; we will teach you everything and ensure that you finish our courses confident in your newfound teaching abilities! In addition to our standard 120-hour TEFL course, we offer specialized courses such as our 30-Hour Advanced Grammar for English Teachers and 30-Hour Teaching IELTS Exam Preparation course, which will enhance your resume in the competitive TEFL market.

Which TEFL certification is best?

Our accredited 120 Hour Online TEFL course is appropriate for teaching English to primary and secondary students both in-person and online. Nursery students and post-graduate students, for example, would benefit from one of our specialized extension courses, such as our 30-Hour Teaching English to Young Learners course or the 30-Hour Teaching Business English course. Fortunately, BeyondTEFL offers a wide range of courses that will improve your teaching abilities and benefit your students, regardless of skill level or field of study.

What kind of support does this TEFL course offer?

BeyondTEFL offers a variety of resources and support to ensure you successfully complete our courses. With Tutor Support, you can email your tutor at any time during the course for academic assistance. Once your coursework has been submitted and graded, you can request that your assessor review any questions or issues you may have encountered during the course. Furthermore, BeyondTEFL hosts weekly Q&A Zoom sessions and a student community on Discord where students can connect for advice and tips. Please keep in mind that normal working hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. GMT.

How long is my TEFL certification valid?

Our courses at BeyondTEFL are valid for life! As more teachers choose to teach English online and in person, it is recommended you take an updated course every few years as you continue your teaching career, in addition to any specialized English courses that would benefit you and your students. The TEFL job market is highly competitive, and specialized qualifications will not only set you apart from other candidates, but will ensure your students receive a quality education.

Is this TEFL course difficult?

To continue supporting all learners worldwide, BeyondTEFL places a strong priority on the quality of every one of our courses. Our TEFL courses are simple to follow and provide a range of assistance to finish your coursework accurately and on time.

Young Learner FAQs

What is a “Young Learner”?

The term “Young Learner” (YL) can refer to a foreign language learner from preschool to secondary school. Students under the age of thirteen are typically considered young learners because they are just beginning their English education.

What is TYL or TEYL?

TEYL stands for Teaching English to Young Learners (TYL– Teaching Young Learners).

How can I teach English to children?

With a 120-hour TEFL certification, you can teach English to children both in person and online. Fortunately, there is a high demand for English teachers for children, and finding a job teaching children anywhere in the world is a simple process. Teachers looking for a competitive edge in the oversaturated TEFL market can benefit from our 30-Hour Teaching Young Learners Course, which specializes in teaching children.

Is it harder to teach English to children or young learners?

Many teachers appreciate the enthusiasm of children and young learners, making it an easy and rewarding job. While the material is simpler than what you would teach to advanced and older learners, emphasis is especially placed on methodology and high-energy lesson plans to keep students engaged. The level of difficulty in teaching English to children is solely determined by the teacher’s preferences.

Can you teach young learners or children English online?

Children and young learners can be taught both in-person and online. The vast majority of English-teaching job opportunities are for children.

Business English FAQs

What is business English?

Business English is a subset of English used in professional settings such as trade, commerce, marketing, and finance. The English taught focuses on purposeful business jargon and concepts that are not typically covered in standard EFL classes. Business English study aims to improve one’s comprehension and vocabulary in all business contexts such as meetings, presentations, negotiations, reports, and summaries. As the international market continues to globalize, English has become a requirement regardless of country, with most major corporations speaking English.

What is TBE?

TBE stands for Teaching Business English. A TBE certification qualifies teachers to teach business-related classes to students of various levels.

Who are typical business English students?

Business English students can range from adolescent learners, university students, corporate supervisors, and near-native English learners looking to improve their understanding of key business terms and concepts. A business English course can help anyone, whether you are preparing for an interview, writing your first business plan, or reviewing your insurance policy.

What is the average pay for business English teachers?

The average salary for teaching English as a foreign language online ranges from $8 to $20 per hour, so expect to make several hundred dollars more if you teach a specialized and in-demand course like Business English. Teachers who work in language schools and academies that offer business courses can earn more than the average primary and secondary school teacher. Students are typically adults, which means they are willing to spend more money on courses that are specific to their careers. Going the independent route and finding your own clients allows you to charge higher rates than regular English classes.

Is it harder to teach business English?

As a first-time business English teacher, you may be nervous about teaching concepts you may or may not have known prior. Fortunately, the average Business English learner has a strong command of the English language and is eager to improve. Students who study business English are ambitious and committed. Many English teachers enjoy teaching Business English because anyone, regardless of previous studies, disciplines, or fields of work, can teach it in a variety of creative ways. Teaching Business English does not require you to be a business genius; the goal is to teach students how to properly communicate in corporate settings.

Can you teach business English online?

Almost anything, including Business English, can be taught online. Online business courses are in high demand, especially among professionals and those looking to further their education. Obtaining your 120-hour TEFL certification, as well as BeyondTEFL’s Teaching Business English course, can lead to numerous opportunities to teach a variety of business English topics online, from advertising to human resources.

IELTS FAQs

What is the IELTS exam?

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam is an international English exam used for study, work, and migration in English-speaking countries. Examinees are assessed in the areas of reading, writing, listening, and speaking. IELTS exams are divided into two categories: Academic and General. The test is graded on a scale of 0 to 9, and a passing score is entirely dependent on the institution to which you are applying. The IELTS exam is administered in collaboration with Cambridge English, the British Council, and IDP: IELTS Australia.

What does it mean to be an IELTS coach?

An IELTS coach or trainer helps students prepare for the IELTS exam. To become an IELTS coach, you must be a native or near-native English speaker with a TEFL certification and knowledge of the IELTS exam. You can work as an IELTS tutor both online and in person. Becoming an IELTS coach is a rewarding way to help the international community and change lives by using English! BeyondTEFL offers a 30-Hour Teaching IELTS Exam Preparation Course for teachers wanting to become an IELTS coach.

Can anyone teach or coach for IELTS?

While no official licenses are required for IELTS coaches, having sufficient experience teaching English as well as a traditional 120 Hour TEFL course is a great place to start. Our 30-hour teaching IELTS Exam Preparation course will improve your understanding of the IELTS process and increase your student’s chances of passing the exam.

What countries recognize the IELTS exam?

All English-speaking countries recognize the IELTS exam. The English-speaking countries include the United States, Canada, England, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand.

What is IELTS needed for?

The IELTS is needed for those seeking a visa to study, live, or work in English-speaking countries.

English Grammar FAQs

Why is teaching English grammar important?

Grammar understanding is required for English learners to achieve full fluency. Simply put, good grammar is good communication. The better your grammar, the higher your English esteem is held by both natives and non-natives. Good grammar skills set you apart from other non-native English speakers and help you get jobs and opportunities. Grammar is where the majority of EFL students begin their studies. It is the most essential tool for learning, speaking, and comprehending proper English. BeyondTEFL’s Advanced English Grammar course teaches teachers how to teach advanced grammar and plan effective lessons. BeyondTEFL’s Advanced English Grammar course will benefit experienced teachers who want to work with advanced students, teach high-level writing, and create efficient lesson plans.

Is teaching grammar different from teaching English?

For many students, grammar is a separate concept from overall English instruction. Grammar, unlike vocabulary and pronunciation, makes a direct contribution to the basic structures of English. Many people argue that teaching grammar is pointless because students dislike it and teachers struggle to create engaging lessons that bring often-difficult grammar concepts to life. The most important key to teaching grammar effectively is to remind students of its importance and repetition of rules.

What are the methods for teaching English grammar?

Grammar is taught in an array of innovative ways. Grammar instruction is commonly divided into two approaches: deductive and inductive. Deductive means that the teacher establishes a rule that the students must follow. The self-directed acquisition of various grammar rules is known as inductive learning. Grammar concepts must be repeated for English learners to learn them correctly.

What are the benefits of advanced grammar for English teachers?

As an English teacher, consider yourself the authority on all things English learning, even if it is outside of your area of specialization. Grammar is a difficult subject for even native English speakers to grasp completely, so knowing advanced grammar and being able to explain it is beneficial for all English teachers. Grammar knowledge assists both teachers and students in learning and understanding why and how we say things in English.

English Online FAQs

How can you teach English online?

In this day and age, teaching English online is a popular way for native and advanced English speakers to supplement their income. Fortunately, because our modes of communication have become so digitized, teaching English online is frequently easier, less expensive, and more flexible than teaching English in person. There are thousands of platforms online that connect teachers with potential students, with contracts ranging from fixed to as-needed.

The most important step is to obtain a 120-hour TEFL certification. Online TEFL certificates are plentiful, and if you want to be fully prepared to teach students, you should shop around before settling on the cheapest online TEFL course you can find on the web—you’d be doing your students a disservice by going cheap, and your payment will most certainly reflect that. BeyondTEFL guarantees quality courses that help students of all ages and levels learn English to the best of their abilities and with proper care.

A stable internet connection in a well-lit and quiet working environment is required. Many online English-speaking platforms perform an internet speed test, as well as audio and visual tests, so make sure you have all of the necessary equipment to avoid delaying potential job opportunities. After obtaining your TEFL certification and securing a suitable working environment, you can begin looking for jobs on online job boards.

What platforms are the best for online English tutoring?

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and China’s recent ban on online tutoring, many online platforms are becoming oversaturated. There are numerous platforms for English teachers to choose from, and your platform of choice is determined by your qualifications, experience, and availability. With the rise of distance learning, more public and private schools, as well as businesses, are hiring online English teachers. As of 2023, the most popular platforms are Cambly, iTalki, Preply, and VIPKid. There are thousands of large and small online platforms to choose from; simply ensure that they are legal and legitimate.

What do online English tutors get paid for?

Online English tutors are typically paid between $10-$40 per hour. Many platforms start new online teachers at around $15 per hour. Many platforms prioritize native English teachers, but non-natives can earn just as much, if not more, depending on their qualifications. Some teachers prefer to work independently, acquiring their students through classified ads or creating a personalized teaching website where they can set their rates. Whether you teach English online part-time or full-time, you can expect to earn a lot of money each month.

What do I need to be able to teach English online?

All online teachers must have an English teaching certification, the most common of which are TEFL, TESOL, and CELTA. The type of certificate required depends on where you teach and the learner’s level. For online teaching, many teachers are satisfied with a traditional 120-hour TEFL certificate.

A university degree is preferred but not always required, preferably in English or a closely related field. You may be required to submit proof of degree depending on the company.

Finally, make sure you have a laptop with a reliable internet connection. Many platforms evaluate the speed of your internet connection, as well as the quality of your lighting and audio. Your students must be able to see and hear you without interruption! Although your laptop’s built-in camera and microphone are usually adequate, many teachers purchase additional lighting and headsets to improve the quality of their classes. Remember that you are investing in both your student’s education and your career!

Is it harder to teach English online?

It should come as no surprise that many qualified teachers eventually transition to online teaching. Many people find that online English instruction is simple, quick, and enjoyable! Students who enroll in online English classes are more eager to learn and pay attention than students who attend traditional, in-person courses, meaning you won’t have to deal with unmotivated students and the classroom management issues that come with them.

You have complete control over your classes when you teach online, and you can tailor them to specific students, making lesson planning and teaching a whole lot easier. One of the many advantages of teaching English online is the ability to work from home and have a flexible schedule. With reliable internet and a good camera, you can communicate with learners from any country, culture, or location on the planet!