TEFL International teaching English FAQ's

TEFL International has been providing quality teacher training programs for students seeking overseas jobs in the ESL and TESOL fields for over a decade. The world’s leading TESOL course provider, TEFL International is one of the world's most recognized and respected providers of English teacher training courses, international volunteer opportunities, and study abroad programs.

One of our goals here at TEFL International is to impart as much clarity and information about our organization and the programs that we offer as possible in order to help you make an informed decision about your future as an overseas English teacher. We provide 24-hour support to both current and prospective students via telephone, email, and live chat. While we encourage you to contact us with any questions you might have about our courses or programs, we have compiled a list of some of the most commonly asked questions for your convenience.

Traditional Classroom Course FAQs

There are so many different TESOL certificate courses being advertised - how do I know which to apply for?

There are many good schools out there. Many are professionally managed and have qualified, competent teachers. Unfortunately, there is no law to prevent just anyone from establishing a teacher training center and there is nothing to prevent you from being ripped off by a company offering purportedly legitimate certification. Important criteria that you should look for in a TESOL certificate course include:

·         At least 120 hours of classroom instruction.

·         At least 6 hours of teaching under the direction and supervision of a trained, experienced teacher.

·         A commitment to providing students with job guidance and employment opportunities.

·         Some kind of overseeing body like a university or examining board that externally controls course quality. Most employers look for certification that meets or exceeds these criteria. Certificates earned from courses that do not meet these criteria will not be considered legitimate.

What is the difference between TESOL and TEFL? What is CELTA and what does it stand for?

For all intents and purposes, the terms mean the same thing with TESOL being more common in America and large state sector colleges in Britain (e.g., the Institute of Education in London), while TEFL is more common in UK Language Schools. There is a slight technical difference as TESOL refers to all learners whose first language is not English, including ethnic minorities living in English-speaking countries, whereas TEFL refers only to “foreign” students learning to speak English overseas. Therefore, a TESOL course actually encompasses more than a more narrowly defined TEFL course. The CELTA, which stands for Certificate for English Language Teaching to Adults, is a TESOL certificate course aimed at teaching English to adult students. It was actually the first of this type of teacher training course and was originally an in-house training course for teachers at International House, a large chain of language schools based in London. Because it was the first, it is very widely respected and recognized by name.

What about distance learning or short courses? There are a lot of them and they are really cheap!

Remember that most employers are looking for certification that meets the general criteria listed above. And let’s face it – any course that does not put students in real-life teaching situations will have very limited benefit. It would be like trying to learn how to swim by reading a book, or how to drive a car by reading the drivers manual without any kind of hands-on practice.

Are there regional or national differences in teacher training courses?

Yes. The four-week TESOL certificate courses were first developed in England. They are widely accepted as initial teacher training courses throughout the world. In fact, the vast majority of organizations offering these courses, as well as their overseeing bodies, are British. In North America, teachers with a four-week course certificate are not considered qualified to teach at public schools. They are, however, generally qualified to teach at private language schools. TEFL International is unique in that we are based upon the British four-week system, exceeding all of their basic criteria, but we also work with several well-respected U.S. universities. In fact, many U.S. universities offer financial aid and up to 12 credits for completion of both our course and an internship with TEFL International.

Will my certification from TEFL International be recognized around the world?

Certainly! Here are a few important points to remember about our organization:

·         TEFL International is the largest TESOL course provider in the world, with global course locations on every continent except Antarctica.

·         TEFL International is also the world’s second largest TESOL certificate provider, but the largest organization that provides training for instruction of both adults and children.

·         Our courses meet or exceed the international standard of 120 hours of instruction and a minimum of 6 hours of observed teaching practice.

·         TEFL International provides a printed explanation of the course on the back of each certificate in 12 different languages.

·         Each course is moderated by TEFL International’s Board of Academic Advisors.

·         With nearly a decade of experience and literally thousands of graduates working all over the world, our global contacts in the field attest to the quality of our teachers and our programs.

Are TEFL International’s courses tough?

Before you choose a course you should carefully consider the teaching style of the instructors.

For instance, many American students have found the British courses to be culturally difficult and have complained of unsympathetic and overly-critical teachers.

While we have based our curriculum on the generally-accepted British model, over the years we have adapted this model to be more international. We have incorporated many Peace Corps and U.S. training techniques to balance and complement the original model.

Can I get college credit for taking the TEFL International Certificate Course?

Yes! If you are currently a college student we would be happy to work with your university to arrange credit.

If you want university credit for your participation, it is best to contact us in advance. We can work with your university to arrange credit, if possible.

Our course has been fully evaluated for credit by Dr. Bill Leon, an instructor of Program Evaluation at the University of Washington.

To learn more about earning college credit for your participation in our TESOL Certificate Course, please contact TEFL International.

Can I get a teaching job without a degree?

Yes. Some countries, like China and Thailand, will allow you to work without a degree. Even in these countries, however, you may still have difficulty competing against teachers who do have a degree.

Working as an ESL teacher without a degree is certainly possible, but you should choose your destination carefully and be prepared for some hardships. Email, chat, or call our helpline for more information and advice on the criteria that is typically required for teaching in the country of your choice.

My grammar stinks! Do you think I would be able to make it through your course?

Of course! As a native speaker, you actually have a much better grasp of grammar than you think. You just don’t know the terminology!

Our job is to teach you the terminology in an enjoyable and uncomplicated way. We assume that you know nothing about grammar terminology when you arrive, however we ensure that you leave with the basics necessary to teach English abroad.

Do you provide job placement assistance?

TEFL International provides job search assistance as well as a Guaranteed Job Placement Program.

With locations all over the world, each course center is an area expert with extensive contacts within the country. We will work closely with you to find a TEFL job in the location of your choice. And, as an example, if after a few years you decide to move from Thailand to Spain, our Spain center will be there to help you.

What are the requirements for acceptance into the certificate course? How do I know if I am suitable? Am I too old? What is the success rate and how many people fail?

A lot of questions, but all interrelated. We find that our courses tend to be taken by a "mixed bag" of people.

For example, we get a lot of people in their early twenties who are recent graduates and want to travel overseas, but we also have people in their thirties and forties who want to switch careers, have lost their jobs, or are moving overseas with their families. In addition, we have people who are either approaching or are in retirement and are looking for something to do in their free time. Finally, we sometimes have people from other English-speaking countries in our courses as well as non-native speakers from other countries who speak fluent English.

As far as entrance requirements are concerned, if you are to be an English teacher, a high standard of both spoken and written English is demanded. By this we mean your use of English, not necessarily your knowledge of grammatical terminology – you will be given an introduction to language awareness during the course itself.

Finally, you should be able to teach! Do you have the confidence and personal presence to stand at the front of a classroom in front of a group of students, all giving you their undivided attention, and teach them?

If you are a person of more mature years, do not let this in itself discourage you from applying. Provided that you are receptive to training, you should have no problems. If, however, you are rigid in your ways of thinking and are unwilling to adapt then, regardless of age, you may find the course rather difficult.

Do I need to purchase books or any other materials?

The course fee includes everything you need to complete the course. There are no extra or hidden fees.

Do I need a college degree?

We do not require that trainees have a college degree, but having one may be an advantage when searching for a job overseas. There is no need to have a degree in order to take the course, although you do need to have a standard of education that will allow you to cope with the material given. Our requirements are for you to be either a native English-speaker or fluent in English, have the aptitude to critically examine language, and be able to learn from your teaching methods and experiences.

What are the top 15 reasons to take TEFL International’s TESOL Certificate Course in Ban Phe, Thailand?

1.     The TEFL International TESOL Certificate Course in Ban Phe is the flagship of the TEFL International network. The TEFL International TESOL Certificate Course was developed here, and continues to be a 'work in progress.'

2.     The trainers are Dave Hopkins, TEFL International’s Academic Director and author of Smooth Moves, and Jidapa Prompruang, who both possess graduate degrees and extensive teaching and training experience.

3.     Teaching practice takes place in rural Thai schools with students who are highly motivated. We take pride in the teaching practice experience, as it is the most important component of your teacher training.

4.     The program is designed for your success. The Ban Phe course is intensive and demanding, but the vast majority of trainees meet the criteria of being "comfortable, confident, and competent" in the classroom.

5.     Every course is moderated by Dr. Arthur McNiell, an internationally known TESOL expert, under our agreement of cooperation with Asian University.

6.     Students have immediate access to supplemental online courses, including the TESOL Diploma Course, the Teaching Young Learners Course, and the Basic Business English Teaching Course, that are all under the direction of Dave Hopkins and his team of professionals.

7.     Students are eligible for internships with programs like the Rural Thai and Special Thai Projects, as well as career counseling to assist you in finding your ideal position.

8.     Ban Phe is an idyllic location that is literally on the beaches of Suan Son, Mae Rampueng, Laem Mai Pim, and is just across the straits from the island paradise of Koh Samet.

9.     Students have access to modest hotel accommodations that are in the same building as the classrooms, which are open 24/7.

10.   An inexpensive local economy where most prices are local and not on the dual pricing system (one for foreigners, another for Thais), which is commonly found in international tourist zones.

11.   The staff of the Ban Phe course center is accommodating and ready to help you with immigration, shopping, health services, transportation, and anything else you might need assistance with.

12.   You will live and work in a community that appreciates TEFL International and its students. Whether it's the international ambiance of The World Bar, exercise at the Phe Gym, eating at Christie's, or shopping at Khun Petra's store, you know that you are welcome.

13.   Students here enjoy a vast array of extracurricular activities from windsurfing, scuba diving, or mountain biking, to more exotic pursuits like dining at an enchanted forest restaurant, muay thai boxing, or 'making merit' at a local temple.

14.   All the comforts of home are available with Lotus-Tesco and 7-Elevens within walking distance of the course center, and only hours from larger centers like Pattaya and Bangkok.

15.   Students will complete a transformative educational experience, gaining skills and friends that will be with them for the rest of their lives.

We're here to make the TEFL International TESOL Certificate Course in Ban Phe, Thailand a defining experience in your life.

Why should I take the TESOL Certificate Course from TEFL International rather than a course offered by a different teacher training organization?

·         TEFL International meets or exceeds international standards with more than 120 hours of classroom time and over 6 hours of observed teaching practice.

·         TEFL International works with universities to allow you to earn college credit for you participation in our TESOL Certificate Course.

·         TEFL International works hard to develop a nurturing, supportive learning environment.

·         Most TEFL International courses include housing in one affordable price.

·         TEFL International courses are all located in fun, interesting locations.

·         TEFL International courses cover one-on-one lessons with learners of English, as well as with full classes.

·         TEFL International courses include learning an unfamiliar language in order to make students think about the difficulties of teaching English as a foreign language to complete beginners.

·         TEFL International courses include an opportunity to create your own teaching material, which you can take with you after graduation and use in your future teaching career.

·         TEFL International courses include training for teaching both younger learners as well as adults.

Online Course FAQs

Is it necessary to be a native speaker of English to enroll in TEFL International’s certificate program?

No. Currently there are English teachers from all over the world. You do, however, need to be able to demonstrate a very good command of the English language and have an internationally recognized qualification, such as completion of the TOEFL or Cambridge Proficiency.

Thailand Teaching Placement FAQs

It is highly recommended that you look through the following Frequently Asked Questions regarding TEFL International’s Thailand programs. Please note that much of the information provided here is purely a guideline. The exact requirements for each teaching placement will depend on which school you are placed in. The employment agencies we work with will provide you with the specific information and details regarding your teaching placement.

How much will I be paid?

You will receive a standard teacher’s salary, which is 30,000 Thai baht per month, plus housing.

Where will I be placed?

You will be given the opportunity by the employment agencies that TEFL International works with to state your preferences regarding the location of your placement. As the needs of both the schools and the teachers have to be taken into consideration, it is important to note that it may not be possible to satisfy everybody’s preferences and requirements. Therefore, we cannot guarantee that you will be placed in the exact location that you desire. We will, however, always do our best to make sure that both parties are happy! Generally, the more qualified you are, the more options you have, although different schools have different preferences. Some prefer female teachers, some prefer couples, some prefer younger teachers, and some just want friendly, easy going, reliable educators that will work hard to improve their teaching skills as they go. Please inform us of your preferences and your reasoning for them. Your flexibility is greatly appreciated. And remember, the sooner that you can commit, the better your chances will be of acquiring a position that you desire.

When will I find out the details of my placement?

There will be an opportunity during the first week of the course, usually on the first day, for you to meet with a representative from the placement agency who will be taking care of you. The agency representative will then remain in close contact with you, keeping you informed of the details of your placement as they become available.

How many hours per week will I be teaching?

Teachers are typically in the classroom for about 20 to 25 hours per week. Classes generally run between 50 and 60 minutes, depending on the school.

How many hours per day will I be expected to be at my school?

The amount of time you are required to be present at the school depends on your particular placement, but most teachers will work at the school between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday. Some schools may require you to attend meetings after school hours or participate in extra-curricular activities. Your school may also hold pre-class assemblies in the mornings, which you may be expected to attend. Most Thai schools also employ a greeting system in the mornings whereby a member of staff greets teachers and parents as they arrive to drop off their children for class. You may be expected to participate as most Thai schools operate their greeting system on a rotation basis.

Will I have to work on Thai national holidays?

No. Most schools do not require that you work on Thai national holidays.

Will I get non-Thai holidays off?

No. You will be expected to work on all non-Thai holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, and New Year’s Day. Although non-Thai holidays are not celebrated in the same way as they are in your home country, most schools recognize the main non-Thai holidays and may hold their own celebrations.

Will I be required to prepare my own lesson plans?

Yes. Every school will expect you to prepare your own lesson plans. Some schools may require that you submit your lesson plans at regular intervals.

How will I be expected to dress when I’m teaching?

Teaching is a highly respected profession in Thailand and there is a dress code in accordance with this level of respect. The dress code in Thai government schools may seem strict at first, but appearances and first impressions are extremely important in Thailand. If you are a teacher, you will be expected to dress appropriately and professionally.

For male teachers, dress pants (no jeans or cargo pants) and a long or short sleeve dress shirt (no golf shirts) is typically sufficient. Your school may require you to wear a tie on special occasions or holidays. On the other hand, some schools may require a tie to be worn on a daily basis. Brown or black dress shoes are acceptable (no running shoes or sandals). You will be expected to be clean shaven or keep facial hair properly trimmed and presentable. Earrings, facial piercings, and visible tattoos are not acceptable. Hair should be short and presentable. Males with long hair may be expected to wear it pulled back.

Female teachers are expected to wear skirts that are knee-length or longer with a presentable blouse that is neither low cut nor revealing. Dress shoes should be worn – open toe and high heel shoes are acceptable (no sandals or running shoes). Facial piercings and visible tattoos are not acceptable. Earrings are acceptable providing that they are not worn in excessive numbers (e.g., 4 earrings in each ear). Hair should be presentable.

How should I dress outside of work?

Males should be aware that it is not acceptable or polite in Thai culture to not wear a shirt in public, unless in an appropriate setting like the beach.

Females should be aware that, in Thai society, revealing clothing is not considered acceptable for female teachers at any time.

What paperwork will I be responsible for maintaining?

Again, this will depend on your individual placement. However, you may be expected to keep attendance records, grades, and any additional notes.

Will I be required to undertake any responsibilities or tasks other than teaching my classes?

Your school may give you the opportunity to get involved in extra-curricular activities like assemblies, presentations, evening activities, summer camps, English camps, etc. It is strongly recommended that you participate in at least some of these activities. Abstaining from participation may lead to the impression that you are unsatisfied with your job, or that you don’t like your school or your fellow teachers. You may also be invited to join staff parties, field trips, weddings, or dinners. It is up to you whether or not you accept, but such invitations offer you a unique opportunity to experience Thai culture first-hand.

Will I be able to save money or pay off student loans while working in Thailand?

This is simply a matter of the lifestyle you are prepared or are able to live, and how well you manage your expenses. There are people who claim that trying to live on less than 30,000 baht per month is difficult, and yet there are teachers that are able to make loan payments and live comfortably on the same salary. If you are able to adjust to the Thai lifestyle, weather, and food then you will be able to save money. If you require Western food and need Western amenities like a TV, personal computer, and air conditioning, then you may find that you will be waiting for pay day every month. In general, if money is a major concern for you at this point in your life, then you may be happier working in countries like Korea, Taiwan, or Japan where teaching salaries are much higher than they are in Thailand.

How much money will I need to live on until I start receiving my salary?

Again, this will vary depending on your needs and your ability to adapt to the Thai lifestyle. Your housing for the duration of both your in-class training and your teaching placement are taken care of, so you will only need to worry about the cost of living if you are planning to arrive prior to the course. There may also be housing costs to pay if there is a period of down time in between the end of your in-class training period and the beginning of your teaching placement. Accommodations in Bangkok can be found for as little as 200 or as much as 6000 baht per night, depending on your requirements. The price of an average room is around 500 to 800 baht. You will receive your first pay after 1 month of teaching, so we recommend that you bring enough money to last you at least 6 weeks. It is recommended that you bring, or have at your disposal, a minimum of 30,000-45,000 baht, which is about $1,000-$1,500 USD. Any ATM card with either the PLUS or CIRRUS logo can be used at most Thai bank ATMs

What is it like teaching English in Thailand?

Working in a Thai school is much different than working in a Western school.

Benefits of working in a Thai School:

·         English teachers from overseas are generally welcomed enthusiastically by the school and the community as a whole.

·         You have countless opportunities to develop many professional and social contacts.

·         The students are attentive and appreciative.

·         You are able to learn about, and fully immerse yourself in, Thai culture.

·         You will only be responsible for teaching basic conversational English. You don’t have to be a grammar expert – although grammar knowledge doesn't hurt.

·         Very little weekend work is required.

Drawbacks of working in a Thai School:

·         Class sizes are large, typically ranging anywhere from 40 to 55 students per class.

·         You may be expected to be in school from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday.

·         There can be communication gaps and errors between school and teacher. In such an instance, TEFL International is here to assist you.

·         There are fewer available teaching resources at your disposal.

·         Thai schools generally offer a lower base salary.

·         You will be expected to participate in administrative or extra-curricular activities such as staff meetings, morning assemblies, gate greetings, and school sponsored outings.

What documents are required to obtain the Work Permit and Non-Immigrant B Visa? What is the process for obtaining them?

You will need to bring your degrees (copies are usually acceptable, but bring originals in case) and any other certificates, diplomas, or awards that you have earned regardless of their relevance to teaching. In short, the more paperwork you have, the better. All other required documents will either be supplied by TEFL International or will be arranged in Thailand, such as health certificates, photographs, and multiple copies of your passport pages.

The process for obtaining a Work Permit and a Non-Immigrant B Visa is complicated, arduous, and involves a lot of red tape. You will need to:

·         Obtain a 3-month Non-Immigrant B Visa.

·         Apply for a work permit at the Provincial Labor Office to match your visa.

·         Take your work permit or the receipt for your work permit to immigration to apply for an extension on your visa.

·         Take your new visa to the Provincial Labor Office to apply for an extension on you work permit to match your new visa.

There are many other steps along the way, but these are the only steps that you will be involved in. We are usually able to obtain the initial 3-month Non-Immigrant B Visa before your departure, however it is not always possible due to variations between numerous Thai embassies and consulates around the world. Those who do not obtain a 3-month Non-Immigrant B Visa before departure will need to go to Laos or Malaysia prior to their start date to obtain the proper visa. Most people may enter Thailand on a free 30-day Transit Visa.

What are the students and schools like in Thailand?

As we only work with schools in and around Bangkok, the schools typically have quite a few high quality resources for teachers to utilize. Most schools have a beautiful campus. All classrooms will have either a blackboard or a whiteboard. Some will have TVs, CD players, DVD players, or overhead projectors at your disposal. Government schools will provide fans, but occasionally some classrooms will have air conditioning. Most teachers’ offices are air conditioned. Almost all Thai schools have computers and access to the internet. Usually school cafeterias have good food at a very low price. The students are extremely respectful towards teachers. In the smaller cities and towns, you will most likely be treated with awe and reverence for the first few weeks. Students may be very shy and may even run away from you! A big smile and a warm disposition will help them open up and feel more comfortable around you.

Is there any way for me to make some extra money in my free time?

While you are not permitted to work with any other company or school while under contract with us, you are more than welcome to undertake private tutoring or lessons within your community. Inevitably, if you are a reliable, fun, easy-going, and friendly teacher, and a person who is involved with the school and community, you will have many people approach you to inquire about private lessons. There are also many opportunities to work at English camps on the weekends or during the holidays