How to Use Your TEFL Certification

There are many different types of teaching jobs you can get with a TEFL certification. Here are a few of the most common:

• EFL teacher: EFL teachers teach English to students who are learning English as a foreign language. They may work in schools, universities, or online.
• English tutor: English tutors work with students one-on-one to help them improve their English language skills. They may work in private tutoring centers, online, or at home.

The specific type of teaching job you can get with a TEFL certification will depend on your qualifications, experience, and preferences. However, with a TEFL certification, you will have a wide range of opportunities to teach English to students of all ages and levels of proficiency.

Yes, you can teach English online with a TEFL certification. In fact, many online teaching companies require their teachers to have a TEFL certification. This is because a TEFL certification demonstrates that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to teach English to non-native speakers in an online setting. 

The average salary for TEFL teachers abroad can vary widely depending on the country, experience level, and qualifications. However, in general, TEFL teachers can expect to earn a decent salary in most countries. Here are some examples of average monthly salaries for TEFL teachers in different countries:

• Middle East: $2,000 - $5,000 USD
• Asia: $800 - $2,500 USD
• Europe: $1,000 - $2,500 USD
• Latin America: $500 - $1,300 USD

In addition to salary, many TEFL teachers also receive benefits such as housing allowances, travel reimbursement, and health insurance. These benefits can significantly increase the overall value of a TEFL teaching position.  

There are no strict age limits for teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) in most countries. However, some employers may have minimum age requirements, typically 18 or 21 years old. This is because they may want to ensure that their teachers have the maturity and experience to effectively manage a classroom and handle challenging situations.

Additionally, some employers might apply age limitations due to visa restrictions, employer preferences, or school administration decisions. Some countries have visa restrictions for older teachers, while some employers may prefer younger teachers due to physical demands or marketability concerns.

It's important to note that these reasons are not always universal, and many employers are open to hiring workers of all ages. If you are an older individual seeking employment abroad, it is crucial to research potential employers and highlight your skills, experience, and adaptability to increase your chances of securing a position. 

TEFL teachers abroad may encounter challenges in understanding cultural norms, adapting teaching approaches, respecting religious beliefs, interpreting non-verbal cues, and navigating gender roles. Embracing cultural differences, seeking guidance, and adapting to living in a new culture can lead to success as a TEFL teacher abroad.

Effective TEFL courses should equip teachers with the skills to navigate cultural differences in the classroom. The CIEE 150-Hour TEFL Certificate course prioritizes this aspect, recognizing its significance for successful teaching abroad. 

The length of a typical contract for TEFL teaching positions can vary depending on the employer, the country, and the type of position. However, most TEFL teaching contracts are for one academic year, which typically lasts 9 to 12 months. Some employers may also offer shorter contracts, such as for a semester or summer camp, while others may offer opportunities to extend the original contract to allow stays of 2 years or more.