Is TEFL Worth It? The Pros and Cons of TEFL Certificates

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Meet David De’ Ath, founder, editor, and writer at Wonderful World English. With his extensive background as an English teacher, David provides valuable insights and practical tips on ESL for students and teachers alike.

Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certification is a qualification that opens doors to teaching English to non-native speakers.

Over the years, it has been a staple on many an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher’s resume.

These TEFL-equipped educators have accessed opportunities in countries all around the world.

If you are considering getting a TEFL certification, you may be wondering if it’s worth the investment.

I’ve been teaching ESL for several years and have met successful teachers with and without TEFL certificates.

Although having a TEFL is not always necessary, it is advantageous for anyone wanting to pursue a career in teaching ESL. In addition, a TEFL will provide a solid foundation for any new teacher, allowing schools to see that a teacher understands the basics of teaching English.

Most ESL teachers hold a TEFL certificate, which is a prerequisite for many schools and language institutions worldwide.

I am a TEFL-qualified, experienced English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher.

I will explain the pros and cons of getting TEFL certified today and help you determine whether it’s worthwhile.

Let’s explore!

Over 200,000 TEFL-certified teachers are working around the world!

The Pros of Getting TEFL Certified

Obtaining a TEFL certificate will typically involve coursework, with most courses ranging from 120 to 160 hours.

A TEFL certification can be obtained through various in-person and online programs and will require a certain level of proficiency in the English language.

There are several advantages to having a TEFL certification in the world of teaching English as a Second Language.

Below are the four major advantages that come with being TEFL-certified as an English teacher:

1. Greater Job Opportunities

One of the main benefits of getting TEFL certified is the increased job opportunities available to you.

With a TEFL certification, you can teach English in countries worldwide, from Asia to Europe to South America.

Many countries require TEFL certification for English teaching jobs, and having the certification can give you a competitive edge over other applicants.

Even without a four-year degree, a native English speaker with an accredited TEFL Certification can realistically find great opportunities in dozens of countries around the world including Spain, Russia, China, Argentina and many nations in Latin America and Eastern Europe.
International TEFL Academy

When I came to China in 2019, I was required to have at least a bachelor’s degree, a TEFL, as well as a criminal background check and a medical.

This was the school’s requirement that brought me to China; some schools are less stringent.

If you have a specific destination, it is a good idea to check with the local schools and relevant authorities to see what certifications are required to teach in that area.

The majority of language schools will require at least a TEFL, so it is very much worth having if you want access to more job opportunities.

An ESL teacher with a TEFL will have more job opportunities than their non-TEFL counterpart.

2. Higher Pay

Pursuing a TEFL certification widens an ESL teacher’s job horizons and can lead to increased compensation.

With many employers offering higher salaries to certified teachers, obtaining a TEFL certification could be a significant investment in your teaching career.

On top of this, certain countries may require TEFL certification for higher-paying positions, making it a vital requirement for securing a top-paying job in the education sector.

A TEFL certification can help you negotiate better pay and benefits packages and open doors to exciting career opportunities that may have previously been out of reach.

TEFL certification also allows you to effectively develop the necessary skills to teach English as a foreign language.

You’ll learn how to create engaging lesson plans, manage your classroom effectively, and work with students from diverse cultural backgrounds.

These skills will improve your teaching experience and increase your confidence as an educator, making you a valuable asset to any language department or school.

You should check out our article below, which covers whether TEFL teachers get paid more!

A teacher with a TEFL will have access to higher-paying positions.

3. Professional Development

This ties into what we covered at the end of number two and shouldn’t be understated.

A TEFL certification offers valuable professional development opportunities.

The coursework and hands-on teaching experience can help you improve your teaching skills and gain confidence in the classroom.

Additionally, many TEFL programs offer ongoing support and training to help you continue to grow as a teacher.

There are also TEFL communities online that can allow you to connect with other ESL teachers, recruiters, and schools alike.

They can offer free tips and materials to help ESL teachers improve their teaching.

And with a TEFL certificate never expiring, knowing there will be lifelong support as an ESL teacher can be reassuring!

TEFL helps teachers develop and better understand the methodologies of teaching ESL.

4. Cultural Immersion

The final pro on our list is getting TEFL certified, which can provide a unique cultural immersion experience.

As we covered, many schools (although not all) will require a TEFL as an essential qualification.

This will open doors to more opportunities to travel and explore different parts of the world that would otherwise be closed to someone without a TEFL.

Teaching English in different countries allows us to immerse ourselves in a different culture and gain a deeper understanding of the local customs and traditions.

This experience can enrich and help you better appreciate the world’s diverse beauty.

With this will come personal development, and you may even be able to learn a new language for yourself.

I, for one, have found coming to China a fantastic experience; I’ve met many wonderful and exciting people and developed my mind.

Traveling certainly does broaden the mind, as they say!

Please read the article below to find out more reasons why it’s a great idea to become an ESL teacher.

Having a TEFL will open doors to many parts of the world that otherwise may have been difficult to access.

The Cons of Getting TEFL Certified

Now we’ve covered all the great benefits that come with obtaining a TEFL; there are indeed some drawbacks that can be found.

We believe that the pros outweigh the cons, but you should be aware of these before deciding based on your preferences and goals.

Below are the major cons that can come with TEFL certifications:

1. Time and Cost

One of the main drawbacks of getting a TEFL can be the time and cost involved.

Programs can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on the length and location of the program.

Many programs also require a significant time commitment, which can be challenging to balance with other responsibilities for some people.

Of course, cheaper options are available, and some schools will even offer to pay for a teacher’s TEFL, as I’ve seen happen here in China.

It’s a good idea to look around and see what TEFL course options are available to overcome the bane of time and cost.

If you wish to learn more about the difficulty of a TEFL certificate, click the link below!

2. Not Always Necessary

While TEFL certification can be beneficial, it’s not always necessary.

Some employers may not require certification, especially if you have prior teaching experience or a degree in education.

In some cases, you may be able to find teaching opportunities without certification.

If a teacher went through the time and effort to obtain a TEFL only to find out they didn’t need one to teach at their school, it could be somewhat frustrating.

But it is still an excellent qualification for any future endeavors, so it should not dishearten any ESL teachers who may not require one at this time.

Some schools do not require their ESL teachers to have a TEFL.

3. Not Guaranteed Job Placement

Another potential downside of getting TEFL certified is that it doesn’t guarantee job placement.

While having a certification can make you a more attractive candidate to employers, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll land a job immediately.

Competition for English teaching jobs can be high in some countries, and it may take time to find a position that’s the right fit for you.

Despite this, with patience, perseverance, and the will to succeed, a TEFL-qualified ESL teacher will find a suitable position for them.

4. Varying Quality of Programs

Another of the main drawbacks of obtaining a TEFL certificate is the varying quality of programs available.

While well-established and recognized programs offer high-quality training and support, there are also those that fall short in this regard.

For example, some TEFL certification programs may lack experienced instructors, effective teaching methods, or updated curricula.

These deficiencies can ultimately impact the quality of education that participants receive.

Fortunately, there are steps that prospective TEFL students can take to avoid this potential drawback.

Taking the time to research and assess different programs before enrolling is essential.

This can include reading reviews and ratings from other students, checking for accreditation, and evaluating the program’s content.

By doing so, individuals can ensure that they are investing in a program that will provide them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their future teaching endeavors.

Another popular qualification for ESL teachers is the Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA) certificate.

Find out more about the differences between CELTA and TEFL in the guide below!

Always research before handing any money to a TEFL school, and make sure they are reliable.

Is TEFL Worth it For You?

If you’re considering getting TEFL certified, there are a few factors to determine whether it’s worth the investment.

Below are the four main criteria you should consider before committing yourself to obtaining a TEFL qualification:

1. Consider Your Goals

Before enrolling in a TEFL course, you should consider your long-term career goals and how a TEFL certification would align with them.

Are you looking to teach English abroad for many years, or is this a short-term plan?

Some people have been teaching ESL for decades, while others see it as a stepping-stone and a chance to travel.

You should consider it all and consider whether the time and cost of getting a TEFL fit your personal and work goals and decide from there.

2. Research Potential Employers

If you have a specific country or region where you’d like to teach, research potential employers and their requirements.

Do they require TEFL certification, or is just having prior teaching experience or a degree in education sufficient?

Understanding the job market can help you decide whether certification is necessary.

However, as we noted before, although it isn’t always necessary, it is considered an essential qualification for many language schools.

LinkedIn is great for networking with other ESL teachers, recruiters, and schools.

If you are unsure about where to start, I suggest updating your profile and looking on there.

Reach out to schools and recruiters to find out what they require and what they can offer.

3. Evaluate Your Financial Situation

Consider your financial situation and whether you can afford the cost of a TEFL certification program.

Can you recoup the cost through higher pay or more excellent job opportunities?

If not, it may not be worth the investment for you.

Some schools may offer to pay for your TEFL as part of the package, so just like we said in number 2, researching any potential new employers and what they are prepared to offer is a good idea before making big decisions.

4. Explore Other Options

Finally, consider whether there are other ways to gain teaching experience or cultural immersion without getting a TEFL certificate.

Volunteer opportunities, internships, or other short-term teaching programs may provide similar experiences without the same time and financial commitment.

Volunteering can be an excellent alternative to teaching ESL for anyone wanting to get a feel for it before making big life decisions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, whether TEFL certification is worth getting depends on individual circumstances and career goals.

While it can provide more excellent job opportunities, higher pay, and professional development, it also comes with time and financial commitment.

By carefully considering the pros and cons and researching potential options, you can decide whether a TEFL certification is right for you.

By researching and making an informed choice, you can prepare for a rewarding and successful teaching experience abroad.

We hope this helps you on your journey.

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