Keeping it ‘Real’ in the TEFL Industry
The TEFL industry is fraught with false promises and unrealistic expectations. Although the tone of this article may at times seem rather cynical, the overall aim is to lift the veil and reveal the absurdity of unrealistic expectations of many new TEFL teachers and hopefully clarify a few things in the process.
Many newly certified TEFL teachers expect TEFL course providers to guarantee them employment once they have completed their TEFL courses. This is simply an unrealistic expectation. The same student who presumably completed a 3 or 4 year Bachelor’s degree (usually a requirement) did not hold their college or university to this same standard. If they had, it would be unlikely (in many cases) that they would be seeking employment as an English teacher abroad. However, after having completed a 4 week (in most cases) TEFL certificate, they now believe that the usual hiring processes and requirements do not apply to them. What about the interview process where an employer assesses the applicant to see if they are a fit? How could a TEFL provider promise a student a job with an employer the student has never met half way across the world? And how could a student expect this? This type of unrealistic expectation is in part perpetuated by some unscrupulous TEFL course providers who ‘guarantee’ employment for their graduates. Click here to read the article ‘Guaranteed TEFL Job Placement Scam.’
Many newly certified TEFL teachers expect to find initial employment in countries/regions which historically offer higher pay such as South Korea, Japan and the Middle East. What these new teachers fail to realise, is that demand for English teaching positions in these countries is high and that it is usually the most qualified and experienced of teachers that will be first in line. Some of these teachers will often give up the search (or blame the TEFL course provider of course) instead of shifting the focus of their employment search to other countries with perhaps more opportunities and less stringent requirements. What many TEFL teachers conveniently forget, is that relevant work experience also has its part to play in the TEFL industry where the usual ‘rules’ don’t seem to apply for some unknown reason. The truth is that there are many English teaching jobs available in all corners of the globe. A newly qualified TEFL teacher could always find an entry level position (perhaps in a country which is not their first choice) and gain some useful teaching experience which could later be used to find a better position – just like the ‘real’ world.
Many newly certified TEFL teachers do not do sufficient research into the employment requirements of different countries and regions – and then feel duped (by the TEFL course provider of course) when they realise that they will be unable to fulfil their dream of funding their lifestyle on the French Riviera with part-time English lessons because they don’t have an EU passport. It is important for TEFL teachers to get informed about the varied teaching opportunities available to them taking into consideration their education, nationality, experience and suchlike. There is so much information available on the internet, forums, blogs, online job websites and Facebook groups.
The overriding message to take away is that one can find meaningful employment and satisfaction in a TEFL teaching career as long as one remains realistic in one’s expectations. There are many teachers out there living wonderfully fulfilled lives and couldn’t imagine doing anything else. TEFL teaching can provide you with a comfortable life, but if you are expecting an easy path – this may be possible – but life isn’t always a bed of roses and may be littered with hurdles and challenges. If you are looking to get rich, then perhaps we can suggest becoming a Hedge Fund manager.
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