From school hiring seasons to specific age requirements, we’ve given you the answer to one of TEFL’s best-kept secrets – ‘when’s the best time to complete a TEFL certification?’ Read our blog to find out…
Asia
TEFL teacher hiring season
The TEFL jobs market in Asia is booming which means they’re constantly recruiting for English teachers in exciting countries such as China, Vietnam, and South Korea – amazing!
Best time to complete a TEFL certification
Hoping to head out to Southeast Asia in September? Then aim to complete your TEFL certification by April as interviews take place in June.
Age
To work as a TEFL teacher in Asia, you’ll need to be TEFL qualified and over the age of 18.
Additional requirements
To work in China, Japan, and South Korea, you’ll need to have a bachelor’s degree as well as a TEFL certification. But this doesn’t mean you’ll miss out! There’s heaps of amazing TEFL opportunities in places like Thailand and Cambodia where a degree isn’t necessary – count us in!
Europe
TEFL teacher hiring season
European schools tend to hire TEFL teachers in June and July, ready for the start of the school year in September.
Missed out on the first round of hiring? Not to worry! They also take on a second wave of English teachers in the new year, so keep your eyes peeled!
Best time to complete a TEFL certification
If you’re looking to land your dream TEFL job in September we’d recommend completing your TEFL certification by May.
If you run out of time or are too busy, then don’t panic! You can complete your TEFL certification in November to land a top TEFL job in January.
Age
To kickstart your teaching career in Europe you’ll need to be over the age of 18 and TEFL qualified. Due to strict visa regulations, over 50s may struggle find work in certain European countries without a European passport. But, it isn’t completely impossible! With emerging economies and a high demand for TEFL teachers, Russia, Hungary, and the Czech Republic make great destinations for more mature TEFL teachers.
Additional requirements
Don’t have a degree but are wanting to teach English in Europe? Then head over to Russia or Spain to start your teaching adventure!
Central America
TEFL teacher hiring season
Generally speaking, language centres, schools, and universities hire TEFL teachers in June and July, ready for September.
Interviews also take place in December for January candidates, so don’t worry if you think you’ve missed out!
Best time to complete a TEFL certification
If you want to head over to Central America in September, then we’d recommend that you finish your TEFL certification by May. However, December candidates should aim to complete their TEFL certification by October/November time.
Age
One of the best things about working in Central America is that there are no age restrictions for TEFL teachers. This means that you can work as an English teacher once you’re over the age of 18 and have your TEFL certification – easy!
Additional requirements
You don’t need any previous teaching experience to work in Central America, you just need to be TEFL qualified. But where are the best places to go? Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Mexico are our top recommendations. Check them out if you haven’t already!
Middle East
TEFL teacher hiring season
Public schools, private schools, and universities tend to recruit TEFL teachers in springtime, ready for the beginning of the term in September. But, with such a huge demand for English teachers, recruitment usually takes place all-year-round – yes please!
Best time to complete a TEFL certification
If you’d like to land a secure a job in the Middle East, the best time to complete your TEFL certification would be by March.
Age
Although you can become TEFL qualified at the age of 18, you might struggle to find work in the Middle East. Due to strict visa regulations, you can only work in some Middle Eastern countries once you’re over the age of 21.
Over 50s can apply for teaching roles, however, foreign visitors are forbidden to work over the age of 60.
Additional requirements
You’ll need a bachelor’s degree, a TEFL certification, and previous teaching experience to be an English teacher in the Middle East.
South America
TEFL teacher hiring season
Hiring seasons differ slightly in South America, compared to places like Europe. Interviews for TEFL teachers tend to take place in February after the summer academic term. Or you can apply again in August after the mid-year break.
Best time to complete a TEFL certification
Wanting to head over to South America? Then you should try to complete your TEFL certification by either January or July!
Age
It doesn’t matter if you’re 22 or 62, there’s no age restrictions for teaching English in South America. You just need to be over the age of 18 and TEFL qualified.
Additional requirements:
Want to know the best part about working in South America? You don’t need a degree – winner!
Online
TEFL teacher hiring season
A high demand for online English lessons means that you can apply for online TEFL jobs all year round – sign us up!
Best time to complete a TEFL certification
There’s no better time to complete a TEFL certification than now! Whether you’re currently unemployed or have just finished University, TEFL is a fantastic option for you. Not only can you work from the comfort of your own home, but you can be your own boss and schedule lessons to suit you – amazing! Plus, you’ll be able to boost your CV with all the amazing knowledge, skills, and experience that you’ll gain.
Age
Did you know that you can teach English Online at any age? There are no age restrictions for online TEFL teachers. So as long as you’re over the age of 18 and are TEFL qualified you’re good to go!
Additional requirements
The TEFL jobs market can be pretty competitive, so some companies may require you to have a bachelor’s degree on top of your TEFL certification. Although you don’t need a degree to teach English online, it can definitely boost your job prospects by having one! Check out our handy list of requirements for online English teaching jobs– you won’t regret it!
Happy TEFLing!
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