TEFL training

[TEFLtrain]

Hi,
I wondered if anyone could advise me about TEFL training courses.

I'm in my early 20s and have been working as a TA at a primary school for over 2 years. I don't have a degree or formal teaching qualifications. I've been considering doing a TEFL course so that I can travel and teach or maybe work on a more flexible basis at home.
Can anyone who has done a TEFL qualification advise as to which is the best course to take? There are so many options that I am getting confused! Also, what was your experience of teaching abroad like and would you recommend it?

Be careful choosing a training provider.
I did this 20 years ago and at the time TESOL and CELTA were the best training courses, and both required an undergraduate degree to do the course. There were other course providers available then too, some who did not require a degree, but then all the jobs required a degree.
Nowadays there seem to be lots of online teaching companies who do not really care about a degree or teaching qualification, as long as you are an English speaker.

CELTA is the one to go for. Be very wary of online providers as you won't get the practical experience.

Also, be aware that English Language teaching does not pay well AT ALL. Long hours with lots of prep work in the early stages. However, with the right students, it's very rewarding.

Pros:

• portable
• easy to pick up work depending on where you live, though Brexit might make this more challenging (cheers Johnson)

Cons:

• often poorly paid
• long hours
• not much scope for career progression.

I do private tuition now which comes with its own challenges.

Good luck!