See the World Teaching English Abroad
Teaching English as a foreign language is a great career, particularly for people who enjoy international environments. TEFL teachers work in foreign countries where non-speakers need to learn the English language. The profession offers invaluable international experience for language teachers early in their careers. These teaching positions are ideal for recent college graduates and newly minted English instructors—however both require practical training and experience to prepare them for this exciting career.
Unique Overseas Employment Opportunities
English teachers working overseas are well respected and trained TEFL instructors have a wide variety of employment options available to them. Typically they teach in public schools and at private language institutes. In addition, they can also provide tutoring and editorial services to businesses and professionals. TEFL instructors frequently secure attractive compensation packages, sometimes including housing and other subsidies. They receive local holidays, which can provide the flexibility to travel in and beyond their host country or to pursue other personal interests.
Get the TEFL Certificate
TEFL teachers need special preparation to meet the unique challenges in settings where students have little or no exposure to English. UCSC Extension offers a specialized sequence of courses in linguistics and education to prepare instructors to enter the field. The program provides teachers with the knowledge, strategies, and practice they need to feel comfortable teaching English classes to students of all levels and backgrounds.
Earn an Accelerated, Internationally Recognized Certificate
Our TEFL intensive certificate program is recognized worldwide and designed to prepare teachers who have no formal training in TEFL but would like to seek employment abroad as English language instructors. The practical curriculum provides teacher-trainees first-hand experience teaching second-language learners. Courses are intense but classes are small and friendly. Our faculty consists of working professionals who have field experience teaching English outside the US. Mentoring is a key part of the program, and our students may communicate with mentors via e-mail for up to one year to help with lesson planning or curriculum questions.
