TEFL and TESOL FAQ's - Your Complete Guide
Find answers to common questions about EBC TEFL, including course details, certification, job opportunities, and how to get started on your teaching journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Age and Eligibility
You’re never too old to teach English abroad or online. Many successful TEFL teachers are in their 50s, 60s, and even 70s. In fact, your life experience, communication skills, and patience can be major advantages in the classroom. These qualities often make you more relatable to adult learners, giving you an edge over younger teachers. Whether you’re looking to start a second career, retire abroad, or simply share your knowledge, teaching English as a foreign language is an opportunity for all ages.
In most countries, there’s no official upper age limit. However, visa regulations in certain places (such as Japan or South Korea) may set a maximum working age, often around 60 to 65. In Spain, there’s no legal limit; if you can get the correct visa or work permit, you’re good to go.
Yes, and many do! Retirees often take on part-time work in language schools, offer private tutoring, or even teach online from their sunny terrace. It’s a great way to supplement your pension, stay mentally active, and connect with your local community.
Any age is the right age if you have the passion and energy to teach. Some people start straight after university, while others switch careers in their 40s or 50s, or take it up in retirement. Employers care more about your skills, confidence, and enthusiasm than the date on your passport.
There’s no worldwide limit. If you meet the visa and health requirements of the country you’re teaching in, and can bring value to the classroom, you can keep teaching for as long as you want.
Teaching Locations and Opportunities
In most countries, yes. A 120-hour TEFL or TESOL is the global standard for entry-level English teaching jobs, and it’s often all you need to get hired. Employers prefer the Trinity CertTESOL and CELTA certificates. Some countries may also require a bachelor’s degree, but many do not.
Not really. Demand is high, especially for native-level English speakers. The busiest hiring periods are September to October and January, but freelance tutoring work is available year-round. Employers prefer the Trinity CertTESOL and CELTA certificates.
Spain, Japan, Vietnam, and South Korea consistently rank high for pay, demand, and lifestyle. In Spain, Madrid offers the most opportunities, while Barcelona and Valencia are great for combining teaching with a vibrant social life. Employers prefer the Trinity CertTESOL and CELTA certificates.
TESOL is globally recognised. It’s accepted in every country that hires English teachers, from east to west. It’s interchangeable with TEFL in many markets. Employers prefer the Trinity CertTESOL and CELTA certificates.
Vietnam, China, Japan, and Spain are among the top destinations with rising demand for English teachers. Vietnam and China are hotspots for growth, offering incredible opportunities for teachers seeking rewarding careers. Japan and Spain are perfect for those looking to combine teaching with cultural immersion. If you’re planning to teach English abroad, earning a Trinity CertTESOL or CELTA certification will make you stand out to employers and boost your chances of landing a great job.
The Costa del Sol, Alicante, and Valencia are top choices for their warm climate, affordable living, and large expat communities.
Salary and Career Prospects
Yes, and in some countries, you can save a lot too. In lower-cost countries like Vietnam, your salary stretches far, while in places like the UAE, you can earn tax-free income plus benefits like housing. In Spain, you may not get rich, but you can live comfortably.
In Spain, expect €1,500 to €2,000/month at language schools, with potential to earn more through private lessons. In Asia and the Middle East, salaries often range from $2,500 to $4,000/month, sometimes with housing and flights included.
The UAE, Qatar, Japan, and South Korea are at the top of the pay scale, offering competitive salaries, benefits, and a high standard of living.
Course Costs and Duration
TEFL courses range from $300 to $1,500 depending on length, format, and accreditation. The Trinity CertTESOL and CELTA are the gold standard, which is why they are more expensive, usually ranging from $1,500 to $3,000.
Some online courses cost under $300, but beware: cheap isn’t always best. Employers look for accredited qualifications, primarily Trinity CertTESOL and CELTA, with at least 120 study hours, a visiting external moderator, and supervised teaching practice with genuine English language learners.
Fully online courses with little or no trainer input can be completed in a couple of weeks, or even less if the content is superficial. Intensive TEFL programs, such as the Trinity CertTESOL and CELTA, are at least 4 weeks full-time and include live teaching experience and a visiting external moderator.
Certificate Validity and Recognition
CELTA and EBC Trinity CertTESOL are top-tier TEFL certifications, known for their global recognition and high-quality training. These programs offer 120+ hours of intensive coursework, observed teaching practice with real students, and standardised assessments. With hands-on experience, they provide teachers with the skills and credibility needed to succeed in the ESL teaching job market. Schools in Spain and around the world value these certifications, making them a trusted choice for anyone seeking TEFL jobs or teaching English internationally.
No, your certificate never expires. Once you earn it, it’s yours for life. Keep it as a lifelong credential to showcase your skills and qualifications.
Continuing education is essential for staying up-to-date with industry best practices. Regularly updating your training every few years not only keeps your skills sharp but also shows employers you’re committed to professional growth and staying current in your field.
Definitely! Especially if you want to work in competitive job markets or with prestigious schools. The Trinity and CELTA brand names open doors.
No, they are professional teaching qualifications, not an academic degree. However, the level of study required is at the undergraduate level, making them challenging courses.
Yes. Both typically require a high C1 or native to level English ability.
Yes, if it’s accredited by a reputable provider, such as EBC Trinity CertTESOL or CELTA, and includes supervised teaching practice and a visiting external moderator.
Generic online TEFL/TESOL certificates are usually not considered equivalent to CELTA or Trinity CertTESOL. While they may allow you to teach privately or online, reputable language schools typically require a gold-standard certification with practical teaching experience.
The gold standard for teaching English abroad is completing a 120-hour or more accredited TEFL course, such as the EBC Trinity CertTESOL or CELTA. These internationally recognized certifications include observed teaching practice and an external moderator, ensuring high-quality training. With a TEFL certification like this, you’ll be fully prepared to teach English anywhere in the world.
Comparing TEFL, Trinity CertTESOL and CELTA
TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) is your gateway to teaching English abroad. If you’re looking for the best TESOL qualifications, the EBC Trinity CertTESOL and CELTA are highly respected, fully accredited certifications. These top-tier programs provide the skills and credentials you need to start your journey as an English teacher overseas. Whether you’re planning to teach English online or in another country, these certifications open doors to exciting opportunities worldwide.
TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) and TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) are two popular terms for teaching English worldwide. If you’re considering becoming an English teacher abroad or online, understanding these terms is essential.
The Trinity CertTESOL is a well-known and intensive TESOL certification program accredited by Trinity College London. Similarly, CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults) is a globally recognized TESOL/TEFL course accredited by Cambridge University.
Both CELTA and Trinity CertTESOL are highly respected qualifications for teaching English and can open doors to opportunities around the world. If you’re looking to start your career as an English teacher, these programs are widely searched and trusted by employers everywhere.
A 120-hour accredited EBC TEFL course is sufficient for most people looking to teach English abroad or online. However, if you’re aiming for the top teaching qualifications, consider the EBC Trinity CertTESOL or CELTA. These internationally recognized certifications are highly respected and can open doors to the best teaching opportunities worldwide.
Beginning-level teachers should get an Ofqual level 5 TEFL certificate. The Trinity CertTESOL and CELTA are Ofqual level 5 TEFL certificates. Others claim to be, but you should do your homework to make sure the claim is valid.
If you’re wondering which TEFL is best for teaching in Spain, the EBC Trinity CertTESOL and CELTA are your top choices. Both certifications are highly respected by language schools across Spain and significantly boost your chances of landing local teaching jobs. These qualifications ensure you meet the standards required by employers and provide the skills needed to thrive in the classroom. For the best teaching opportunities in Spain, investing in either the Trinity CertTESOL or CELTA is a smart move!
- TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) is usually for teaching English abroad in countries where English isn’t the primary language.
- TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) is a broader field that can include teaching abroad or in English-speaking countries to non-native speakers.
- Which is better? It depends on your goals: TEFL is ideal for overseas teaching, while TESOL offers more flexibility if you might teach at home and abroad.
- CELTA is a Cambridge-certified course with a strong focus on practical teaching experience, highly respected by international language schools. The CELTA and Trinity CertTESOL are peer-level courses and certificates.
- TEFL/TESOL courses can vary in quality, are often shorter or online, and may not offer as much hands-on practice.
- Choose CELTA if you want maximum recognition and hands-on teaching experience; TEFL/TESOL if you prefer flexibility, lower cost, or online study.
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- Trinity CertTESOL is a Trinity College London-certified course with a strong focus on practical teaching experience, highly respected by international language schools. The CELTA and Trinity CertTESOL are peer-level courses and certificates.
- Standard TESOL/TEFL courses may be shorter, less intensive, or online-only, and may not carry the same international recognition.
- Choose Trinity CertTESOL for maximum recognition and hands-on teaching experience, or TEFL/TESOL for flexibility, lower costs, or online study.
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- Both are highly respected, internationally recognised certificates for teaching adults.
- Both are globally recognised, often preferred by larger schools, and slightly more standardised worldwide. They have a strong emphasis on practical teaching and professional development.
- The choice often comes down to availability, cost, and personal preference, as both open doors to international teaching.
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- CELTA and the Trinity CertTESOL are the gold standard, especially for teaching adults at reputable language schools worldwide. They offer strong practical training and international recognition.
- TEFL/TESOL courses (120+ hours) are also accepted, particularly for private, online, or casual teaching positions.
- Best choice depends on your goals, budget, and whether you want maximum recognition and job security (CELTA/Trinity) or flexibility and affordability (TEFL/TESOL).
Requirements and Pass Rates
You must be 18 or older with a high school diploma and fluent in English; no teaching degree is required. You must pass an entrance interview if you take a Trinity CertTESOL or CELTA course.
A TEFL or TESOL certificate is your essential first step to teaching English abroad. While some countries require a bachelor’s degree, many do not, making it easier to start your journey. For those aiming for top teaching jobs, certifications like the Trinity CertTESOL or CELTA are highly preferred by employers. These qualifications open doors to exciting opportunities worldwide, helping you stand out in the competitive world of teaching English as a foreign language.
Yes, it’s the global industry standard for most English teaching jobs worldwide. To meet this standard, the certification must include at least six hours of observed teaching practice with real English language learners. Additionally, an external moderator must review and quality-check the results to ensure credibility. This combination of hands-on teaching experience and expert evaluation is essential for anyone pursuing a career in teaching English as a second language (ESL).
Failing a TEFL course is rare if you actively engage with the material and complete assignments. Most reputable TEFL providers offer personalized feedback and retake options, giving you the chance to improve and succeed. With the right effort, earning your TEFL certification is achievable!
The TEFL pass rate is over 90%, reflecting the high-quality courses available. Reputable TEFL providers are dedicated to your success, offering plenty of support and resources to help you achieve your certification.
Quick Tour: Your Path to TEFL Certification
Get a fast and clear overview of everything you need to know about earning your TEFL certification. From course details to job placement, this guide will help you take the first step toward teaching English abroad with confidence.
Why choose EBC?
EBC is a Trinity College London Trusted Provider with validation to deliver internationally recognised and accredited teaching qualifications.
Our Trinity College London Validated Course Provider number is 65747. Feel free to contact Trinity College London to check for yourself. In addition to premium quality training and accreditation, we have had outstanding success in training and getting graduates working within just a few days of graduating.
Training centres
Virtual classroom
All our online courses are live streaming. You study in a virtual classroom with your trainer and classmates. We use state-of-the-art technologies, Moodle and ZOOM.
Trinity College London accredited teacher training courses
- Accredited online TESOL certification, live-streaming
- TEFL course Madrid, Spain, accredited TESOL course
- Accredited teaching business English course
- Accredited CLIL course – Content and Language Integrated Learning
- Accredited teaching English online course
- Accredited CLT course – Communicative Language Teaching
- Marketing and TEFL internship
What the price includes
Virtual classroom courses
All tuition fees, live classes with your trainers and classmates in our Zoom virtual classroom, lifetime access to our online training platform, a course manual, an English reference manual, a guide for teaching Business English, a Welcome pack, job counselling, lifetime job guidance and worldwide job placement, and referral to an immigration lawyer (optional).