“A teaching English as a foreign language qualification is a smart investment in your future. Foreign language English teachers learn sought-after skills that can make all the difference to corporate success, all while soaking up the priceless experience of living in a different culture,” says Rhyan O’Sullivan, Managing Director at The TEFL Academy. “TEFL can be the start of a fulfilling career path, opening doors to many industries along the way.”
For many, TEFL qualifications represent not just a passport to self-funded adventure but the start of a rewarding career path in education – including teaching, adult education, and more. The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs report anticipates that an additional 10-million jobs in education will be required worldwide over the next five years. TEFL represents an affordable way to see if an education path is for you – with transferable skills, should you choose another industry as your focus.
Four ways foreign-language English teaching can boost your career.
- Presentation and communication skills – Teachers learn to be confident and engaging and keep their lessons interesting, while keeping an eye on students’ experience and ability.
- Time management and planning – Juggling lesson plans, marking, and making sure you always deliver a professional experience requires executive-level forethought.
- Entrepreneurial mindset – While many teachers prefer to work at TEFL schools in South Africa or abroad, others choose to work online wherever they are in the world. You can find your own gigs and spot the opportunities in your current situation.
- Cross-cultural awareness – Embracing a global experience will do wonders for your career, and help you view the world with fresh eyes and greater sensitivity.
“For Gen Z-ers, changing companies offers the key to growing their career, with skills development and new experiences prioritised over job loyalty,” says O’Sullivan. “Obtaining a TEFL qualification can help them achieve the same goal, without constantly applying for new jobs. It also offers the advantage of remote work and flexible schedules.”
Offering accessible and cost-effective ways to get TEFL-qualified, The TEFL Academy provides internationally accredited and regulated online courses. The company hosts a jobs board on their website, with over 1 500 international teaching opportunities for potential teachers to pursue, across several countries. For more information, visit www.theteflacademy.com/za/.
