Finding the optimal balance between work and personal life has always been a struggle, especially for those whose work environment is set, like a fixed 9-5 schedule, and offers little opportunity for flexibility. It is because of this need to break free from the rut that phenomena like quiet quitting and the great resignation have spread worldwide and show no signs of slowing down. In addition to fueling the burning desire to add more flexibility to our lives, there’s also the feeling of wanderlust, which has become even stronger in recent years.
There aren’t many jobs that offer flexibility, balance, and travel. Perhaps for this reason, the number of people who retrain as teachers of English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) continues to grow. The demand in the market is high, and with the option of teaching both online and/or abroad, TEFL has become an appealing career for those seeking financial stability and a lifestyle that suits their needs, with job satisfaction and personal fulfilment.
TEFL and qualifications
To teach English to students who don’t speak it as their first language you need some training and a TEFL qualification.
In the past, teaching English abroad was easy to step into without much training, but times have changed. Today, most schools and countries expect teachers to have successfully completed a TEFL certificate, and the standard requirement is usually a 120-hour course. Shorter courses exist, but they often won’t meet job requirements or prepare you as well for the classroom, virtual or in-person.
Because the TEFL industry is not officially regulated, the quality of courses can vary a lot. This makes it important to choose a reliable provider. A trustworthy course usually has proper accreditation, professional-looking materials, experienced trainers, and clear student support. Checking reviews and researching the accrediting body can also help you avoid weak or fake courses.
What does a TEFL course entail?
Taking an accredited TEFL course matters because it ensures you get quality training that meets international standards and gives your certificate more credibility with employers. Most importantly, a well-structured course delivered by experienced trainers and provided by a reputable organisation is the foundation of your career.
For this reason, it’s important to check that the course covers all aspects relevant to teaching international learners. A TEFL course with a solid curriculum usually starts with an introduction to how people learn languages. This helps you understand the different challenges learners face and how you, as a teacher, can guide them effectively.
It also covers practical methods for teaching the four key skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. You learn how to design activities and exercises that build each skill step by step. A large chunk of this course is taken up by the mechanics of the language: Grammar and Vocabulary. A good course shows you not just the rules, but also how to explain them so students can understand and use them in real conversations.
A TEFL course guides you through what happens behind the classroom scenes: lesson planning and classroom management. You learn to structure a class, set achievable goals, and prepare effective and enjoyable lessons. Classroom management is included because teaching isn’t only about content, it’s also about creating a positive environment. You explore strategies for working with different age groups, keeping students engaged, and handling common challenges that might come up.
A good course also provides a range of teaching ideas, resources, and materials, but an excellent one helps you search and apply for your first teaching position.
How do you go about starting your TEFL-nomadic journey?
Before you step into the TEFL world, you need to be clear about which path you want to follow. You have two options:
Path A: Online teaching
This route involves teaching students over the internet, either by working through established platforms or by building your own client base independently. It allows you to live anywhere with a stable internet connection and teach learners across the globe.
The main advantages are the flexibility to set your own hours and location, the freedom from most visa restrictions, and the opportunity to scale your work or branch into different niches over time. On the other hand, it can feel isolating since you don’t interact with students face-to-face and can’t benefit from other teachers’ advice, as it usually happens when sharing the school staffroom. Income can vary depending on demand and scheduling, and teaching across time zones means you should be prepared to work odd hours.
This option works best for people who prioritise flexibility and independent work and don’t mind managing their schedules and client load.
Path B: In-person contract hopping
This is all about moving from country to country by taking on short-term contracts, usually lasting between six months and a year. There could also be seasonal options, with the chance to extend the contract if needed. This offers all the advantages (and the challenges!) of living abroad, often with support from schools in securing visas and accommodation.
The benefits include steady income, a ready-made social circle through colleagues and students, and full cultural immersion in the places you teach. However, it comes with less flexibility than online teaching, since you are committed to one location for a set period.
This is a good option for people who want the security of a guaranteed salary, enjoy being part of a local community and want to travel.
We are creatures of habit, and moving away from a familiar environment is difficult. But if you wish to find the needed work-life balance, you should be prepared to start afresh. Working abroad or online can be good options for you, and you can access plenty of EFL teacher opportunities via TEFL courses.