Training to become an ELF Teacher. Where to start?

Question

I am interested in a career in Teaching English as a Foreign Language. The problem is, I am unsure of exactly how to pursue this ambition. I contacted LearnDirect and they were unable to offer me any useful advice.

I am 21 years old and have 5 GCSES (A-C) but never obtained any A-levels due to an anxiety disorder which I have only recently overcome.

Can anyone tell me what route of study is necessary and would be best for me to take?

Thanks!

Answer 1

Have a look at some of the sites below.

Hope you find something useful.

http://www.teflcourse.com/?ca=3&cr=1b

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/BritonsLivin...

http://www.prospects.ac.uk/cms/ShowPage/...

http://www.tefl.net/

If none of these help. Ask at your local college/uni.

Answer 2

Before you begin any education, some questions you may want to ask yourself.

1. How long do you want to teach for?  Is this going to be just a short term thing or do you want a career?

2.  What countries do you find most appealing?  If you do not know the country, ask yourself what continent Asia, South America, Europe...

Every country has it's own requirement. You can get a job in Cambodia with very little education, but you may not want to stay as a career.  If you want a good job in the Middle East, you should have your masters.  

However, if you just want to feel the waters and try out a place, I would recommend you to take a TEFL/TESOL/CELTA course.  It will help prepare you for the work ahead and give you some qualifications.  It is tough to choose which course to take.  Some countries only accept some certificates.  But a simple word of advice, check out your local university and see what courses they offer.  It may take 4 months to get the certificate, but in the long run it is more valuable to you.  

Answer 3

Access course at your local college for one year will enable you to go uni to do teacher training.

Answer 4

In france.germany.spain.italy.greece.turkey...

Answer 5

I was going to say Rivendell but that's a different type of elf, sorry.

Answer 6

If you are in the uk, and you want to teach adults, then you Will need to complete a certificate in adult and further education. City and Guilds web site will help you, you are looking for PTLLS, CTLLS, the 1st one means Preparing to teach in the life long learning sector, and the other is either Certificate to teach in the life long learning sector or Continuing to teach in life long learning sector, im not sure which as i have been told different things by different people.  Certainly your starting point could be city and guilds.  An associate tutor friend of mine teaches these, he is based in North West England, if you want to reply with the area you live in if in England, I may be able to give you dates and costs. Either way good luck