TEFL Birmingham England United Kingdom: Gateway to TEFL Opportunities

You need to make sure you’ve chosen the right course for your needs when you set out to try and learn how to teach English as a foreign language. You need to choose something which is accepted all over the world, and that’s exactly what our course aims to provide.

It’s really important to find a course that gives you the confidence necessary to study and do well. The 120-hour course is designed to be all you need to teach English in London or anywhere else in the world. At this point, nearly every country in the world recognises 120 hours as being the minimum amount of time you need to be able to get qualified to teach English as a foreign language. That’s exactly why we offer it, because we want to ensure that all new teachers leave our training and feel confident in their ability to teach and get a good lesson plan created.

The course gives you everything you could need to start teaching, but at the same time, it also provides you with the ability to learn from different materials and develop a teaching style that works for you.

It’s worth noting that the 120-hour course is only the basic option we offer. At the same time, we do offer you access to a more advanced course which is 180 hours of study if you want it. However, we’ll just focus on the 120 hour accreditation for now.

The course is plenty for getting the type of jobs you might want. The good news is that you can finish it in four weeks if you’ve got time. If not, don’t worry – we can give all our students six months to get the hang of the tricky bits and feel confident before they move onto the next module.

We give you a chance to work at a speed which is right for you. After all, it’s so important that you feel comfortable during your learning because you won’t want to get it wrong or make a mistake.

Our goal is to give you a study experience you’ll be able to enjoy. For that reason, we don’t ask you for a lot of specific knowledge or skills to participate in our courses. You just need a C1 proficiency in English. We also recommend you have something that can access the online platform.

If you are looking for training from a different location, we offer online TEFL courses in  Manchester, TEFL courses in Glasgow, TEFL courses in Nottingham, and TEFL courses in Birmingham. View all TEFL courses here.

The course that we provide is made up of 10 different modules. If you want to get your diploma, you will have to complete all of them. We definitely encourage all of our students to learn with the right method for them and we offer 24 seven support during the studies.

Throughout the course, you will be given lessons in how to create stimulating content for students. We want to make sure that you have all the skills and tools necessary to succeed, which is why we make sure you can handle teaching a handful of people or a whole classroom. Flexibility is a really important part of being able to teach, so we give you the tools necessary to deal with anything.

So, now that you have successfully obtained a level 5 TEL diploma, you need to use it in whichever way you feel is best. You can start looking for paid work immediately, but we always recommend doing a little bit of volunteering on the side to build up your reputation and polish your skills. You have four main areas available to you as a new teacher, so let’s talk about them.

Public Schools

The first big option that you have is to go into a public school and teach English from there. London, like the rest of the UK, has a very strong public education system which has strict guidelines for accepting new teachers.

You can teach at whatever level you want because English is a core subject in the British education system. However, considering the context, in some cases you’re not really teaching English as a foreign language so much as English as a language generally.

You could probably remedy this by working at public schools aimed towards people who aren’t native English speakers if you really wanted, but this is the one country in the world (as well as possibly the USA) where the lines become a little blurred over the roles of a TEFL teacher in public education.

International Schools

As the cultural and corporate capital of the UK, London frequently attracts a lot of people coming here for business deals, which can also mean that people bring their families to live and work in the UK. It’s a good deal, but it means they also get their kids signed up for private and international schools in a lot of cases.

You should take a look at all of the different options which are in place for both private and international schools, because if you can secure a job offer from one of them, it’s well worth doing.

Schooling like this is often privately run and that means that they can afford to offer some pretty enticing options for the staff they want to recruit. Your salary will be higher, and there may even be other benefits like paid living or travel costs.

Language Schools

Newly qualified TEFL teachers normally start by taking a look at language school jobs as an effective and safe way to kick off their careers. Language schools exist all over London and they’re very popular.

The specific types of schools have built up a reputation for teaching English as a foreign language to older adults who are still trying to understand the nuances of language and didn’t get a chance to learn as children. With that in mind, they are very happy to work with anyone who is prepared to teach them because they are grateful to get access to this opportunity.

The only major issue to come out of something like this is the fact that the work you get will only normally be part time. At best you would get 30 hours a week, so you may need to do extra tutoring to improve your income.

Tutoring

Lots of new teachers will find that starting their own tutoring business is a good way to make extra money on the side and compensate for a lack of income. Obviously, you’ll be able to pick who and when you teach. However, you will be self-employed, so you will need to do things like keeping a record of your income and declaring it to the government.

One of the options available to you is to teach English as a foreign language, but to do it online instead of in a building or community area. This is still a valid option even if you want to move to South Africa and explore the local area of Cape Town, because the truth is that a lot of people study online.

This type of activity is generally done on a self-employed basis, which means that you would be responsible for setting everything up and taking care of all the details. You’d need access to a stable and reliable internet connection because students deserve quality education.

With that being said, it isn’t the worst idea to give online tutoring a try because you’re not conflicting with any lesson plan and you’re not going to be keeping your class to just the local area – some students will join in from across the country or indeed the world. Once you have the 120hr accredited TEFL course, you’ll be able to advertise as a good teacher and hopefully get some valuable classroom experience at the same time.

The requirements for TEFL teachers in London can vary depending on the institution or organisation you’re interested in working with, as well as the specific type of teaching position you’re pursuing. However, there are some common requirements that many employers in London look for when hiring TEFL teachers:

1. TEFL Certification: Having a recognised TEFL certification is often a basic requirement for teaching English as a foreign language in London. This certification demonstrates that you have received training in teaching English to non-native speakers and are equipped with the necessary skills to effectively teach English language learners.
2. Bachelor’s Degree: While not always mandatory, many employers prefer TEFL teachers to have a bachelor’s degree in any field. Some institutions, especially those offering more competitive positions or working with visa requirements, may specifically require a bachelor’s degree.
3. Native or Near-Native English Proficiency: Since the primary goal of TEFL teaching is to help students improve their English language skills, TEFL teachers are generally expected to have native or near-native proficiency in English. This includes having a clear accent, excellent grammar and vocabulary skills, and the ability to communicate effectively with learners.
4. Work Visa or Right to Work: If you’re not a citizen of the UK or the European Union, you’ll typically need to have a valid work visa that allows you to legally work as a TEFL teacher in London. Employers may require proof of your right to work in the UK before hiring you.
5. Experience: While not always required for entry-level positions, having prior teaching experience, especially in teaching English as a foreign language, can enhance your chances of securing a TEFL teaching job in London. Some employers may prefer candidates with teaching experience, while others may provide training for newly certified teachers.
6. Criminal Background Check: Many employers, particularly those working with children or vulnerable adults, may require TEFL teachers to undergo a criminal background check before hiring them. This is to ensure the safety and well-being of students.
7. Additional Qualifications: Depending on the specific teaching context or student population you’ll be working with, additional qualifications such as specialized TEFL certifications, experience teaching specific age groups or proficiency levels, or knowledge of other languages may be beneficial.

It’s essential to carefully review the requirements of each job opportunity and ensure that you meet the necessary qualifications before applying. Additionally, staying updated on any changes in visa regulations or certification requirements can help you navigate the process more effectively.

In the United Kingdom, there are several popular destinations for English teachers and TEFL teachers due to a variety of factors such as demand, cultural attractions, and lifestyle amenities. Some of the most sought-after destinations include:

London:

As the capital city, London offers a vast array of opportunities for TEFL teachers. With its diverse population and global significance, there is a high demand for English language instruction, ranging from private language schools to public institutions and corporate training programs. London also boasts numerous cultural attractions, vibrant neighborhoods, and excellent transportation links.

Manchester:

Manchester is a major city in the north of England known for its rich industrial heritage, vibrant arts scene, and renowned universities. The city’s multicultural population creates a strong demand for English language education, making it an attractive destination for TEFL teachers. Additionally, Manchester offers a lower cost of living compared to London while still providing a high quality of life.

Edinburgh:

As the capital city of Scotland, Edinburgh is famous for its historic architecture, world-class festivals, and prestigious universities. The city attracts a large number of international students and visitors, leading to a significant demand for English language instruction. TEFL teachers in Edinburgh can enjoy a unique cultural experience while exploring the city’s rich heritage and natural beauty.

Glasgow: Glasgow is Scotland’s largest city and a cultural hub known for its vibrant music scene, thriving arts community, and friendly atmosphere. With several universities and language schools, Glasgow offers ample opportunities for TEFL teachers to work with students from diverse backgrounds. The city’s lower cost of living compared to other UK cities makes it an appealing destination for those looking to live and work in Scotland.

Brighton:

Located on the south coast of England, Brighton is a popular seaside resort known for its lively nightlife, bohemian atmosphere, and thriving arts scene. The city’s diverse population and large student community create a strong demand for English language education, with numerous language schools and private tutoring opportunities available for TEFL teachers.

Bristol:

Bristol is a vibrant city in the southwest of England known for its creative industries, historic landmarks, and green spaces. With several universities and language schools, Bristol offers plenty of opportunities for TEFL teachers to work with students of all ages and proficiency levels. The city’s relaxed vibe and strong sense of community make it an attractive destination for those seeking a balanced lifestyle.

These are just a few examples of popular destinations for English teachers and TEFL teachers in the United Kingdom. Each city offers its own unique blend of cultural attractions, professional opportunities, and quality of life factors, allowing teachers to find the perfect fit for their interests and career goals.

One of the only drawbacks to teaching English as a foreign language in London, is the higher cost of living. Because London is a very expensive place to live, you may struggle to save a lot of money, but you can probably afford to live if you’re sensible about things.

Your wage will be influenced by where you work and your experience. However, qualified teachers working full-time could make a salary in the region of £2500 each month.

As we’ve said, London is one of the more expensive places to live in the UK, so finding a cheap place to live is accomplished best by taking the accommodation available just outside the city limits and then using the well-established public transport system to get to your job.

The most sensible thing you can do is try and live like a local in order to get by. There are plenty of locations across London where cheap food is readily available, and you can eat well without having to spend a fortune. Anybody who has grown up in the UK and wants to start teaching English as a foreign language in London will be aware of how best to try and balance their budget with the cost of everyday life. However, there is no denying that London is an expensive place to try and live. It’s worth keeping this in mind before you start seriously looking for a job here.

• Monthly Salary: £2500
• Accommodation: £1800
• Utilities: £400
• Meal out for two: £50

The figures above are meant as a rough estimate and should be considered subject to change.

To find the cost of living figures, we use Numbeo.com, the world’s largest cost of living comparison website.