TEFL Johannesburg, South Africa: A Cultural and Educational Odyssey.

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 in time, 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.

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. Johannesburg like the rest of the world 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 Johannesburg 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 SA , Johannesburg 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 Johannesburg, South Africa, there are numerous appealing destinations for English teachers and TEFL instructors due to factors like demand, cultural offerings, and lifestyle amenities. Here are some of the most notable areas:

Johannesburg Central:

As the vibrant heart of the city, Johannesburg Central is bustling with opportunities for TEFL teachers. Its diverse and dynamic population means there’s a constant demand for English language instruction, from private language academies to public schools and corporate training sessions. The area is also rich in cultural attractions, including museums, art galleries, and historic sites, providing a stimulating environment for teachers.

Sandton:

Known as the financial and commercial hub of Johannesburg, Sandton offers numerous opportunities for English teachers, particularly in business English and corporate training programs. The area is characterized by its modern skyline, upscale lifestyle, and numerous shopping and dining options, making it an attractive place for professionals seeking a cosmopolitan lifestyle.

Soweto:

Soweto, a township with a profound historical significance and vibrant culture, presents unique opportunities for TEFL teachers interested in community-based education and development projects. The demand for English education in Soweto is driven by the community’s eagerness to engage with the global economy and improve job prospects. Teachers in Soweto can experience deep cultural immersion and contribute meaningfully to local communities.

Randburg:

Randburg is a residential and business area known for its diverse population and family-friendly environment. TEFL teachers in Randburg can find opportunities in local schools, private language institutions, and through private tutoring. The area offers a more laid-back lifestyle compared to the city center, with plenty of parks, recreational facilities, and shopping centers.

Pretoria (Tshwane):

Although not part of Johannesburg, Pretoria is close enough to be considered by those looking to teach English in the Gauteng province. As the administrative capital of South Africa, Pretoria has a high demand for English language skills among civil servants, professionals, and students. The city is known for its beautiful parks, historic buildings, and vibrant student population, offering a different pace of life compared to Johannesburg.

These areas within and around Johannesburg provide a diverse range of settings for English and TEFL teachers, each offering its unique combination of professional opportunities, cultural experiences, and lifestyle benefits. Teachers can choose the environment that best matches their career aspirations and personal preferences.

Teaching English as a foreign language in Johannesburg, South Africa, presents different financial considerations compared to London. While Johannesburg is one of the more expensive cities to live in within South Africa, the cost of living is generally lower than in many Western cities, including London. This means that, with careful budgeting, you might find it easier to manage your expenses and possibly save money.

Your earnings as an English teacher in Johannesburg will depend significantly on your workplace and your level of experience. For qualified teachers working full-time, the salary can vary widely. However, it is possible to earn a competitive salary, especially if you are teaching at international schools, private language schools, or through corporate training programs. On average, full-time qualified English teachers in Johannesburg might expect to earn a salary that allows for a comfortable lifestyle by local standards, keeping in mind that salaries can greatly differ based on the specific job and qualifications.

In Johannesburg, South Africa, living expenses can vary widely depending on your lifestyle and the area you choose to live in. Like London, Johannesburg also has its more expensive areas, but overall, the cost of living can be more manageable, especially if you’re willing to live a bit outside the central business district and utilize the city’s transport options, such as the Gautrain and Metrobus services.

Adapting to the local lifestyle can significantly reduce your expenses. Johannesburg boasts a variety of markets and local eateries where you can enjoy delicious, affordable meals. Teachers from South Africa or those familiar with the region will have a better understanding of how to stretch their budget while enjoying the vibrant culture and lifestyle Johannesburg has to offer. Despite its challenges, Johannesburg offers a unique living experience that can be quite rewarding with the right approach.

Here’s a rough estimate of monthly expenses for someone living and working in Johannesburg:

Monthly Salary: ZAR 30,000 (This can vary greatly depending on the institution and your qualifications.) Accommodation: ZAR 8,000 for a one-bedroom apartment in a decent area outside of the city center. Utilities: ZAR 1,200 for basics (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage). Meal Out for Two: ZAR 500 at a mid-range restaurant.

These figures are intended as a general guide and are subject to change based on specific circumstances and lifestyle choices.

For up-to-date and more detailed cost of living information, it’s advisable to consult a reliable cost of living comparison website like Numbeo.com, which provides current data on various expenses in cities around the world.