ESL training at EF English First

The demand for English speakers in both developed and emerging economies has increased, making English the most widely taught language in the world. For international teachers and trainees, this means almost endless employment opportunities in a truly global marketplace. If you are looking to become an ESL teacher and explore some of these opportunities, then you will need to start your ESL training.

Every year EF English First hires and trains thousands of teachers to teach in China and Indonesia. Discover how you can get the training you’re looking for and launch the career you’ve been dreaming about.

EF teacher training

How long does it take?

They say Rome wasn’t built in a day and for a good reason! To build something amazing takes some time and attention. You have to start with the foundations. In the ESL world, before you start your training, you have to gain a TEFL certification, which recognizes that you have an understanding of how to teach, as well as the theories associated with language learning.

Your ESL training starts once you have your TEFL. Depending on the company or school you work with, full training lasts from two weeks to a month, but there are many other opportunities to train and develop throughout your career.

Get TEFL certified

Become ESL certified

It might seem strange to get a qualification before you train, but in the ESL world, this is normal. Most training is done on the job, and a solid foundation is necessary to start.

TEFL courses can be taken online and vary in price depending on the length of the course. In general, the 120-hour TEFL course is recommended, as this is the minimum requirement to teach overseas in most countries. If you apply to teach at EF English First, we can sponsor your TEFL qualification.

To learn more about sponsored TEFL qualifications, click the button below.

become esl certified
esl training at EF

ESL teacher training at EF

Usually, training starts after you have arrived in your chosen country and have settled in. During your first few weeks, we’ll pay for your hotel stay, and you will meet the training team and get into the swing of things. In the beginning, you’ll attend a few seminars, practice what you’ve learned with your fellow trainees, and then we’ll ease you into a classroom. Don’t worry if you have never taught before! We hire hundreds of new teachers every year, so we’ll be with you every step of the way.

Qualifications & career development

At EF we’re passionate about education, and that includes our teachers' education as well. To help our teachers get the most out of their careers and develop, we offer further qualifications and professional development certifications that will help you take your career to the next level.

Your TEFL certification is the gateway to an ESL career. The next step would be to get a CERT-PT and then a DIP-TESOL. These internationally recognized qualifications will help you stand out from the crowd and advance your career.

career development at EF
EF how to get started

How to get started

Before you can start your ESL training with EF and launch your career, you will need to make sure that you meet the visa requirements. To do this, you will need the following:

  1. A passport from either the UK, USA, Ireland, Canada, New Zealand, Australia or South Africa.

  2. A Bachelor’s degree in any subject.

  3. The ability to obtain a clean criminal background check.

  4. To be able to live and work abroad for at least one year.

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