Hello everyone,

I am currently taking a TEFL course, which I will complete by March 1st. I will have a bachelor's degree this spring. I want to begin teaching English abroad as soon as I can, preferably late summer or fall.

My question is this: is it smarter to begin applying for teaching jobs now, (without my TEFL certificate, noting to my employer that I will be certified by March) OR start applying after I receive my TEFL certificate?

Thanks,

Michael

Hi Michael,

For an employment start period of late-August/early-September, you should be applying in the spring. By then you will already have your TEFL certificate and will be close to receiving your degree as well.

Simply make a point of mentioning in your cover letter that you will be graduating in late spring and will have a degree in hand before you commence employment. While many universities in first-tier cities will balk at the absence of teaching experience, this shouldn't be too much of a problem at private English language schools and universities in second- and third-tier cities.

Best of luck.