TEFL can take you anywhere

Had enough of the Irish rain and want an opportunity to travel the world? Well why not join the new TEFL revolution and go find that dream job in the destination of your choice? It’s not that hard – you’re just one piece of paper away… an ATT internationally recognised Teaching English as a Foreign Language certificate.

Since its foundation in 1990, Foyle Language School has trained almost two thousand people from all over Ireland, North and South, to teach English as a Foreign Language (TEFL). Former students have secured employment as far afield as Japan, China, Thailand and Indonesia, Mexico and Venezuela, Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, and all around Europe.

Such are the opportunities for teaching TEFL as a full time serious career both nationally and internationally that the centre has now introduced a new course which is even available by distance learning for those who cannot attend in-house classes – the Advanced International Certificate in TEFL. This course, spanning 100 hours teaching time, is available in a four week intensive format, a 16 week part-time course or even by distance learning and provides more comprehensive teacher training for those who would like to pursue TEFL teaching as a viable career.

Other course options include an intensive two-week Preliminary Certificate, which gives a general introduction to teaching English as a foreign language, or an intensive three-week Foundation Certificate which provides more in depth teacher training and is now considered the minimum qualification necessary for gaining employment in Ireland, the UK and most countries in Europe. Students are taught the full range of skills required to teach English, including vocabulary, grammar, theory, lesson planning, phonetics and teaching practice.

Some 200 people a year, mainly at postgraduate level, take one of the regular TEFL courses, accredited by the Association for Teacher Training, Ireland (ATT). The centre is one of just four approved (TEFL) language centres in Ireland. Obtaining a certified course is very important for those looking to gain employment in institutions and schools either here or abroad.

TEFL courses are very popular with students who use their qualification to fund travel during gap-years, especially as there are a huge number of jobs available in the Far East and Indonesia – a popular destination for young travellers and backpackers.

The courses have also sparked a lot of interest from mature students and professional people who are looking for new challenges and employment opportunities, especially as the market for English language learning here in Ireland and the U.K is growing rapidly.

English language teaching is a profession that offers a variety of personal rewards, including the opportunity to travel and experience different cultures, increased self-confidence and the ability to deal with responsibilities, and of course a greater appreciation of the quality and worth of your native tongue!

It is not necessary to have knowledge of any other language (although a bonus) as all TEFL teaching is done through the medium of English.

The next courses (full time & part time) start on 28th April 03 and again on 9th June 03. If you would like to receive more information or enrolment details please contact Paul at Foyle Language School, 35 Great James Street, Derry, tel: +44 (0)28 71371535, fax: +44 (0)28 71371534

Email: tefl@foylelanguagecentre.co.uk Web: www.foylelanguagecentre.co.uk