Is There Really A Demand For TEFL Teachers?

In a nutshell, YES!

Teaching English as a foreign language can seem like the answer to everything these days.

Frustrated in your job? Get TEFL-qualified and change careers!

Want a break from your life? Get a TEFL and teach for a few years!

Itchy feet? Do a TEFL course and travel the world!

And did you know?

• You can qualify to teach from the comfort of your living room.
• You’ll be certified in no time – 120 or 168 hours, to be precise!
• A TEFL course won’t break the bank.
• You can work from wherever you want – or from your couch if that’s what you choose.

But that all sounds a bit too good to be true, doesn’t it?

Is there really a demand for TEFL teachers?

Let’s look at the facts to find out.

Read more: English Language Teaching Statistics

How many people are learning English as a foreign language?

It was estimated that in 2020 there were approximately 2 billion people learning English as a foreign language. Just in China, there were 300 million English language learners. That’s A LOT of English language learners.

This is because English has always been one of the major languages of international communication and business. Now more than ever before people are realising the benefits of being able to speak English and be bilingual.

In fact, many countries are implementing plans to increase English language instruction in schools. In other words, they are making it compulsory or incentivising learners to learn English at school.

Add to this the fact that online learning is making learning English much easier than before and the result is a boom in English language learning.

More learners = more classes = more teachers.

And this is a global phenomenon.

There is a common misconception that English language learners are only in non-English speaking countries, so you need to be in China or South Korea, or Spain to teach English. That’s quite simply not true.

In countries like the US, Canada, and the UK, there are populations who don’t speak English as a first language. They are living in English-speaking countries and they need English lessons to assimilate into their new communities.

On the other hand, there are English language students who travel to English-speaking countries to learn English. The UK and the US are particularly popular with international students but the majority of English-speaking countries have opportunities for international students to learn English as a foreign language in language schools.

So you’re equally likely to find a job teaching English in London or Miami as you are in Beijing or Taipei.

How many people are teaching English as a foreign language?

With so many people needing and wanting to learn English, there is a need for English language teachers.

There is no doubt that there are hundreds of thousands of English language teachers already teaching English around the world. It is estimated that over 100,000 positions open up for TEFL teachers all over the world EVERY YEAR – and that’s not even considering online teaching.

But there is still a need for more TEFL teachers.

Is it hard to find a TEFL job?

Not at all, provided you have the right qualification.

Because of the demand for English instruction, there are always teaching jobs available for qualified teachers all over the world, and online.

Many TEFL teachers are nomadic and so move between jobs quite frequently. Even if they stay in the same country, they often move between cities or at least change jobs.

This means that there is constantly a revolving door of TEFL teachers in schools.

Can TEFL be a full-time job?

Absolutely.

Teaching English abroad generally involves teaching full-time, though what this looks like in terms of hours depends on the job itself.

Even if you opt to be a freelance English teacher, it’s possible to find enough students to fill up your schedule.

Is TEFL a good career choice?

Yes! The flexibility of a TEFL qualification is what makes it suitable for you, no matter what your goals are.

You can work short-term.

You can work online.

You can work in the same school for decades.

You can work in different schools (in different countries!) every year.

You can change track and become a Director of Studies or writer or blogger or school owner or recruiter.

A TEFL qualification allows you to take whichever path you want.

Teaching English online

The last few years has seen an astronomical increase in online learning due to circumstances. More and more people are realising the benefits of learning online. Online learning is flexible and convenient; learners can tailor their schedules to suit themselves. This has seen an increase in the popularity of online learning for all subjects, but especially for English.

Consequently, there is a massive demand for online English teachers.

There have been a number of online teaching companies which have been providing online English lessons for years, but now there are online companies popping up every day to keep up with the demand.

Read more: Are There Jobs For Online English Teachers?

So while teaching English as a foreign language can seem like a very popular career choice at the moment, that doesn’t mean there isn’t space for you. The EFL market is changing all the time so if you keep your eye on online jobs boards you will see job advertisements tomorrow that aren’t there today.  And if you’re comfortable teaching English online there is no foreseeable end to the online learning boom.

Sounds like your vibe? Check out our TEFL courses to see which one suits you – and sign up today to change your life!