Where can I get a 'Teaching english as a foreign language' qualification?

ICAL is so helpful and right. A degree is often essential even though it is meaningless as regards being a good teacher. However in many smarter schools the degree is not essential though it may be stated. Do a tefl but not online. Do a 120 hour course in country you wish to teach.

In general, to teach English overseas you'll need a degree (although there are still possibilities if you do not have this) and a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate to get a visa and work.

The degree can be in almost any subject as it is usually required for the visa only so you will find teachers with a degree in Engineering or Sociology. Having said this, to help get the job it's obviously better to be English or language related, for example a degree in English literature. Obviously degrees are from universities.

As I said, there may still be possibilities if you don't have a degree.

The TEFL certificate can be taken either in-house or online at your own pace which is a much cheaper option (see http://icalweb.com)./ You can check out your local college to see if they offer TEFL courses or take one online.

Courses vary, in-house ones generally last 4 weeks whilst online ones take as long (or as little) time as you can devote to them. They will teach the basics of teaching English - methodology, preparing lessons, classroom management and so on.

You should sign on at a local college, courses usually start in September. To the best of my knowledge the course is for only one year and employment opportunities are good, assuming you already have a degree. Good luck. gladgran