Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) is an area that involves teaching English to students who do not have English as their first language. Teachers in this sector may work in schools, higher education institutions, and commercial language schools or work as free lance teachers visiting student´s homes. Their students may be of all ages and have different English levels.

TEFL teachers usually perform many of the following tasks:
• Planning lessons.
• Preparing tests.
• Travelling for excursions.
• Organising cultural activities.
• Providing feedback on written and oral work.

• Having interest in language.
• Being adaptable and patient.
• Having good organisational skills.
• Being able to clearly explain ideas.
• Having excellent written and spoken communication skills.
• Being a good listener.
• Having interpersonal abilities.
• Being creative.
• Being able to deal with student from different backgrounds.
• Being able to work under pressure.

TEFL jobs are open for all graduates, but it is recommended to have a degree related to education, English, linguistics, and modern languages. Degree courses require five GCSE´s (A-C)/S grades (1-3) and two A levels/three H grades. State Schools in United Kingdom require a Postgraduate Certificate in Education, while other countries require a Qualified Teacher Status and a recognised TEFL qualification.

There are language schools across United Kingdom that offer training courses including short introductions lasting two days and intensive certificate courses that last four or six weeks.