Is it necessary to have some sort of official background in linguistics or teaching?
No it isn’t. English teaching to adults abroad is a unique career in that you really can get an interesting and rewarding job which will allow you to live in your chosen country after just 4-weeks’ study if you successfully complete a recognised TEFL Certificate course. Of course, previous teaching experience or a keen interest in language will greatly help your chances of succeeding in this new field. But all sorts of normally intelligent people with no teaching or linguistics experience whatsoever take the course and succeed admirably. So much about teaching has to do with your attitude and a general enjoyment of being with people and sharing what you do know that take the course is a marvellous opportunity for all sorts of people from all walks of life to make a new start in their professional lives. Enthusiasm, linked to a strong desire to learn and help others to learn too is the key to your teaching success.
