As more than 920,000 matric pupils recently concluded their National Senior Certificate, many face a very uncertain future with disheartening job prospects in 2024.
The unemployment rate for South African high school graduates sits at 35%, and according to Statistics South Africa, 61% of youth aged 15 to 24 are unemployed.
The country continues to grapple with high unemployment rates, as 3.2 million South Africans are now classified as "discouraged work-seekers."
Amidst these challenging circumstances, there is a glimmer of hope for young graduates and job-seekers alike – the TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) industry. This industry opens up opportunities for individuals to work as English teachers both abroad and online, providing a lifeline for those seeking international work experience and exposure to different cultures. And it is not only school leavers: TEFL has long been a proven answer to redundancy and mid-career setbacks too.
How does TEFL certification create a pathway to employment?
The TEFL industry offers a range of benefits for high school graduates and job-seekers:
1. Skills development for global employability
TEFL programs provide skills that are in demand globally. By becoming a certified TEFL teacher, individuals with English language proficiency can enhance their employability, especially in industries such as tourism, hospitality, and international business.
2. Entrepreneurship opportunities
TEFL training empowers individuals to start their own language schools or tutoring services, creating employment opportunities not only for themselves but also for other educators and support staff.
3. Teaching on online platforms
The rise of online teaching platforms has expanded access to TEFL teachers and tutors. This flexibility allows individuals, especially those in remote areas, to participate in and offer language training, increasing the reach of educational opportunities.
Which TEFL route fits your situation?
One qualification, three distinct routes to an income – and none of them depends on your local job market:
| Route | What you need | Why it works in a tough market |
|---|---|---|
| Teach abroad | Accredited 120-hour (Level 3) certificate or higher; some countries ask for a degree | You take your skill to where demand is – browse destinations and live jobs |
| Teach online | Accredited certificate, reliable internet, quiet space | Earn from home in a global market, unaffected by local unemployment |
| Start a tutoring business | Accredited certificate plus initiative | Low start-up costs; you set your rates and can employ others as you grow |
What makes an accredited TEFL course different?
Global English, a leading provider of TEFL and TESOL courses, stands out for its accreditation by the Accreditation Council for TESOL Distance Education Courses (ACTDEC). Courses, including Level 3, Level 4, and Level 5 programs, have been assessed and meet stringent criteria for accreditation. This ensures that graduates receive high-quality education and recognition in the industry. You can read more about how independent scrutiny protects you on our accreditation page – and if you are new to the terminology, start with TEFL vs TESOL: what's the difference?
Employers treat accreditation as the mark of a real qualification precisely because unaccredited certificates are easy to buy and impossible to verify. It is the same principle behind long-established classroom qualifications like the Cambridge CELTA and Trinity CertTESOL: an external body stands behind the certificate, so a school on another continent can trust it.
What do TEFL graduates say?
Melanie Yamazaki
Date of Experience: 17 November 2022
"I have just completed the 300 hours TESOL Professional course, which included Business English and Teaching English Online. I have been teaching English in Japan for more than twenty years. Even so, I found this course to be challenging, and I still learned a lot. My tutors at Global English were very helpful and always gave good advice. I had two years to complete this course, which was great for a busy person like me. I would recommend Global English to anyone who was interested in completing an online TESOL course."
Nilanjan Das
Date of Experience: 12 May 2022
"I recently got my TESOL certification from Global English. Although I've been working as a private tutor for quite some time now, I still learned many new things. It changed my perspective in many aspects. The best thing about it is you can progress in your own free time. The course was well spread into modules. The teachers were very helpful and responsive and provided valuable feedback. There are a plethora of resources available to help in your studies and your future classroom. I'm very satisfied with the overall experience and would definitely recommend others to give it a try."
How do you get started?
Three steps, all of which you can begin today:
- Choose your level. The 120-hour Level 3 Premier course meets most employers' minimum; the 150-hour Level 4 and 250-hour Level 5 courses add depth for competitive markets. Our guide to choosing the best online TEFL course for your career explains the differences.
- Study flexibly. Courses are online and self-paced, so you can study while job-hunting or working.
- Use the jobs support. Graduates get help with CVs and access to international employers via our jobs board.
Why embrace TEFL in a changing landscape?
In the face of daunting unemployment rates and uncertain job markets, the TEFL industry emerges as a beacon of hope for those seeking personal and professional growth. With accredited courses from Global English and testimonials from satisfied graduates, the path to becoming a certified TEFL teacher becomes not just a choice but a strategic move towards a brighter and more secure future. Consider TEFL as your gateway to unlocking a world of opportunities in the dynamic landscape of global education.
Frequently asked questions
Can TEFL really help if I can't find work locally?
Yes – that is its core appeal in a difficult economy. A TEFL certificate converts English fluency into a skill saleable far beyond your local market: to schools abroad, to online students worldwide, or to your own tutoring clients. Your earning options stop being limited by the unemployment rate where you live.
Is a 120-hour TEFL/TESOL certificate enough to get hired?
Yes, an accredited 120-hour (Level 3) certificate is the standard minimum requirement for most entry-level teaching jobs abroad and online. Level 4 (150-hour) and Level 5 (250-hour) courses add business English and online-teaching depth that helps you stand out in more competitive markets and command better rates.
What does “accredited” mean for a TEFL course?
An accredited course has been independently assessed by an external body against stringent published criteria. Global English courses at Levels 3, 4 and 5 are accredited by ACTDEC, the UK Accreditation Council for TESOL Distance Education Courses, so employers can verify your qualification is genuine.
Can I teach English online from home with a TEFL certificate?
Yes. Online teaching platforms and private online tutoring are among the fastest routes to TEFL income, and both are open to newly certified teachers with an accredited certificate, a reliable internet connection and a quiet space to teach from – wherever in the world you live.