Why TEFL courses make the best Christmas presents

27 November 2024 • TEFL

It’s that time of year again!

The cold dark nights are punctured with twinkling lights, we’ve already cleared snow and ice from our cars, and high street giants are vying for our custom with blockbuster ads months in the making.

But as part of the joys and challenges of the season, you also have to worry about Christmas gifting.

TEFL UK explains why TEFL courses make the best – and the most underrated – Christmas present this festive season.

What are TEFL courses?

Teachers in the UK need to complete a relevant teaching qualification on top of their undergraduate degree to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). The most popular options are:

• PGCE (Post Graduate Certificate in Education)
• Diploma in Teaching (Further Education and Skills)
• Certificate in Education (Cert Ed)
• Professional Graduate Certificate in Education (also abbreviated to PGCE!)

However, many of these qualifications require university attendance and incur debts – so it doesn’t suit everyone.

Across the world, however, there are a range of university-free ways to access a teaching position, the simplest of which is a TEFL course.

Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) course allows students to study for a minimum of 120 hours (depending on the course chosen) and then fly out to teach across the globe!

They can even offer real teaching experience if you choose a combined TEFL course!

Benefits of TEFL courses:

• Avoid university

Study at home and skip all the debt and expenses associated with a university education.

• Courses that fit around you

Continue working, attending college, or even caring for friends and family and study when it suits you.

• Much lower price point

University tuition fees now cost a minimum of £9,535 per year alone, plus accommodation and living expenses – versus £349 for the most expensive TEFL UK course. It’s a bit of a no-brainer really!

• Faster graduation

You won’t get to wear a graduation cap and gown or attend a fancy ceremony, but you can graduate in less than 2 weeks if you are free to study full-time!

Why give TEFL courses this Christmas

While the benefits of TEFL courses are far-reaching, you might be hesitant to purchase one for Christmas – it is a little out of the ordinary.

However, they can make a very thoughtful gift for a friend or family member who seems disheartened with the UK job market.

But why are they such a good idea?

TEFL courses are the key to travelling without the stress

If your loved one loves the idea of packing a backpack and whizzing off to some far-flung paradise, TEFL courses give them the freedom to earn and travel while really experiencing the culture of places they might never have heard of!

It could also mean that they have to spend a lot less time saving up before they jet off – perfect for those with big dreams and smaller means.

The gift that keeps on giving

While a bumper box of chocolates, a fancy bottle of wine, or a fizzing bath bomb set might be right up their alley, at some point the fun will come to an end.

With a TEFL course and qualification, they can embark on an adventure that can literally last a lifetime.

Plus, with a range of supplementary mini courses, including business English, teaching grammar, early childhood education, or teaching online, they can supplement their TEFL qualification for as little as £15 and take their career in an entirely new direction!

They are the most thoughtful gift

What could be more thoughtful than choosing and gifting the TEFL course they need to retrain into their dream career?

If teaching is their dream but they are a bit shy about setting out to achieve it, giving TEFL courses could be just the nudge they need to unlock their enthusiasm and full potential.

You can expect tears for sure!

Everyone can chip in

If you are looking for a group gift for someone special but a little tricky to buy for, why not ask the whole family or friendship group to pay what they can towards it?

While it will need to be purchased by one individual at check-out, there’s no rule against having a whip around before you click through to payment.

Alternatively, if you are buying the course solo, why not pay in three interest-free payments with PayPal and spread the cost of Christmas – making a larger gift a little more manageable?

Find the perfect TEFL courses for your loved one

TEFL UK is a trusted and friendly TEFL provider, offering a range of TEFL courses and qualifications – perfect for anyone who wants to travel and teach their way across the globe.

For most people, the 150-hour Advanced TEFL course is perfect but feel free to browse our range of courses or speak to the TEFL UK team for more information. We are happy to discuss your loved ones' career hopes and dreams and suggest a course we think they would love.

To get started, email us today at [email protected] or fill in our contact form and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can!