TEFL FAQ

Please take a look at our TEFL FAQ's below and if for any reason we have not answered one of your TEFL questions, please contact us here!

TEFL Questions

TEFL Course

TEFL Teaching

TEFL Course FAQ

1.1 What is the difference between TEFL, CELTA, TESL, ESL, TESOL, and ESOL?

Each relates to teaching English to non-native English speakers however, each has its own specific details. Head to our "What is TEFL, TESOL, ESOL?" page for more information and descriptions about each of these terms!

1.2 Do I need a diploma or degree to enroll in a TEFL course?

All students enrolling in this 150 hour TEFL course must hold a college degree or 5 years of work experience (students with at least two years of university-level education or work rather than university experience can apply and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis). This is to ensure that each student has the best chance of completing the TEFL course and obtaining work after their course. Please refer to the TEFL eligibility page for more details on enrollment.

1.3 Do I have to be a native speaker to enroll in a TEFL course?

To enroll in TEFL courses in Buenos Aires you must be either a native English speaker or have completed the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System), level 6, or the CPE ( Certificate of Proficiency in English)

1.4 When do the courses start?

TEFL courses are offered between 8 and 10 times a year, held monthly, taking holidays into account. For more specific program dates, check out our TEFL Course page!

1.5 What will the orientation be like?

Orientation includes a tour of the Expanish downtown institute; welcome pack and school code of conduct; orientation about Buenos Aires; and, accompaniment to Recoleta TEFL Institute where students will carry out their TEFL courses.

1.6 What is a typical day like?

The 150 hour TEFL course begins everyday at 10AM and finishes at 5PM, with a few breaks in between. Every day students will study various topics, participate in discussions, and complete student work. Some days will have different schedule hours to accommodate for teaching practice, such as class from 10-1PM and teaching/observation from 5-9PM.

1.7 Should I bring any materials to class?

You will need to bring your original passport and your transcript to the first day of your course.

Although not required, it is highly recommended that students bring a laptop to their courses, for homework, notes, and lesson planning. Please bring something to write with as well as notebook; here you can take notes as well as organize any class hand-outs.

1.8 What are the teaching sessions like?

Students will teach for an hour twice a week, and observe a peer for an hour twice a week. All teaching will be observed by your professor as well, so that you can benefit from feedback from all observers. You will be teaching anywhere from one student to 10 in these courses, however most observed teaching will focus on small groups.

Students will teach at least two different levels during the course, one beginner level and one intermediate/advanced level. Students will plan lessons ahead of time with the help of their TEFL professor, and can make photocopies for students at the TEFL institute.

1.9 Do I need to book accommodation with my course?

No. However, Expanish recommends that you have accommodation, even temporary, before your arrival in Buenos Aires. Check out our Accommodation options in Buenos Aires!

1.10 May I move into my Expanish accommodation before my course starts?

Yes, you may move into the accommodation Expanish has provided you with at any date that is suitable for you, just make sure to let us know exact dates.

1.11 How and when should I register? How can I confirm my spot in the program?

Just click on the link that says Book Now in any one of our TEFL pages! Students must turn in their registration, all additional documents, and their payment at least 30 days before their program start date, but we always advise students to register as soon as possible for their TEFL course in order to ensure a spot in the class. Late applications will be accepted and evaluated up to the week prior to the course start date, however course and housing placements will be subject to availability and applications must be turned in complete and full payment made immediately.

In order to confirm class registration and accommodation, a minimum deposit of $500US (or the full amount of the program if less than $500US) is required if registration is more than 30 days prior to the beginning of the course. It is critical that students understand that until this moment we cannot guarantee a place in our accommodation or course. For programs over $2,500US, a deposit of 20‰ of the total program is required. Full payment is due 30 days before the program start date.

If a registration is submitted less than 30 days before a programs start date, students must pay the full program fee in order to confirm their place.

1.12 When should I pay for my TEFL course?

Once you register, you will receive a complete invoice for your course. You can choose to pay the deposit or full amount of your program at anytime however, a full payment must be made and confirmed by Expanish at least 30 days before student arrival.

1.13 What are my payment options?

Payments for TEFL programs can be made by credit or debit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express), via PayPal or with a bank transfer before the program start date. Current students who want to add to their programs can also pay in cash (U.S. dollars or Argentine pesos) in person at the school.

1.14 What is the Expanish cancellation policy?

If students cancel more than two weeks prior to the course start date, only the deposit will be held. Cancelation between 15 and 10 days before, 50% of the program cost will be kept. Cancelations that are less than 10 days will not be refunded. Cancelations after the start date will receive no refunds on the program, accommodation, or other item booked. Cancellations after the start date will also require that students pay a $100US administration fee plus a $30US fee for any domestic wire transfer (U.S) or $60US for an international wire, and 4% for payments made by credit card.

Cancellation of any program must be made in writing or in-person by the individual who signed the booking form or completed the online order.

The date of cancellation is the same date Expanish receives the notice.

1.15 Will I need a visa?

The majority of visitors entering Argentina will be granted a three month (90 day) visa upon arrival, however there are some exceptions. Click here to go to our Support Services and Visa page where we have listed the details about getting a visa in Argentina.

1.16 Why choose Expanish?

We are an educational travel focused organization, based out of beautiful Buenos Aires, and we strive to provide our students with high quality classes, unforgettable travel adventures, and continuous travel abroad guidance and support. Along with our programs, we offer accommodation, activities, workshops, excursions, and extensive student support services. For more information about Expanish, check out our About Us page!

TEFL Teaching FAQ

2.1 Do I need a TEFL certificate to teach English abroad?

There are English institutes and employers in parts of the world that would only require that you be a native speaker, however, the majority prefer and often require, that all teachers have professional TEFL training and an internationally recognized and accredited TEFL certificate. Since TEFL is a competitive market, it is best to have a TEFL certificate as you will almost always be chosen over a person without one. Plus, by having TEFL training you will often immediately receive or can request a higher salary and/or benefits.

2.2 Do I need to have a college degree to get a teaching position overseas?

Many schools and English institutes around the world prefer that their teachers have a college degree, and may not hire teachers without one, for example in many parts of Asia it is a requirement by law. However, there are also many schools and English institutes that many hire a TEFL teacher with others kinds of work experience. If you are without a degree it is best to investigate into the location where you wish to teach and find out their requirements.

2.3 Is it necessary that I speak a foreign language to teach English abroad?

No, it is not necessary that you speak your learner's native language. However, knowing your learner's native language can give you a career advantage in terms of increasing communication with your student(s) and can be a desirable selling feature for employers. We encourage all TEFL students who are interested in teaching in Argentina or other Spanish speaking countries to also enroll in the TEFL & Spanish program during their time in Buenos Aires. Spanish can not only help in your teaching career but also allow you to navigate more comfortably in the city, meet locals, and immerse yourself in the culture.

2.4 Where can I teach with this certificate?

The TEFL course is accredited by Ascentis, an accrediting body based out of the U.K; the TEFL curriculum adheres to all internationally recognized standards, giving students the opportunity to teach throughout the world.

2.5 Will someone help me find a job?

Once students complete the intensive TEFL course, the TEFL institutes staff will happily offer job placement assistance in Buenos Aires, Argentina, or around the world. Check out the TEFL Job Placement page for more details!

2.6 What are typical English teaching jobs like in Buenos Aires?

English is in demand in Buenos Aires and part-time work is often easy to come by. Companies are big employers in Buenos Aires but follow the trend of hiring teachers on a part-time basis. Often English teachers work for 2 or more companies if they wish to create a fuller weekly schedule and want to support themselves financially in Buenos Aires. Most positions are teaching to employees in a small group or one-on-one situations and, with a full schedule, can include city travel to make each appointment. Teachers can also choose to work independently, finding individuals in the city who wish to take English classes a few days a week for personal benefit. Working independently from an institute can have its rewards in the financial area, charging what you feel fit and receiving 100% of the profit, but also includes more work as you must find your students and sell your teacher potential!

2.7 Do I need a visa to teach in Argentina?

The need of a visa can differ significantly depending on the employer, position, or length of teaching time or contract. When students arrive, they need not worry about having a visa; once students begin the job placement process, if need be, the subject will be addressed. It is very common for English teachers in Argentina to have successful teaching careers while in the country only on a tourist visa and by renewing this visa every three months through immigration or leaving and re-entering the country.