Teaching English as a Foreign Language — or TEFL — has two fascinating advantages. First, it can be a rewarding lifelong career on its own. Second, it can open the door to world travel and finance your excursions as you go!

Sound too good to be true? Perhaps. Face it, teaching doesn't suit everyone, but here's an opportunity to try out your teaching skills without taking years to get your teaching certificate. As a TEFL teacher you can determine if teaching is your calling. If not, you'll still have the opportunity to earn real money when you travel abroad. What may surprise you most is that you do not have to hold a college or university degree to become a qualified TEFL teacher.

Globalization of the economy has made English a "must-have" commodity. In Asia, Europe and Africa, business leaders, politicians, college students and children are learning English to prepare themselves for success. Thousands of native English speakers are taking up the challenge to meet this growing demand. But in order to find employment, you must have hold a recognized TEFL certificate. So what's involved — and what should you look for?

Here are the criteria I urge you to consider when you enroll for a TEFL certification program:

1. Ensure the certification itself is recognized internationally. Too often TEFL schools provide their own certificate — one that isn't recognized by anyone else!
2. Make sure you can sit in on a few classes before you enroll. This will give you insight into the look and feel of what you'll learn.
3. Compare the program costs. Because there is real demand for TEFL teachers, some TEFL schools are charging thousands of dollars for tuition alone — not including the cost of books and supplies
4. Check the TEFL curriculum. It should include modules on teaching grammar, vocabulary, speaking, writing , listening and reading. There should also be sections on motivation and classroom management.
5. Ensure the TEFL school has some practical component, or better still, leads to find employment. Many schools provide none of this, others offer both.

My research on TEFL schools has drawn me to one on-line school that satisfies all five of these criteria: I-to-I Online TEFL They're headquartered in England, but of course, anyone can earn their internationally recognized TEFL certificate on-line. Online TEFL course - only $195/$295. Take a FREE trial.

Here's some of the reasons why I recommend them:

1. They are accredited by the ODLQC (Open and Distance Learning Quality Council). This Council was established in England in 1969 by a joint government-private sector initiative.
2. They were established in 1994 and have certified over 15,000 TEFL teachers who have worked abroad. Not a bad track record!
3. They provide individual tutors to help you master their curriculum.
4. They offer internships and leads to paid employment.

I'm also impressed by the extent of their curriculum. The minimal time commitment means they provide intense — but focussed instruction on these modules:

Student Motivation, Teacher Roles & EFL Methodology (2-3 hrs approx)
Grammar Awareness (6-8 hrs approx)
Classroom Management & Student Levels (3-4 hrs approx)
How to teach Grammar (6-8 hrs approx)
How to teach Vocabulary (4-5 hrs approx)
Observe & analyze a teacher in action (on CD ROM) (3-4 hrs approx)
How to teach Speaking and Writing Skills (1-2 hrs approx)
How to teach Reading and Listening Skills (4-5 hrs approx)
Games & Lesson Planning (5-6 hrs approx)
Information & Resources (1hr approx)

One last consideration. You can log on to their web site and try out a free "mini" course which allows you to sample every one of the 10 modules in their TEFL program. Online TEFL course - only $195/$295. Take a FREE trial.

Their free trial is as close as "sitting in on a few classes" can get. Not bad for an internet-based teaching certification program.