English as a foreign language (EFL) teacher

Career path and progression

With experience, you may be able to:

• progress to a management position in a commercial language school or a college in the UK or abroad
• work freelance in private tuition, for example specialising in business English
• train future EFL teachers
• create EFL learning materials, online resources and apps
• open your own language school

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• knowledge of English language
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to create the best conditions for learning or teaching new things
• excellent written communication skills
• analytical thinking skills
• persistence and determination
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks as you may work with children and vulnerable adults

Related subjects

Most relevant

• English Language - EFL teachers need an expert understanding of English grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and sentence structure so they can explain how the language works to non-native speakers. They break down rules that native speakers often take for granted, such as verb tenses, word order, and idiomatic expressions.
• Modern Foreign Languages - EFL teachers benefit hugely from having learned another language themselves, because it gives them insight into the challenges their students face. Understanding how languages differ in grammar and structure helps them anticipate common mistakes and explain English more effectively to speakers of different languages.

Also relevant

• English Literature - EFL teachers often use stories, poems, and extracts from literature to help students engage with English in a meaningful way. A strong background in literature also deepens their own command of the language and helps them introduce students to different styles and registers of English.
• Psychology - EFL teachers need to understand how people learn, what motivates them, and how to build confidence in students who may feel anxious about speaking a new language. Knowledge of memory, attention, and different learning styles helps them design lessons that actually work for a range of learners.
• Sociology - EFL teachers work with students from many different cultural backgrounds and need to be sensitive to how culture shapes communication and classroom behaviour. Understanding social structures and cultural norms helps them create an inclusive learning environment where everyone feels comfortable participating.
• Drama - EFL teachers frequently use role-play, dialogue practice, and performance activities to get students speaking English in realistic situations. Being confident and expressive in front of a group – and knowing how to use voice, gesture, and pace – makes lessons more engaging and helps students practise natural conversation.
• Business - EFL teachers who specialise in business English need to understand workplace communication, meetings, presentations, and professional writing. Many also work freelance or run their own language schools, so skills in marketing, pricing, and managing finances are genuinely useful.