TEFL Courses in Dublin, Ireland

The Irish are some of the friendliest folks in the world, so it's a no-brainer to choose Dublin as the perfect place to take a TEFL course. You can get all the training you need to excel as an English teacher -- and then wash it down with a perfectly poured beer.

Different course types include TEFL, TESOL, and CELTA programs, which train English instructors at different levels depending on your aims as a teacher. The standardized CELTA certificate is recognized all over the world, so it can open many doors. There are TEFL institutions scattered across the heart of Dublin to put you in the center of life in the Irish capital.

Your job prospects in Dublin are promising, especially if your TEFL institution offers job placement. Placement should be one of the most important considerations when choosing a program, aside from housing and visa assistance. Automatic placement at the end of your program could be the key to a high-paying teaching job.

Ireland offers a variety of course options for people looking to start a career teaching English to speakers of a foreign language -- or even for those looking to advance professionally in the education field at large.

TEFL Courses

The standard course for anyone looking to become an English teacher overseas is the TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language). These courses can be anywhere from 60 to over 200 hours in length, though most schools overseas want to see at least 120 hours of training before they'll hire you, especially if you don't have teaching experience. 120-hour TEFL courses are the most common courses available in Ireland, and take about four weeks of intensive training.

TESOL Courses

TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) is often used interchangeably with TEFL, but it generally refers to English teachers who teach English to speakers of a foreign language in an English-speaking country. In Dublin, you can train to teach children of foreigners in English-speaking countries all over the world. TESOL courses are around the same length as TEFL courses and cover a lot of the same content.

CELTA Courses

Whether you're just starting out in education or you want to take your teaching career to the next level, Dublin is a great place to obtain a CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults). It's recognized all over the world, and unlike TEFL and TESOL courses, CELTA requires a standardized curriculum, which ensures consistency and quality of content. It can be a greater investment in time and money, but if you're serious about being an English teacher, it will pay off in the long run.

Blended Programs

Most of these programs are offered in-person, providing you with the opportunity to practice your new skills and get to know other people in your field. But if you're looking for a little more flexibility in your schedule, you can also sign up for a blended program that mixes both online and in-person classroom instruction. These programs typically include some training online, often at your own pace, combined with classroom training and practice.

The most exciting part about taking a TEFL course in Dublin is getting to plan your stay there. There are many exciting possibilities to make this a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

When to Take Your TEFL in Dublin

TEFL courses are offered in Dublin year-round, so the question is: when do you want to spend a month in Ireland learning the ins and outs of English teaching? Like everywhere in Europe, the summer is a popular time to spend overseas. You would then be certified to teach immediately before the fall season when a lot of people become inspired to go to school and learn English and schools are hiring. But seeing the Cliffs of Moher in the fall or enjoying the St. Patrick's Day parade might make it worth considering other times of the year, too.

What to Look For in a TEFL Course in Dublin

You should consider how much assistance you will need in relocating to Dublin when choosing a course. Some TEFL providers offer relocation assistance, including help in finding housing and completing the visa application. Though these programs might be more expensive, it would be worth it to have someone guide you through the process of moving abroad and settling in.

Some TEFL courses also offer placements at the end of their training period. This would be helpful if you're planning to stay in Dublin, and it would be the easiest way to guarantee a job after you obtain your certification.

Health & Safety

Though Ireland is relatively safe, you should take precautions to keep yourself healthy. Health insurance is not only useful, but it's necessary for the visa process. If your academy doesn't provide insurance, you should obtain it on your own. You should also consider renter's insurance to protect your belongings, especially things you might need for school and work, like a laptop.

Finished your TEFL course? Then it's time to get out there and put your new skills to use.

When to Apply for Jobs in Dublin

Though English teaching jobs are available all year round, it's best to apply when demand is highest. English schools that run on a standard education calendar usually start the new year in the fall, making late summer and early fall the best time to put your resume out there. Hiring opportunities also become more widely available when other teachers take time off, so it doesn't hurt to check in during the holidays.

Average Salary of Post-TEFL Jobs in Dublin

The cost of living in Ireland might be higher than other places in Europe, but so are the salaries. As an English teacher in Dublin, you can expect to earn somewhere around $20 an hour. It varies depending on your level of experience and certification. Many teachers work on a freelance basis, so you can work as much or as little as you want.

Tips for Finding a Job in Dublin

As with any job, the more people you know, the better your chances are of getting placed. Before enrolling, check to see if your TEFL institution will offer a guaranteed placement as this is the easiest way to get a job.

If they don't, use websites for expats or classifieds where jobs might be posted. You should also stay in touch with people working in education because they might hear of a job that could be a good fit for you. Networking is a good excuse to get together for a drink with your new local friends.