The Irish Department of Education regulates TEFL courses through the Advisory Council for English Language Schools (ACELS). If you are considering working within the English Language Schools sector in Ireland you should do an ACELS recognized TEFL course.

 

Entry requirements:

1. Primary degree *
   
   * Note: If you do not hold a primary degree you may be admitted onto courses with local certification issued by MEI. While this certificate will not enable you to work within the Irish recognized sector, it may be used to teach English abroad. However, you should verify with any potential employer first, whether or not a primary degree is also required. This varies from country to country.
   
   
2. Sufficient study skills required to complete a pre-career ELT course and course work (this will be assessed through an application form)
   
   
3. Ability to communicate clearly, correctly and appropriately in spoken and written English. This will normally be assessed through the application form and a casual interview.
   
   

There are three kinds of courses available in MEI schools:

1. Initial TEFL Qualification: If you would like to teach junior students or adults in Ireland or abroad, you should complete the Certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language. All successful trainees who are awarded this certificate are eligible to work in all Department of Education & Science recognised schools in Ireland. The certificate is also recognized abroad. Courses are normally run on a full time basis, and offering up to 115 hours tuition over a 4-week period. Other part-time and evening options are available.
   

    

   
   
2. Preparatory TEFL Qualification: If you are already a qualified secondary school teacher but would be interested in teaching junior students, mostly during the summer months, then you should complete the Certificate for the Teaching of English as a Foreign Language to Secondary Level Students. This course is open to state-qualified teachers (and those in their final year of training). All successful trainees who are awarded this certificate are eligible to work in the Junior EFL sector in all Department of Education & Science recognised schools in Ireland.
   
   

    

   
   
3. Cambridge ESOL courses: The Cambridge ESOL examinations are available at MEI schools in Ireland. While these courses are not normally a requirement to teach in Ireland, they are well recognized internationally, and those considering a long career in TEFL, at Director of Studies or Principal level or indeed in materials writing etc. might consider these courses.