Black Friday is usually associated with discounted electronics, new clothes and things we probably don't need. But what if this year, instead of buying something new, you invested in an experience that could take you somewhere new?
For anyone dreaming of travelling more, living abroad or exploring a different career path, Black Friday could be the perfect opportunity to take the first step towards making those plans a reality.
With The TEFL Institute of Ireland currently offering up to 82% off TEFL courses, getting qualified to teach English could be more affordable than you might think.
And with 2027 just around the corner, there's no better time to start preparing for your next adventure.
Imagine spending your weekends exploring the streets of Seoul, discovering the culture of Spain or enjoying life in a new European city.
For many people, travelling abroad is something they hope to do someday. But finding a way to support yourself financially while living overseas can be one of the biggest challenges.
That's where Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) comes in.
English teachers are employed in schools, language centres and other educational settings around the world. With the right qualifications and by meeting local employment requirements, teaching English abroad can offer an opportunity to experience another country while earning an income.
Rather than simply visiting a destination for a week or two, you could have the chance to experience everyday life there, meet new people and become part of a different community.
One of the most appealing things about TEFL is that it doesn't have to lead to just one type of job.
While teaching English abroad is a popular option, there are also opportunities to teach English online, work with adult learners, offer private lessons or specialise in areas such as Business English.
A TEFL course introduces you to practical teaching skills, including lesson planning, classroom management, grammar instruction and techniques for helping students develop their English.
You don't need previous teaching experience to enrol on a TEFL course, making it an option for people from a wide range of professional backgrounds.
Whether you're a recent graduate, considering a career change or simply interested in developing a new skill, a TEFL qualification could be a useful addition to your CV.
Of course, employment opportunities vary depending on the destination, employer, visa rules and your existing qualifications.
If you've been considering a TEFL qualification but haven't quite taken the plunge, Black Friday presents an opportunity to get started at a reduced cost.
The TEFL Institute of Ireland, an Irish-owned TEFL training provider, is currently running its Black Friday sale with up to 82% off selected courses.
Students can choose from a range of online training options, including:
Courses are delivered online, allowing students to study around their existing work, education and personal commitments.
The Black Friday promotion also includes six free bonus gifts with qualifying course purchases, offering additional learning resources to support students as they begin their TEFL journey.
January often brings a renewed motivation to make changes. But when it comes to something as exciting as working abroad, getting started a little earlier can make a difference.
Completing a TEFL qualification takes time, and preparing to work overseas involves more than simply booking a flight.
There are job opportunities to research, applications to prepare, documents to organise and visa requirements to understand.
Starting your TEFL training before the new year could give you a head start on these preparations.
Many TEFL courses are self-paced, meaning you can work through your studies at a schedule that suits you. This makes it possible to begin building your skills now while continuing with your current commitments.
By the time 2027 arrives, you could already be making progress towards your qualification and have a clearer idea of the opportunities you'd like to pursue.
For some people, TEFL is about changing careers. For others, it's about gaining confidence, becoming more independent or experiencing something completely different.
Teaching English abroad can mean learning about another culture, making international friendships, developing communication skills and gaining experiences that stay with you long after you return home.
Even if you don't immediately decide to move overseas, completing a TEFL course can help you develop transferable skills and explore whether teaching is something you'd enjoy.
And for those who prefer to stay closer to home, online English teaching may provide another route to consider.
Another Black Friday purchase might be forgotten in a few months. But investing in a new skill could have an impact that lasts much longer.
Whether your dream is to teach English in Europe, experience life in Asia, work online or simply explore a new direction, getting qualified is one practical step you can take towards that goal.
You don't need to have your entire future planned out today. Sometimes, the most important part is simply getting started.
The TEFL Institute of Ireland's Black Friday sale is now live, with up to 82% off selected TEFL courses and six free bonus gifts with qualifying purchases.
Explore the Black Friday TEFL course offers at The TEFL Institute of Ireland and take the first step towards making 2027 a year to remember.
Black Friday offers are available for a limited time. Teaching opportunities and eligibility requirements vary by country and employer.
