If you're looking for an interesting and rewarding career path that gives you the opportunity to fulfill your dreams of global travel, you should consider teaching English abroad. Not only will it enable you to change lives and give you the satisfaction of seeing the difference you can make for others, but it also allows you to enjoy a wealth of experiences that would otherwise be out of reach.
More people than ever before are recognising the benefits of learning a foreign language, and of all the available options, English remains one of the top choices worldwide. That means there is a wealth of opportunities for enthusiastic and skilled English teachers who are as eager for adventure as they are to impart their knowledge to language students.
Does teaching English abroad sound like the perfect job for you? Then there are some essential things you're going to need to know.
What Qualifications Are Required?
Before you can embark on your overseas English teaching career, you'll need to obtain the right qualifications. First, you'll need to be a native English speaker, or at the least, fluent in the language. Becoming TEFL qualified is also essential if you want to maximise your opportunities and make yourself as attractive as possible to future employers. The Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) qualification represents the best way to equip yourself with the skills and knowledge that you'll need to successfully teach English overseas. However, not all TEFL courses are created equal, so choosing the correct one for your needs is crucial. You'll need to choose a course that offers a minimum of 120 hours of learning and that is accredited by a reputable provider. Armed with this certificate, you'll be ready to start applying for posts in your chosen destination.
Where Can I Teach?
Once you have a TEFL qualification, the world is your oyster when it comes to potential English teaching opportunities. There are jobs available in virtually every country around the world, so whether you want to explore Europe, South America, Asia, or Africa, you'll be spoiled for choice. Nevertheless, before you start applying for posts, you should research visa requirements as well as specific considerations such as permits and legal requirements for your chosen destination.
What Kind Of Students Can I Work With?
As an English teacher abroad, you'll find that there are teaching opportunities with students of all ages. You may prefer to work with children of primary or high school age. Alternatively, you may prefer to work with adult learners. There are also often roles available delivering business English classes or offering exam preparation lessons. If you want to specialise in certain areas of English teaching, you can take an advanced TEFL course focused on the development of specific language teaching skills to give you an advantage in the job market.
How Do I Choose Where To Teach?
Choosing where you want to teach English overseas is exciting, but it can also be a challenge. There are several things to keep in mind when making your decision:
· First, you'll need to consider how much you are likely to earn and what the local cost of living is likely to be. You need to be sure not only that you'll be able to afford to live in your chosen location but that you can enjoy a good quality of life.
· You'll need to bear in mind that there can be some significant cultural differences that you'll need to get used to. It's important to do your research well before making any job applications to ensure that you will feel comfortable with the way of life in your chosen country and that you will be happy to conform to expectations.
· Another thing to think about is the work/life balance that you'll have in your new job. While some countries have a very relaxed and laidback attitude to education, others have a far more serious approach, and you may be expected to work long hours.
These are just some of the factors that can come into play when making your final choice.
How Do I Find A Teaching Job Abroad?
There are a few different ways to find a teaching job abroad once you have your TEFL qualification. There are recruitment agencies specialising in finding qualified English teachers suitable positions overseas, or you could use online job boards that advertise vacancies in various regions around the globe. Some TEFL professionals choose to apply to one of the many overseas language schools based in popular locations worldwide. However, one of the best ways to find your first overseas English teaching post is to join a teaching abroad programme.
Finding a job teaching English in another country may sound daunting, but thanks to some of the best teaching English programs overseas it needn't be as challenging as it initially appears. Governments and organisations in numerous countries have started taking action to boost proficiency in English amongst school-aged children and, in order to achieve this goal, they've put in place specialist programmes to recruit TEFL-qualified professionals to deliver high-quality teaching.
It's important to understand that there's no single programme for teaching English abroad. All will set you up in your new job, but some will offer added perks too, such as accommodation, paid travel expenses, and even social events. It's important to do your research well before applying so you know exactly what to expect and how much help you'll receive when you arrive.
How Can I Be A Successful Overseas English Teacher?
To successfully teach English overseas, there are a few key things that you'll need. Of course you'll need your TEFL qualification, but you'll also need to be committed to building up positive relationships not only with your students but also the wider community in your new location, encompassing both locals and expats. Perhaps most importantly, you'll also need to be adaptable and open-minded to make the most of your experience. However, with the right attitude and approach, you're sure to find your new career is rewarding, exciting, and enjoyable in equal measure.
