Living overseas, travelling to new exciting places, meeting people from different cultures, and working in a flexible environment are just a few of the many reasons that people decide to teach English abroad.
Becoming an English teacher has never been as easy as it is now or in such high demand.
But how do you start? What does teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) involve, what qualifications do you need, and how can you find TEFL jobs?
Here is a guide with everything you need to know about teaching English abroad including information and advice to help you start getting paid to work as an English teacher in no time!
Why Teach Abroad
There are so many reasons why you should considering starting a career teaching English overseas. Benefits include:
Live Abroad
Teaching English provides the opportunity to live anywhere in the world. You can apply for jobs in individual countries, or work teaching remotely via the internet.
Earn Money
There is the potential to make a lot of money.
Meet People From All Over the World
You will make life long friends from all over the world with locals and other teachers. This is one of the most popular gap year ideas and it is easy to see why.
Rewarding Job
Helping students to learn is such a rewarding feeling, not many jobs have this level of satisfaction where you see the progress and positive impact you make.
Develop Skills
You will learn so much both personally and professionally. By taking a TEFL course you will gain a much greater understand of education and the teaching industry.
Learn a New Language
If you choose to work as a teacher in a non-English speaking country this is a great way to learn or improve your language skills.
Travel
Teaching abroad gives you the perfect chance to explore other regions of the world. Create memories that last forever!
What Do TEFL Teachers Do?
Simply put, TEFL teachers teach English to students whose native language is not English.
These students may be children in primary school or adults looking to improve their working English. Even though the age range and reason for learning English may differ greatly from one job to the next, the job requirements are the same throughout the world.
TEFL teachers prepare lesson plans before class time, deliver interactive content to students through games, exercises, reading, etc., and assess students’ progress in English throughout the school term.
Do I Need to Know a Foreign Language?
Knowing a second language is really helpful but not necessary for living and teaching abroad. Interacting with students in their language, and also with local people in your destination, will make the whole experience easier and more enjoyable.
Many English teachers will quickly pick up the language spoken in their host culture as it is used around them every day. You may even decide to take some foreign language lessons yourself on arrival in your destination or online.
What Qualifications Do English Teachers Need?
Different programmes around the world require their teachers to have different qualifications.
Many don’t require you to have previous experience but you will need a good level of the English language especially if you aren’t a native speaker.
Some recruiters will insist on at least a bachelor’s degree and a TEFL license or certificate, others will simply require you to be a native English speaker, have completed high school and be at least 18 years of age.
Make sure you double check each programme’s requirements as they will differ from school to school.
Enroll on a TEFL Course
Getting a recognised TEFL certification is essential to getting hired both online and around the world. Most recruiters will require this before considering to hire you.
There is the option to take an online TEFL certification, or book a classroom course. On this course you will learn everything there is to know about teaching and get the skills and knowledge to become a successful tutor.
Where Can TEFL Jobs Be Found?
Finding a TEFL position abroad is no difficult task but finding the right one might take some time.
You can view jobs and work placements on our website or Facebook page and also check out recruiters, agencies, online job boards and websites.
Teaching English abroad is an exciting move but make sure that you apply to positions in locations that interest and excite you.
Some TEFL positions can also be found completely online, whilst others require teachers to work physically in the school either full-time or part-time.
There are also short term teaching summer jobs for students, some companies recruit language tutors for programmes that are done during summer sessions lasting between four and twelve weeks.
This is a great option for someone starting out as a TEFL teacher and would like to get experience without committing to a full academic year in one location.
Best Places to Teach English Abroad
You can find TEFL jobs in most countries around the world, even where English is the native language. This really is one of the best reasons to consider a career as a TEFL teacher, it gives you a passport to live all around the world!
Some of the most popular countries to teach abroad include Asia and the Middle East, this is mainly due to teaching being a respected profession, the high salaries, lifestyle, unique cultural immersions and travel opportunities.
Popular countries to apply include: Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Japan, China, Dubai, Taiwan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia and South Korea.
Other places worldwide which attract a lot of TEFL teachers include Spain, France, Russia, Czech Republic, Greece, Costa Rica, Argentina, Mexico, Brazil and Peru.
How to Apply & Get Started Teaching English Abroad
If you would like to take a TEFL course and begin your teaching adventure these companies are recommended:
International TEFL & TESOL Training
International TEFL & TESOL Training (ITTT) offer internationally accredited TEFL courses including online, in-class and combined TEFL courses which are internationally accredited. Over 100,000 people have trained with ITTT and you can choose from classroom courses in over 30 worldwide locations.
Premier TEFL
Premier TEFL offer a wide range of fully accredited online courses which have been written by real teaching professionals to meet international standards. Premier TEFL courses provide you with all the training you need to confidently teach English abroad. They ensure your lifelong certification makes you stand out in the global job market and qualifies you for the most rewarding, highly paid TEFL jobs out there.
Start Your Teaching Abroad Career
If you are thinking about making a career online, or going to work abroad, then TEFL really is an amazing avenue to consider.
Do lots of research before you dive in, but don’t be scared of the possibilities. Teaching English abroad is an opportunity that can change your life!
You too could be travelling to new, exciting places, meeting people from different cultures, and working in a flexible environment before you know it.
