Teaching English abroad is an incredibly rewarding experience, allowing you to gain new skills, travel the world, and make a lasting impact on the lives of others. Whether you’re a recent graduate looking to gain real-world experience, or an experienced teacher looking for a new challenge, teaching English abroad is the perfect way to enrich your life.
This guide will give you all the information you need to make this dream a reality, from the different types of teaching positions available to the qualifications, and preparation. With the right guidance, teaching English abroad can be an incredible journey and a career move that you’ll never regret.
Teaching English abroad is a multi-billion dollar industry, with hundreds of thousands of people employed worldwide. However, the demand for English teachers is increasing every year, so there’s never been a better time to get into the industry. Whether you’re looking to gain experience before returning to your home country, or are hoping to make teaching your full-time career, there are a number of teaching qualifications available.
Some of the most common teaching qualifications for ESL (English as a second language) teaching include TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) CELTA (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). Each qualification and this list of online TEFL courses can help you get started teaching abroad.
There are many benefits of teaching English abroad. If you’re a native English speaker, this will be an opportunity to gain valuable experience and build your resume. You may also be able to earn a higher salary than at home, depending on the country where you teach. You could choose to teach in a developing country and make a real difference in the lives of others, gaining valuable skills and experiences along the way.
Teaching English abroad is also a great way to network and make lifelong connections, particularly if you choose to teach in a place like Asia where the EFL industry is booming. Many TEFL teachers choose to stay in the same place for an extended period of time or even make teaching their full-time career.
The whole TEFL experience could be the perfect way to travel the world and make incredible memories, while also growing as a person. Whatever your reasons for pursuing teaching abroad are, you can be sure that it will be an experience you will never forget. There’s nothing quite like immersing yourself in a new culture while helping others to learn a language.
There are a variety of teaching positions available when teaching English abroad, including teaching in a classroom, online, on a cruise ship, or for a language school.
Classroom Teaching: Classroom teaching is one of the most popular positions for English speakers abroad. Classes can be held in a school or language institute, or online. This type of teaching usually focuses on general English language skills and can vary from basic conversation to business English and TOEFL preparation. Some schools may specialize in a certain subject area, like business or STEM. This can be a great option for those who prefer a more specialized role.
Online Teaching: Online teaching is a growing area of the industry, and many online providers have noticed a shortage of English speakers to teach English as a second or foreign language. This type of teaching can be completed from anywhere in the world and can be done either as a full-time or part-time position. You can set your own hours, and it’s a great option for those who want to travel while teaching.
Cruise Ship Teaching: Cruising is a hugely popular form of travel, and many cruise ships are now offering English language courses. This is a great way to combine your love of travel with teaching, although you’ll need to be prepared to meet strict deadlines.
Language School Teaching: This is a great option for those who have previous experience teaching. At a language school, you’ll be teaching students who are trying to become fluent in a foreign language. This can be a challenging but rewarding position that allows you to tailor your lessons to fit each student’s needs.
When it comes to qualifications and requirements for teaching abroad, it really depends on the country and school where you choose to teach. Typically, you’ll need to have at least a bachelor’s degree, and a TEFL/TESOL certification is recommended but not required.
If you’re interested in teaching in Asia, you’ll likely need at least a bachelor’s degree in any subject. In Europe, qualifications may vary from country to country, but you’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree in English language, literature, or education. You may also need a CELTA or TEFL qualification depending on the school or university where you want to teach.
In the Middle East, many schools prefer teachers with a degree in education. Requirements for teaching English in Africa vary from country to country, and may also depend on the type of school where you want to work. Expect to provide proof of a degree, a resume, and any other relevant experience. In many countries, you’ll also be required to have a criminal record check.
When it comes to visas and documentation for teaching abroad, this will also vary depending on the country where you choose to teach. Some countries may not require a visa, while others will require you to apply and be granted a work visa or residency permit before you begin teaching. You’ll often need to provide documentation of your health, police record, and academic qualifications. Depending on the country, you may need to provide documentation of your financial security, and/or sign a contract with the school where you’re teaching.
Before you sign up to teach abroad, it’s important to make sure you’re ready for this new journey. You should have a clear idea of where you want to teach, and what type of position you’re after. If you’re not sure where you want to go, use a site like GoAbroad or AllESL to find potential teaching positions, and learn more about each country’s culture and languages. You should also consider any potential challenges you may face as a native speaker, and how you plan to overcome them.
Although you’re a native English speaker, it’s important to remember that you’re in a new country and culture, and will need to adjust accordingly. Many teachers recommend spending time in the country, or at least in the region where you plan to teach before you begin your job. This will allow you to get a feel for the culture and learn the language. You can also make connections and form relationships that will last a lifetime.
Before you start looking for a teaching position, it’s important to do your research and understand the industry. Think about the type of position you’re after and the location where you’d like to teach. This can help narrow down your potential options, and allow you to focus your search. Once you’ve got a list of potential employers, it’s important to do your due diligence and learn more about each company. Check out reviews, and make sure you’re applying for legitimate companies.
Once you’ve applied for a position and have a resume ready, you can use a variety of resources to find teaching positions abroad. Many online sites allow you to search for teaching positions such as Indeed. You can also use social media sites like LinkedIn, and even Facebook groups to find potential employers. Another great way to find teaching positions abroad is to look at language schools in the country where you want to teach.
Whatever position you take, it’s important to be prepared for the teaching experience. Keep in mind that you’ll likely be in a new country with a new culture, and may not be fluent in the language. It’s important to do your research and learn the language as much as you can, and try to form relationships with locals.
Make sure to keep an open mind, and try to embrace the new culture and lifestyle. Stay organized, and set goals for yourself. It’s easy to get caught up in the new experience and culture, but it’s important to keep your goals and future plans in mind. Make sure to take some time off to explore the new city and country, and form relationships with other teachers and locals. This will be sure to make your experience one you’ll never forget.
Teaching English abroad is an incredibly rewarding career choice, and there has never been a better time to enter the industry. If you’re looking for a new challenge, and are interested in making a real difference in the world, teaching English abroad is the perfect choice for you. With the right preparation and guidance, you can make this dream a reality, and make a lasting impact on the world.
Alexia is the author at Research Snipers covering all technology news including Google, Apple, Android, Xiaomi, Huawei, Samsung News, and More.
