As the pandemic put all our travel projects on hold in 2020, many teachers of English as a second language found themselves in limbo, wondering whether teaching abroad was a good idea after all. Luckily, we live in a day and age where remote learning and working not only is possible, but it has also become the norm. We’ve soon discovered, however, that although distance learning is a viable option, nothing can replace face-to-face human interaction. This, combined with a burning desire to explore other countries and learn about (and from) other cultures, has reignited our passion for travelling.
With social distancing restrictions being lifted across the globe, schools have opened their doors once again and the recruitment process for English teachers is already in motion. If you’re thinking of working as an English teacher while travelling abroad, you’re just one step away from exciting experiences, long-lasting memories and international friendships. Nevertheless, moving abroad can be challenging on a personal and professional level, so it’s better to be prepared by designing a well thought out plan and travel accessories is one of the important things to prepare. Depending on the country you want to teach in, there are several aspects you need to take into consideration.
- Qualifications
You might assume that you need a bachelor’s degree to teach English as a foreign language, but you’d be wrong. There are many countries in Europe, such as Romania, Greece, Italy and Spain, and others further afield, like Cambodia, India and Mexico, where you don’t need to hold a degree to teach English at private language schools and academies. However, you’ll find that a university degree is required in some countries for VISA purposes or if you want to teach at a state school or university.
More important than a university degree is an accredited TEFL qualification. While it’s still possible to find an English teaching job without a TEFL qualification, this isn’t recommended. Teachers are the ‘face’ of the school and any reputable learning institution will strive to hire the best teachers available on the market. Becoming an effective teacher starts with solid TEFL foundations – The TEFL Org: teach english abroad Guide will help you find a provider that’s suitable for your needs.
- Nativespeakerism
Changing careers and moving abroad can be stressful decisions to make. It can also be very frustrating to realise that many organisations will only consider applications from native speakers, often requiring passport holders from specific countries such as the UK, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. This will exclude perfectly capable teachers who come from countries such as India, where English is considered an official language, and those who can speak English at a near-native level.
Although the situation is gradually improving and fewer individual organisations nowadays advertise for ‘native speakers’ only, keep in mind that such requirements often come from the country itself. However, there are plenty of countries that welcome non-native English teachers. From Europe to South-East Asia, all the way to Central and South America, you’ll find many teaching opportunities – get your TEFL qualification to increase your employability.
- Age
Like in other job markets, there can be age discrimination in the TEFL industry. While it’s true that you might need to be more resilient in your TEFL job hunt than a 20- or 30-year old, there’s no need to be discouraged. Personal and professional life experience, as well as your qualifications, can be to your advantage: Thailand, India and Nepal are some of the countries that don’t impose an age limit – read here to find out more.
- Students’ ages and class size
Another important factor that you should consider before choosing your country of destination is what age groups you’d like to teach. Whatever their age, learners will always bring joy as well as challenges to your lessons, but it’s advisable to reflect carefully on the kind of teacher that you are (or want to be) and your personality. Would you feel comfortable teaching preschool/kindergarten (3-5 years old), elementary (6-12 years old) or high-school (13-17 years old) learners? Perhaps you’d feel more confident with older students, such as university (18-25 years old) or adult learners (18+ years old).
Depending on the country you teach in, class size can change considerably, from 12 to 50 students per classroom! Teaching larger groups can be daunting at first and, at the other end of the scale, teaching one-to-one classes can be equally nerve-wracking. But with a TEFL qualification, you’d be equipped with lesson planning ideas and many engaging activities to help your lessons run smoothly.
All in all, regardless of your qualifications, country of origin, age and classroom preferences, there’s the right TEFL job for you out there! Go and grab your new life and career abroad – the adventure awaits.
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