Teaching English abroad could be one of the most exciting things you ever do. Imagine every day being different, full of challenges and new experiences, helping children or adults to speak English and improve their fluency.
You can explore a new country, its traditions, its history, its food and music, visit interesting places and fully immerse yourself in a new culture. Read on to explore why teaching English abroad could be your chance to live the dream as well as take a step towards an exciting new career.
Where Can I Teach English Abroad?
There are over 1 billion people learning English right now around the world so opportunities for jobs are plentiful.
This is a career that could see you travelling to Latin America, Asia, Africa, all over Europe – anywhere you like where there are people wanting to learn English!
Of course there is a lot of work involved in getting to the stage where you can pack your bags, but this can be great fun too. If you already speak English, you are more than half way there already!
You simply need to brush up on your EFL grammar skills and get a few EFL lesson ideas under your belt.
Qualifications for Teaching English Abroad
The qualifications needed to enter the profession vary widely. Some countries require teachers to have a degree and CELTA qualification.
Schools in other countries only require a TEFL certificate. A degree is not always necessary in countries where English teachers are in very high demand. China is a popular destination for new EFL teachers who lack a degree.
There are so many TEFL courses it is easy to get involved and take one step closer to living the dream and travelling the world teaching English.
On qualifying, some training centres will even help you to find your first teaching position abroad.
How Much Money Can I Earn Teaching English Abroad?
The money available from English teaching varies depending on where you teach. Many jobs teaching English abroad are not very highly paid, but there are other ways to enhance your earnings, such as private tuition.
Once you have a job in a language school, you could look to branch out into private teaching to supplement your regular income.
It is also sometimes possible to take on further classes, such as business English teaching at a local office.
Salaries can vary widely so it’s worth researching into the normal incomes in different countries and schools if earning power is very important to you.
By teaching English you can learn more about your own language, travel extensively, meet lots of new people, help children and adults learn English and explore other cultures.
Teaching English can be incredibly rewarding. Is it time to take the plunge?
Is TEFL the right career for you?
Are you an English teacher abroad?
Which TEFL course did you study and how did you find the process?
Was it easy to find your first teaching job?
Would you encourage others to follow in your footsteps?
Share your experiences in the comments!