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When I think back to my days teaching English abroad, I think how lucky I was to have experienced such a life.
It was one of the most challenging jobs in the world, but also the most rewarding, and allowed me to live in five countries, and four continents.
When I first started teaching, teaching English overseas wasn’t as common as it is today. Now, so many people have wised up to the sweet deal you get as a ESL teacher, and it makes it harder to land a job – especially those desirable international school jobs.
So, to help out those aspiring teachers who want to know how to teach overseas and land the perfect job, here are my tips based on my experiences teaching overseas.
Qualifications Needed To Teach Around The world
The qualifications you need largely depend on where in the world you want to teach, and whether or not you have a degree in teaching, and if you’re a native English speaker.
Let’s look at your options based on your experience level.
Non-Qualified Teachers – Get A TEFL
If you don’t have a teaching degree, you can at least get a TEFL Certificate or TESOL Certification.
These are easily obtained and cheap. You will need at least 120 hours, and although you can get cheap Groupon deals, I recommend you get one with a good reputation.
One of the most widely recognised and highly-rated Tefl courses is with the International TEFL Academy.
Do you need a TEFL Certificate to teach abroad?
Most schools and language centers require a TEFL certificate, but it all depends on what sort of teaching you wish to do. You don’t have to teach English, for example, but for subjects such as Maths or Science, you will need to demonstrate subject knowledge (in the form of a Bachelor’s degree, in many cases).
Some countries will forgo the TEFL certificate if you have a teaching degree, but some will require both.
A lot of countries prefer teachers to have a degree as well, usually in any subject (this is usually for visa reasons) and regardless of the TEFL certificate.
When choosing your TEFL course, I think it is better to do it on-campus for the practical teaching practice amongst your peers. This will benefit you when it comes time to stand up in front of class and do the real thing.
There are so many courses around that only offer online study without the practicum, but it’s worth choosing one that has this to help you in the long run.
Where can you work with just a TEFL?
In most countries, you can work at language schools without a teaching certificate and just a TEFL certificate.
Some public schools or government schools will allow teachers with just a TEFL, though you may need prior teaching experience to land English teaching jobs.
You can also teach English online with just a TEFL, such as with companies like Camby or Preply.
Some countries, such as Ireland and the USA, do allow non-qualified teachers to teach in their schools as substitute or casual teachers.
In the US, you first have to volunteer for a set number of hours before you can be accredited to then take a class on your own for the day while the normal teacher is absent.
In Ireland, you only need a degree in order to teach casually or take on long term teaching assignments.
Pay is obviously not going to be as great as what a teacher might get, but it could be better than other jobs.
If you do substitute teaching you will only get paid for the days you work.
This means that for 12 weeks of the year and any other days non-teaching work days, you will not receive any money.
If you are thinking of teaching overseas, it is worth investigating each country to determine what their required qualifications are.
Non-Native English Speakers
If you are a non-native English speaker, you can still teach English in most places, but you will need to show language proficiency, usually with an IELTs qualification or similar.
Some countries, particularly in Asia, prefer native English speakers, and it’s usually listed on the job advert if this is a requirement.
However, there are still lots of options around the globe.
In fact, in South America, there is a preference towards Spanish speakers, even if you’re teaching English. So being lingual in Spanish as well as English is even a bonus.
Qualified Teachers (With A Degree in Teaching)
Qualified teachers have more options when it comes to choosing teaching positions, not just for teaching in schools, but for teaching jobs like tutoring or language schools.
Just being a qualified teacher might not be enough to work in a particular country, though. You will need to ensure that you align with each country’s certification requirements and have the necessary documentation in place to get your visa (such as a criminal background check).
You may have to sit a test, be under probation, or take further study. I could only teach in two states in America as I was only three year trained.
Teaching English is a great way for non-qualified teachers to teach around the world. It’s pretty easy, fun, and gives you the opportunity to get to know the local culture more.
If you’re doing a working holiday, you may like Global Work and Travel to help you find a job.
What Other Requirements Do You Need To Teach Overseas?
As well as having the right qualifications, you also need to pass certain checks and tick a few boxes. This is usually for visa purposes.
Police clearances
In most countries in Europe, USA, and North America, you need to get a background check done.
You will most often need to get police clearance from all areas you have taught, which makes it challenging to track down if you have taught in several countries or even states within your own country.
Before you leave each area it is probably a good idea if you can organize a police clearance to take with you just in case for future use.
Get a police clearance from your own country before you leave.
Statement of Services
A statement of service, or a document proving prior experience, is essential for securing most jobs, especially those international school jobs with higher salaries.
I did not realize I needed them and spent months chasing them up from around the world.
Not only is it useful to show your experience, but to negotiate your pay and ensure you are paid the correct amount for your years of experience.
Make sure the statement outlines dates you worked, your specific job hours per week, whether it was full or part time and if you took any leave without pay.
Sometimes, former teaching contracts are sufficient for this.
University Transcripts and Degrees
Most countries will require you to show a copy of your degree certificate and transcript.
You may need to get them certified, or sent to an official notary office in your chosen country to get verified.
Take copies of these as many places will ask for them during the certification process to allow you to teach.
References
References are really important to get from your principals as you leave each school.
Also make sure you keep any observation records conducted on you in regards to your teaching practice.
If you have not taught before then make sure you have references from your previous work experiences and placements.
Passport with two blank pages
You will need a valid passport with six months validity and two blank pages to secure your visa.
However, most teaching contracts are 12 months, so you should try to make sure your passport has over 12 months validity left, otherwise your visa will expire early and it will become a nightmare down the road.
Work visa
Most work visas are obtained through your school or language center, so rarely do you need to worry about this.
It’s worth looking up what is required for your work visa before starting your job search in your chosen country, as sometimes you are required to have a degree just for the visa.
Some countries require you to get a chest x-ray or go through a health check.
Am I Suited To Teaching Overseas?
Now you know what is required of you in terms of documentation and experience, you might be wondering whether teaching is the right path for you.
Teaching overseas is great for cultural immersion, allowing you to travel and see more of the world, and give back something valuable…but not if you aren’t suited to it.
Here are some things to consider about your personality. If you answer yes to these questions, you are suited to the teaching lifestyle.
- Do you love to learn? Can you pass that enthusiasm onto your students?
- Do you love children?
- Are you flexible?
- Are you a good student? Part of being a good teacher means you can learn well.
- Are you adaptable?
- Can you think in different ways and cater to students who also think in different ways?
- Are you accepting of different cultures and different personalities?
- Are you patient and understanding?
- Are you a hard worker?
- Do you crave new experiences?
- Are you a good communicator?
- Are you willing to learn new ways and adapt to the local culture? Are you prepared to learn some of their language and cultural traditions?
- Do you like wine? haha, yes there are some evenings you’ll need it.
Tips For Landing Those Teaching Jobs Overseas
Okay, real talk! Now you know what you need and whether or not you meet the personality traits of a good teacher, here are my top tips for securing a job as a English as a foreign language teacher.
Stack the odds in your favor
Research possible teaching positions before you leave your home country.
Organizing teaching jobs before you leave usually means you have a company assisting you in gaining the right visas and work permits.
Most interviews are done over Skype or Zoom, so you don’t need to worry about having to be in the country to do face-to-face interviews. It’s highly normal to do interviews online. In fact, I would say it is NOT normal to do them in person.
It’s easier to secure a job from within a job, so you don’t have the stress and pressure of needing a job getting in the way.
You may even get special perks if you relocate, such as free flights, accommodation included in your contract, interest free relocation loans, sign on bonuses, subsidised health care, cheap insurance and assistance with relocating – all of which I have received through various teaching assignments organized before arriving in the country.
Do thorough research on Glassdoor
There is a high demand for English language teachers, and more teaching positions are coming up all over the world.
That being said, English teachers can often be taken advantage of. There are some teaching programs that don’t offer great pay or work conditions, so look up the company on Glassdoor first.
Glassdoor allows former employees to rate a company and leave honest reviews.
Having a quick search on this site, and via your own online searching, will help you find reputable companies; if you do it right you could land a great job.
Be available at the start of the school year
Teaching is one of those professions where there is a hiring window…and then it closes. Most TEFL jobs in schools will recruit from April until July for the school year starting in August/September. There are rarely jobs that come up after that.
Language centers usually hire all year round, and have full-time and part-time positions.
If you have the added flexibility of being able to show up in a country at a moment’s notice, you have a good likelihood that you can find work teaching in a language center.
Ask for advice from other teachers if you know any – or join Facebook groups of teachers in that country, so you can hear from others who have done the same.
Ask as many questions as you need to until you feel comfortable with a decision.
Usually your own instincts are a good gauge as to whether a company is worth going with or not.
Get experience before Leaving home
A great idea is to get some experience teaching in school before you leave.
You can easily do this by doing a volunteering job placement if you can’t find any paid teaching work.
Ask your local schools. Let them know you are going to teach overseas and would like some experience.
Teachers will love the extra help and you can get to know what teaching in a classroom is really like and learn some great insider tips.
Study for the interviews
Be prepared for interviews, maybe even more than one.
These could be done over the phone, one-on-one in person, or in front of a panel.
Learn a little about the school before you attend the interview and understand the teaching culture of that country.
Be clear on why you want to work at that school and have a teaching job overseas.
Be aware of your strengths and your weaknesses as well.
Dress the part of a teacher. This means making sure you have professional attire in your suitcase.
What To Know About Teaching Overseas
Teaching in another country has its rewards, but can be incredibly challenging.
You have to learn how to think on your feet and adapt quickly.
If you are not a qualified teacher you are going to find this just that little bit extra challenging as you won’t have those skills already used in the classroom to transfer over.
Before you get your teaching job, here are some words of wisdom I can pass on to you based on my own experiences.
Teaching Fundamentals
There really isn’t much difference, albeit a few cultural ones, in how children or adults learn.
Have a firm understanding of these basics and then you should be able to adapt as you learn the new system, and curriculum.
As the owner of VIF, the company who I taught in US with said,
“You are all teachers here; you know what you are doing. It’s just a different system you need to adapt to, but the fundamentals will be the same.”
If you have a TEFL certificate or a CELTA, you will have learned the necessary tools needed to teach English abroad, you just got to apply it.
Cultural Awareness
Make sure you become aware of any cultural sensitivities you need to know about your destination.
In the Middle East (Saudi Arabia and UAE), women may be required to wear headscarfs, for example.
In Easy Asia (Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong), there is a hierarchy of respect amongst staff and you need to know your place.
In Italy or Spain, you may have siestas.
Look up cultural things to be aware of in your specific country and be prepared to adapt when you get there.
We had a week’s orientation before teaching in Thailand, which helped me know what to expect and what to avoid.
You don’t want to lose the children’s respect on the first day by doing something offensive – that is some catch up for you.
Do all you can to make your teaching experience a cultural one as well.
Learn about the local culture, which you can do through creative lessons having the students teach you.
Create lessons that allow you to share your culture with your students as well.
They will love this and will make your teaching experience all that more rewarding for you.
Teaching Duties
Teaching is time consuming.
You don’t start and finish with the school bells, there is planning, preparing, marking and many other extracurricular activities you may be asked to participate in, not to forget meetings and general administration duties.
It is not an easy job, be prepared for this. Plus your adjustment period will mean a lot of extra work.
Student Personalities
Then you get into the classroom and are faced with having to teach to multiple different levels in ability, learning styles, and personalities.
Not only this, but you will have behaviour challenges and highly unmotivated students.
All of this can lead to several glasses of wine in an evening for you!
Rely on your teaching team and others at the school to help you. Your best resource as a teacher is other teachers.
Some countries are easier than others to teach in, it all depends on your teaching role as well.
My teaching experience in Ireland was a breeze, in the US there was a lot of performance pressure, in Thailand the students were so respectful, but it was difficult to teach them anything due to lack of resources and wide gaps within the class.
Australia has challenging aspects with lack of student respect for learning and for authority.
Despite all the challenges, each has its good points as well, so focus on that.
My advice is always if you need a mental health day take it.
What About The First Day?
This may be jumping the gun a little, but I wish someone had told me this advice before my first day of teaching, so I am going to impart some wisdom to you…
Lay the Foundation
It doesn’t matter where you teach in the world or what type of job – the first day is always spent laying the foundation.
If you get this wrong you are screwed.
First thing to understand you are not their friend, you are their teacher.
Lay down your expectations, lay down the rules, but at the same time allow the children to have input into this.
Ask them:
- “What do you expect from a teacher or yourself?
- How do you think this classroom should look, sound, feel in order for you to learn optimally?
- How should we arrange our classroom in order for that to happen?
- What should our consequences be if these expectations/rules are not being followed?”
Allow them to see that the rules are there for the betterment of all.
Don’t go in being the “fun teacher” – go in hard and soften up, it will be easier to maintain respect that way.
Get to know each other
Spend the rest of the day getting to know the students and allow them to get to know you.
You are going to be their teacher and role model.
In order to trust you and respect you they need to know who you are.
I usually start with a slide show of my life or a guessing game, or something interesting.
Let them know what you hope to achieve with them throughout your time with them and what you are going to do to do your job properly.
A lot of teachers have sayings like
“You don’t smile until Easter, or a few months into the teaching contract.”
I don’t agree. I think you have to be firm, but you also have to let them know that you are a pleasant person to be around.
How Much Money Will You Make Teaching Overseas?
The question everyone wants to know and the most difficult to answer as every country is different and it all depends on the job.
Usually you will find teaching work is relatively well paid compared to other possible options (although I firmly stand by the fact that teachers are severely underpaid regardless).
You are usually going to get paid more in international schools and private schools rather than public, business English or private tuition.
Teaching will generally pay you enough to live off with some left over for travel.
But, it depends on what you are like for saving and spending of course!!
Teaching does allow you plenty of holiday time to go travelling.
Just bear in mind you may have to do a lot of after hours throughout the year in order for you to be able to take all that time for travel and be up-to date with your programming, planning and marking.
Final Thoughts
Teaching around the world is a fantastic way to travel long term.
It has allowed me to learn a lot about myself and my limits, as well as given me a career that has gifted me lifelong memories.
It has gotten me around the world for 14 years, and I’ve made some life-long friendships.
I hope these tips help you to land your own teaching job. If you have any more questions, feel free to reach out to me in the comments and I’ll be happy to share my experience.
More Teaching Abroad Tips
Need more inspiration about moving abroad and teaching overseas? Here are some other helpful guides…
- 13 Things To Prepare Before Moving Abroad
- How To Choose A Spanish School In Guatemala
- The Working Holiday Australia Visa: All You Need To Know
- My Experiences Teaching Overseas (5 countries)
Are you thinking about teaching overseas? Where in the world would you teach? Let us know in the comments.
Hey Caz!
Great round-up of how to teach English abroad! I taught in Taiwan for two years before starting GO! and I really can’t recommend the experience enough. It’s the perfect opportunity to teach and travel your way a round the world. During my time in Taiwan I was easily able to visit mainland China, Hong Kong, South Korea, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Thailand. All very easy and cheap to get to from Taiwan.
If you’re serious about teaching abroad, I also second the minimum of a 100 hour TEFL course. They’re a lot of programs that say they don’t require TEFL, but it can really help if you have little teaching experience. I didn’t take one and I later regretted it. Those first few weeks were hell! In countries like South Korea it can also increase your salary so the course will pay for itself and then some within a few months.
If anyone is interested, I run a website called GO! Overseas that basically serves as an online directory of teaching opportunities around the world. We also highlight reviews of popular programs, so if you’ve already taught abroad you can leave a review and help future travelers avoid the pitfalls. Check it out at http://www.goteachabroad.com
Ciao!
Andrew
Thanks Andrew and thanks for sharing your resource. I am sure it will be very helpful for those looking for teaching opportunities.
I wouldn’t even think of teaching english without doing the course first, It will just make your teaching experience far too difficult trying to work out how to do it right with no formal training or experience. That would be a headache! good to know it can increase your salary as well
This post is chock full of information about teaching abroad. Thank you for taking the time to put this together. 🙂
Hi Caz,
You definitely covered a lot of bases here! I have just one thing to add. You don’t necessarily have to work with children to teach overseas. I’ve been teaching ESL overseas and in the States for over 8 years now, and the majority of my jobs have been teaching adults and college-aged students. While I’ve enjoyed the few experiences I’ve had teaching children, personally I prefer working with adults as I find adults tend to be more self-motivated to learn the language. I think there are a lot of people out there who may be interested in teaching overseas but are not comfortable or that interested in working with children. I would definitely suggest these people look into teaching at private language schools that teach adults, private tutoring for adults or universities.
Great tips Sally!! thanks so much for sharing it.
I can definitely see why teaching the children can be off putting for people. Teaching adults is a really good option as well, and that self motivation that they often have makes your job so much easier
Well, I wouldn’t say “easier”! I think teaching, no matter who you teach or where you do it, is both a mentally and physically exhausting job. But I think finding your niche is definitely one way to make your job as a teacher more rewarding and satisfying.
For sure it is a drain!! I think finding your niche is the way to ease the burden in any endeavour.
Good points! Another bonus of teaching adults is that they also like to show you around and teach you things you need to know about their culture. The university students I taught in China were excellent tour guides and knew the best and cheapest places to eat. My friend who taught business English to adults was often invited to their homes and was even given cooking lessons.
Absolutely great point Millie!! Thanks for sharing! Teaching brings you so much richness
Good info Caz,,,,although not really for me. I have the patience to teach tradesman in the mine but definitely not children. Heres a couple of articles from Nomadic Samuel and his teaching experiences.
http://nomadicsamuel.com/korea-blog/teaching-english-overseas-4-tips-before-signing-the-contract
http://nomadicsamuel.com/korea-blog/teaching-english-overseas-4-tips-before-signing-the-contract
Great resource Marc! Thanks for sharing.
you definitely have to have some kind of passion for teaching kids otherwise you are a masochist
Great post. And kudos to you Caz for mentioning some teaching basics, especially the importance of the first day. Teaching is on some level psychological warfare and if you don’t throw that first punch you will be on your heels and you’ll lose all control. I taught for 3 years in Washington, DC and wow, I can’t tell you how close I was to quitting after my first year. A big part of my failure that first year was not establishing myself on the first day/first week.
“psychological warfare” Love this!! I prepare for battle every day. this is the thing that makes teaching so exhausting. You can never leave it at the door when you leave either. Those babies will haunt your sleep. The first day/week is so crucial. I’ve definitely been there before where I didn’t do a good job of doing this. Boy can it hurt!
I’m glad I left that segment in now, i was thinking of taking it out, but thought it was pretty relevant and important
Great post. I looked into this route once, but I do not have the patience with children. Fast forward a number of years later and my friend got a job here in Turkey teaching English to adults.I missed out on that one. Worthwhile noting as well, that the Turkish government is making plans to employ 40,000 native English speakers to teach adults. Anyone that wants to spend some time in Turkey, it is worth following this.
That is great to know about the jobs opening up in Turkey. Thank you so much for sharing that with everyone. Might have to consider it myself!!
Hi Natalie how are you I am currently teaching in Egypt but interested in going to Turkey were would I apply?
Thanks for all the great information! My husband and I are currently teaching English to children in South Korea and it can be very challenging at times to find that balance between authority, good teacher, and fun teacher. Since this is my first year and I’m only in my second month of teaching, I think I will learn how to balance better with time. I really liked the advice about student personalities and the section on the first day. Thanks Caz!
You’re welcome Maggie. It takes awhile to work out what works best in the classroom, and you never stop learning! Each child is certainly unique!
Caz,
I am currently teaching English in China and have been having a great time. I love your tips and find that they are so valuable. I also think that it is so important to learn about the teaching/parenting style in the country you are going to teach in. There were many things we have learned about the Chinese parenting/teaching ways that we did not know before. I think I would have had less frustrations had I known them prior to starting.
Hope all is well.
Paz
DEfinitely! Those cultural things can really cause a lot of problems if you don’t learn what they are and how to work around them. Makes life so much easier to discover what they are.
Wow, this is such a comprehensive post! I’ve always wondered about teaching abroad – I know it’s a hugely popular way for people to have the opportunity to travel, but I didn’t really know much about the actual specifics. I still haven’t decided if it’s right for me (though I love teaching and have experience at the college level… but only in one particular subject), so it’s good to collect information for the time when I need to make a decision. 🙂
If you have the experience- and at college level, then it is something you could easily take up if you feel you want to walk that path later on. I don’t want to do it anymore, but it is nice to know that I have that there as a back up plan
Some great tips here guys. Countries like Japan, China, and Korea don’t require any formal teaching qualifications (or certificates), so they’re a great starting point for a budding young ESL teacher.
I’ll be coming back to this one later in the year. I’ve got some more countries to teach in yet.
Wow. No qualifications needed in those countries. That is a great place to start, although i would recommend just doing the course first for confidence and a little experience.
Great write-up on a topic that is always skewed. This is exactly how to go about teaching English abroad. Thanks.
You are welcome. Glad you find it worthwhile
Great looking list but I didn’t have time to finish this article so I had to send it to myself to re-read later. Thanks for the tips I’m getting everything I need in order now while I work on my TESOL masters degree.
Never thought about teaching overseas before! Great idea – as long as you are prepared to put in the hours! I also agree (as a Nurse we are underpaid) about the pay being a lot less for what you are doing…teachers do not get paid the money they deserve compared to the work they are doing!
Great information about how to teach around the world.
Cheers
Lisa
Nurses are so underpaid!! I have thought so much about that each time I gave birth! The midwives were amazing and so run off their feet.
Teaching is a great way to get around the world but so much effort is required!
Great info Caz. It is Best project. Good luck
I think if you are going to do a TEFL/TESOL/CELTA there is little value in an online course, unless you are already a qualified teacher (but then would you even need it?)
I did my TEFL course in the city I wanted to teach (ie. Prague – https://www.ytravelblog.com/working-holiday-central-eastern-europe). Not only did I learn how to teach in a practical setting, I had time to adapt to my new city and build contacts. But the end of my 1-month, 120 hour course I had multiple job offers (and lots of friends to hang out with).
Suprisingly,qualified teachers do, in certain cases and places need TEFL. I had to get it in order to teach English to summer school in Ireland. I definitely recommend doing a live course would be better than online just for that practical experience, even if you are a qualified teacher, it still helps.
Great post, very honest and reader friendly. I taught english as a volunteer in Russia for 6 months and absolutely LOVED IT (easily one of the most difficult things I’ve ever done) that said, ever since I stepped off the plane I’ve been hooked and have since made it my goal to return to teach english around the world after graduating with my bachelors this December. Seeing your success in traveling helps encourage my dream to do the same! Thank you!
Thanks Heather! You can definitely do the same and easily to. Now that you have experience you will know what to expect and it will be all that much easier
Caz, this is such great advice! I often get asked questions about teaching ESL overseas and I will refer others to this post. I like how you’ve covered things from all sorts of angles – types of jobs, qualifications and whether or not one if suitable for doing such work.
Thanks Samuel! There is so much to consider when teaching overseas. I’ve had lots of experience to share with it!
Hi Caz.
First, thanks for the great article. It was indeed a lot of good information and some very useful bits and pieces.
My biggest concern however, is that I am not an native English speaker. Do you know if it’s even possible to teach English when it’s not your first language? I am fluent and have a good vocabulary, but will coming from Sweden “shut the doors” for me?
Hi Tobias
I don’t see this as being a problem at all. As long as you are fluent you should be fine. I have taught before with other teachers who had English as their second language. Sometimes those who have learned English as a second language understand the grammar and conventions more!!
Hi Caz,
This is really informative post. I just have one question, Do they accept people which is not a native English speaker but has a good command in the English language and possess all the other necessary requirements?
Oh.. I didn’t read the comments above. I guess you already answered my question. Thanks.
I’m a big fan of your blog. =)
cool! Thanks for finding the answer 🙂 Good luck with the teaching and thanks for being a reader!!
Caught up with your amazing blog from Darren Rowse’s ProBlogger. Like it very much. Keep up the good work and if you need anything, please let me know how I may be of service to you =)
Thank you so much Drwery for following us over here. WE certainly will let you knnow and you do the same
Great article. I used teaching English to travel through many countries and enjoyed the job immensley too! You can find a lot more information from fellow travellers who have taught abroad on our site: http://www.happycatstefl.com/
Best wishes, Jon.
Thanks for sharing Jon. Teaching English can be a lot of fun and a great way to see the world
Pretty! This has been an extremely wonderful post. Many thanks for supplying this
info.
I taught English is China for 6 months and absolutely loved being able to travel while making money, learning the language, and connections with the people around me. Here are some of my experiences teaching in China:
http://www.humanitariantraveltips.com/mad-scientists/
I taught high school and some college classes and absolutely loved it! There are also a lot of helpful ESL Websites when you’re looking to plan lessons.
Great post Caz. I have spent time teaching in Uganda, Poland, South Korea, and Turkey. If I was to pass on one piece of information to first time teachers, I would recommend teaching in South Korea for money, ease, and job availability. After a year, I feel that I am done with the country, but it offered me everything that a first timer could hope for.
Just wonder if you have ever thought of teaching English in Vietnam?
No I haven’t. But I think it would be a great option
I echo the sentiment about work outside the classroom. The preparation for a class is not usually considered when many consider a life of teaching. Still, once you begin to cover a foundation of subjections and come to repeat those lessons again your begin to fly.
Teaching is indeed though a great way to travel and meet people. For me, as with another commenter for years ago, I prefer adults. When you enter a class of motivated students your job becomes 50% easier!
I agree. There’s nothing better than teaching students who want to learn
Thank for this post, Caz. I am not a native speaker of Eng, but I have a degree with Eng as major, I have 3,5 years experience in teaching Eng in my country.
How many real chances do you think I have?
Moreover I suppose that TEFL is more often asked to be done in campus, and not online. i am struggling to get it, but I think it would be impossible to do in on campus. How much does the online course matter?
I am not sure how much the online courses are. You can still do them online, I just think in person is always good for the practice. But, if you can volunteer somewhere in your local area while doing it for experience it is just as good. If you are fluent in English then you will be fine with getting a job.
Hi Caz,
Thank you so much for your article. I have been thinking about teaching my way around the world and last night my friends told me it would be impossible. But after reading your article I’m feeling a lot better about my decision. I have had a GAP year in England as a teachers assistant, a TAFE course in volunteer tutoring in literacy, an exchange in Santiago Chile, and this year I will be completing my Bachelor of International Studies. My mum is also a high school teacher and I have helped her with marking, lesson plans, and help in the class room. My question is should I do the post grad in teaching English as a foreign language which my university offers, or a diploma in teaching and then the TEFL course at the same time? I’m hoping to work with refugees when I come back to Australia, teaching English to them, then working towards working for the ministry of immigration. Also do you know anything about working for NGO’s and teaching English overseas as well? Thank you so much
Hi Kelsie!
I’m glad you are not going to listen to your friends.. this time. You can definitely teach around the world. To choose what course to do you really need to think about your long term goals as well. Will the post grad or diploma help with your ultimate goal for working with the ministry? If so then it might be a good idea to do the course. If you do these courses your options for teaching around the world will increase as will the strength of your application for any jobs as you will be higher qualified. You have to decide if you want to take the time to do the extra study as well. And if you are interested in teaching that is another check in favour of doing it. I would hesitate in recommending anyone spending time, money and energy on a course they are not really enthusiastic about.
I don’t know much about working for NGO’s unfortunately.
Hello, Caz! I have to say that I admire your attitude and your mentality! Your energy flows through my computer’s screen, it’s really amazing!
I am a greek native who’s been speaking English since the age of 4. My mother is an English teacher and I have myself obtained certificates of proficiency in English (Cambridge FCE, Michigan EFCE) and in French (DALF C2 issued by the CIEP) which have allowed me to work as an english and french teacher in the private sector here in Greece. I also have a bachelor’s degree in European and International studies from a greek university. I have a 5 year experience in teaching english, french and piano to children and adults in private courses and in language institutes.
At the moment, I am planning to move to Switzerland to live with my boyfriend, but our long term goal is to travel around the world, him working as an Environmental Enginner and me as a language-music teacher.
What do you think are my chances of reaching this goal? I will definitely try to do the
TEFL courses, but will that be enough, since I do not have a university degree of teaching?
Hi Viviana!
Thank you for your enthusiasm and positive words. I think you should be fine with the TEFL courses. You have experience as well which will help. Just be sure to get statement of services and references. Enjoy the journey!
Thank you, that really motivates me! Have a great school year!
I am from the US and my girlfriend wants to move here from Ireland to teach. She is qualified and has two years of teaching experience in England. She has also worked over a year in South Korea at a hagwon. Is she able to work in the United States? You mentioned only two states would allow you to teach there? What ones were they? Thank you so much. Great post.
Hey Ben,
I really can’t say as everyone’s situation is different in regards to visa requirements. I could only teach in Colorodo or North Carolina, but that was only because I was 3 year trained, and all other states require 4 years. I don’t know what class of visas are available to English people. It’s best she talk to someone from the embassy to find out her options. It could be a little challenging given the economic situation as usually in order to get a job in the States you need to prove that there is no American fit for the position. Unemployment is too high to usually be able to prove that. But, there are always doors open somewhere. Check out http://www.vifprogram.com/index.php That is the company who sponsored my J1 visa. I know 3 years ago, they weren’t taking on British teachers, but it could have changed by now.
Good luck!
Hi Caz. I have been offered a contract to work in Turkey at a English language school. Flights , accommodation and work visa all included. I have had a Skype meeting and I’m about to have another one so we can arrange everything? Can you think of any important questions I may want to ask?
Thanks
Kayleigh
How is the experience if traveling with spouse and 2 small children ages 6 and 9? Is it possible?
Of course it is! Anything is possible. Check out our posts on couples and family travel to help you. You have to make a few adjustments but its no different to working at home.
https://www.ytravelblog.com/tips-for-couples-travel/
https://www.ytravelblog.com/family-travel-tips/
Hello Caz,
I’m French and I have been a certified English teacher (+ a Master in English litterature) in France for 6 years now (I also taught French in the USA for one year). In 2 years from now, I’d like to take some years off to teach English worldwide while travelling the world; I am a passionate and solo traveller and my project is serious; however, I’m wondering whether the fact of being a non-native English speaker will be a huge obstacle for me to get hired by companies or school overseas. I’m looking foward to get your opinion on this, thank you and keep on the travelling life !! Dorothée
No, as long as you’re fluent you should be fine.
Thank you for this information and taking the time to write this post! I appreciate it very much! It’s very thorough and in-depth, and I love your blog’s writing style.
I am currently getting my Bachelor’s of Education degree in Health and Fitness with a Biology Minor. I have three more years at school in Washington State, USA, but I dream of traveling to Ireland, someday, and this may be a ticket to living somewhere for a longer time than a typical ten-day vacation.
Hopefully, I’m on the right track!
Thanks, again!
-Erin
I realize that this is an older post, but I’m hooked!
Get a Working Holiday Authorization Visa, one qualifies for it up to 12 months after graduating from college and all you need is proof of funds to support yourself until you find work and the visa is for one year. I went after I finished my Bachelors and it was the best experience I ever had!
Hi Caz! Your article was amazing and so informative! I did have a question however, how were you able to get the extra perks for when you went to teach ( free flights, accommodation, interest free relocation loans, sign on bonuses, subsidised health care, cheap insurance and assistance with relocating). I am hoping to teach in Ireland or the UK once I finish my masters program in two years.
You just have to find the right program. The programs that recruited me offered these perks.
Hi caz and everyone
I’m a teacher from Ireland wanting to teach in the states – San Francisco area. I’ve tried vif but they only recruit in North Carolina. Can anyone help or suggest other websites. Many thanks Nicola
I am not sure. VIF is the only one I know of. North Carolina is an awesome place to live!
I loved your article! Thanks for all the useful information! I will be graduate in December with my teacher certification and I was hoping to teach abroad, especially Ireland. Do you have any other tips for me? Or know of ant companies that can help me? Im getting a 7-12 English teaching degree, I hope thats good for a job overseas.
Thank’s for such informative review! I really appreciate this kind of job, because to teach children is more harder that we could think!
http://britishessays.co.uk
Great article, very informative. Needed your opinion on whether an online TEFL course suffices the education qualification requirement of the schools hiring international candidates? Or do u suggest a classroom course?
Hi! I am curious as to what visa you obtained to teach in Ireland? I want to move there to be with my boyfriend, but and having problems finding a visa. I recently finished my Masters in Elementary Elementary so I would like to teach. I already lived in Ireland for a year on a Working Holiday Authorization, so I cannot get that again. Do you have any advice, or possible visas I should look into? Thank you!! And thank you for sharing your experiences!
Hi Elley, we are Australian and had a working holiday visa, that we can no longer get again either as we are over the age of 31.
Hi,
I am a postgraduate in physics from India.
I dont have a B.Ed or other teaching license.
I would like to work abroad as teacher .I would like to get a teaching license online . Can you please help me with the possible teaching license courses.
thank u
Where in Ireland can I get a teaching job? I have a college degree and I live in Los Angeles now.
Hi Caz, how did you get your visa to work in Ireland? Is it common for TEFL certified teachers to get visas to work there?
Being Australian we could apply for a work visa. You’d have to research to see whether you can or not. The conditions and requirements may have changed so I can’t advise you on that. I didn’t have a job before I got the visa so I don’t think it’s determined by the work you do. But again, I can’t say for sure. It was quite some years ago when I worked there and things change often.
Yeah as an American I would need to find a job first to sponsor me for the work permit. But I don’t know if they typically do that for this job. Thanks for your response and info:)
Hye
Any particular link i can use to apply for teaching abroad while traveling?
Not that I know if. It’s all so dependent on where you are going and requirements etc.