In the last few years, many have missed traveling and the sense of freedom it gives. Most importantly, people have realized that traveling is one of the biggest pleasures in life. It’s what opens your mind to new points of view and allows you to understand others, especially those who are different from yourself.
Although it is said that the best things in life are free, traveling isn’t one of them. If you want to experience living abroad for a while or are contemplating the more drastic choice of a nomadic lifestyle, you will need an ongoing flow of money to support your travels. To this end, teaching English abroad is one of the most viable options currently available.
Why Teach English?
For years, English has been the most spoken language in the world. It is the lingua franca that allows communication between people who speak different languages, as well as being the common language used in business, science, and technology. It is also a sought-after requirement by most employers when hiring new employees.
These are some of the reasons why an increasing number of people are investing time, effort, and money in learning English, and the demand for English teachers is always high.
Have You Got What it Takes to Teach Abroad?
First and foremost, personality and professional attitude are at the base of any good teacher. Teaching is a demanding job and living abroad can be challenging – although very exciting! See if you think you are the right person to teach English abroad.
Are you…
…happy to adapt? Depending on the country you work in and the institution that hires you, your working conditions can vary greatly. Not every school can offer interactive whiteboards and libraries, be prepared to think on your feet and be creative!
…culturally sensitive? Working abroad means that you will be exposed to different cultures and traditions. You might not always agree with them, but you should always try to respect them. A big part of your job is to foster a safe learning environment where diversity and differences are celebrated.
…keen to learn? Teachers never stop learning, and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to do so. You’ll be surprised how much world knowledge you’ll gain from your learners! But in terms of professional development, you should always keep up to date with new methodologies and teaching strategies to make your teaching style always engaging and up-to-date.
What About Qualifications?
Some countries will require you to hold a bachelor’s degree in any subject as a minimum – this is often for Visa purposes. However, there are many countries where this is not necessary, although it can be an advantage. Similarly, in some countries, teachers who are native speakers of English are preferred. But if you aren’t a native English speaker, don’t let that stop you – just be prepared for tougher competition.
What you will really need is a 120-hour TEFL certificate from a reliable provider. About 20 years ago you were able to find yourself a teaching job anywhere in the world without any TEFL experience or qualification. This is no longer the case.
Where Should You Teach?
Well, the destination is entirely up to you. Decide what takes you fancy and always do some research beforehand. But if you need some inspiration, here are some ideas:
Kenya
If you fancy going somewhere truly unique, this is the country for you. It might not be the first on the list for many TEFL teachers, but it offers a comfortable lifestyle for teachers. Kenya is the most powerful country in Africa, but don’t expect advanced facilities in or outside the classroom. Teaching here, however, gives you the chance to live in contact with nature – admiring the local wildlife in its natural habitat will leave you gobsmacked.
Thailand
This is a very popular destination among TEFL teachers, and it’s easy to see why. Located in the center of Southeast Asia, Thailand is the ideal location if you are planning on visiting its neighboring countries. However, Thailand itself has plenty to offer, from unspoiled beaches to exciting nightlife. There is plenty of information available for aspiring teachers who need help in getting their teach in Thailand made easy.
Chile
This is one of the best countries in South America for TEFL teachers. It has a stable democracy, fast-developing economy, and modern infrastructure. It’s easy to travel across Chile with its efficient bus system that crosses the whole country. It is relatively easy to find a teaching job here, as there are plenty of private language schools, mainly spread across the largest cities. Here, the most popular classes are Business English and Exam Preparation.
The Czech Republic
In Europe, this is the go-to country for English teachers, and it is where many of them start their career. The Czech Republic, shortened to Czechia in 2016, is located in the center of Europe. This makes it a great base for your trips across the continent. Prague, the capital, has plenty of language schools to choose from. There is such high demand for teachers that you could find a job at any time of the year. You’re likely to teach Business English and commute to the clients’ offices.
Bottom Line
Traveling allows you to experience life to the fullest by immersing you in different cultures and exploring the beauty of nature. Teaching English is a rewarding and fulfilling profession. By teaching English abroad you will have the best of both worlds, enjoying earning money to support your travels. It’s up to you to decide where, when, and how long for.
