Who will my TEFL students be when I teach abroad?

Teaching English as a foreign language has never been in such high demand. Countries across the world consider a strong English speaking population imperative for future economic growth, as trade between the western world and non-English speaking countries grows. The result is an increasingly diverse range of English learners.

Depending on where you find yourself teaching TEFL, you may be teaching adult business professionals in Germany, large classes of young learners in Thailand, university students in Japan or private language students in Spain. The combinations between destination and learner are endless.

Teaching English to Adults Adult English learners are a substantial and growing portion of the global TEFL market. Europe and South America have a particularly high demand for TEFL teachers to adults, as most children in these continents learn English as part of the core curriculum at school.

Types of adult learners

• Business professionals Those who work extensively with fellow professionals and businesses in the English speaking world. Some companies often hire-in teachers from private language schools to conduct English lessons on site.
• University students Many international students who are considering studying in English speaking countries, or are planning going abroad to conduct research or find employment need a good level of English proficiency.
• Tourism and hospitality English learners can always be found in areas with high tourism. Local workers and businesses require a good level of English to exploit the lucrative tourist market.
• IT The digital revolution has led to an increasing number of English learners seeking skills by way to full embrace what the internet has to offer.

Teaching English to Children

Young learners have always been the largest TEFL teaching market and continues to be so. Asia has the highest demand for English teachers to children – where both state and private schools continuously recruit English teachers. In certain countries, like South Korea and Japan, parents often employ private tutors for additional English learning for their child. However, there are also opportunities right throughout the globe; from young learners in state schools in Central and South America to summer camps in Western Europe. In terms of age, you may teach learners as young as 2 years of age right up to 18 years.

Wherever and whoever you decide to teach, TEFL offers you the opportunity to travel, earn money and experience a new culture.