There really are English language learners everywhere, but who is in a position to teach them? Let’s discuss who can teach English abroad.
Students and graduates
Some people finish college, school or university and aren’t sure of their next steps. It’s not uncommon to wonder what’s next. On the other hand, there are others who are certain they want to see more of the world and bolster their CV before picking a career path.
Some people might want to give the vocation a try first, before committing to a postgraduate teaching course, with the aim of teaching English overseas in the future.
Teaching English as a Foreign language offers prospective university students, university graduates and young people, in general, a perfect opportunity. TEFL-certified teachers see new corners of the world and gain priceless, international work experience. Even if you’re unsure of whether in-person teaching, or indeed teaching in general, is something you want to pursue long-term, living and working abroad as an English teacher can nurture a range of skills that transfer into different job markets.
Living abroad and teaching abroad have their own challenges that you’ll have to adapt to, learn from, and overcome. By doing that, a person can build character and really invest in their personal development. In other words, it really does change people for the better.
Even if you haven’t graduated yet, there are opportunities to teach English during the summer months. Summer schools recruit huge numbers of English teachers every year. So whether you’re a student or a graduate - or neither - TEFL offers opportunities to develop both yourself and your career opportunities.
New or experienced teachers
For qualified teachers, the advantages of Teaching English abroad are obvious. Teaching English abroad, for however long, gives you excellent preparation for a career in teaching. Not only does it look great on your CV, but it’s also a fantastic opportunity to learn about lesson planning, controlling a class and structuring a curriculum.
Once you’re back, having finished one of the countless teaching jobs abroad, you’ll have a unique foundation for your teaching career, and it could give you the edge in future job applications.
For experienced teachers, overseas teaching jobs can provide the kind of sabbatical that can reignite a passion for teaching. Or, simply put, it’s a change of scenery that could be really refreshing.
As soon as you have a certificate, you’ll be equipped to teach English abroad as a foreign language. Having teaching experience is unquestionably an advantage, as some employers will definitely prefer a veteran presence in the classroom.
However, whether you’re new or experienced, schools and language centres worldwide are keen for English teachers to join their ranks abroad. It could give a teaching career some priceless momentum, as well as another qualification to add to the CV. For experienced teachers, finding TEFL jobs is a great way to revitalise your career.
Career changers
According to a 2022 study, over a third of people in the UK are
unhappy with their jobs. Simply put, it doesn’t have to be that way.
If you’re counting down the hours every day at work, dread every Monday morning and feel like your career has lost momentum, getting certified as an English teacher and having the chance to completely change your life teaching overseas is a great option to help you get out of a job rut.
Picking up a new qualification and jetting off to somewhere new might be more feasible than you think. Anyone can get a TEFL certification, and if you have the incentive to relocate, there’s quite literally the whole world waiting for you.
If not, teaching English online is another great option. Once you’re certified, all you need is a reliable internet connection and a commitment to teaching English to learners. Don’t stay in a job you hate - if teaching English abroad sounds like an exciting opportunity, then it’s well worth investigating what you’re able to do!
Seniors and retirees
English teachers abroad are in their 20s and 30s, right? It’s for people at the start of their career journeys, who feel the urge to teach. If you’re retired, it’s too late, surely?
Nope, nope, and nope. Retirees make up a sizeable portion of the English teaching community. There are plenty of beautiful locations worldwide that are crying out for experienced teachers, or indeed, people who want a new challenge in their retirement to fill teaching positions. Our guide to the best places to TEFL abroad for retirees will definitely inspire some ideas!
Retirement, rather than being a conclusion, can serve as a new beginning. Maybe, because of your career, you never got the chance to travel the world. Perhaps you always wanted to teach ESL abroad, but for whatever reason, that avenue wasn’t available to you?
TEFL courses will perfectly prepare you for the next step; if you want to teach English abroad to young or adult learners, the only limit is your imagination. It doesn’t even require the finances to pack up and travel abroad - you can teach English from the comfort of your own home as an online teacher. The perfect teaching job is out there!