How Do I Teach Abroad

If you have already graduated from one of our TEFL certification courses and have yet to decide on where you would like to teach, or you are thinking about signing up for a course and are looking for an insight into the most popular teaching destinations, then the following guides might provide some welcome inspiration. Below you will find dozens of countries from all corners of the world where there are plenty of good opportunities for teaching EFL. Click on the countries that interest you to access a wide range of travel tips, country facts and other useful information. Living and Teaching English in France - Habits, Customs & Curiosities Living and Teaching English in Spain - Habits, Customs & Curiosities Want to see more infographics on TESOL and TEFL? Check...  [Read more]

Teaching English abroad can be a rewarding experience for individuals with disabilities. While there may be some challenges to consider, many opportunities exist for qualified teachers in various countries around the world. It is important to research the specific country you are interested in teaching in, as different regions have varying levels of accessibility and support for individuals with disabilities. When considering teaching English abroad with a disability, it is essential to research the legal requirements and cultural attitudes towards disabilities in the country you are interested in. Some countries may have specific regulations or limitations regarding individuals with disabilities working in certain professions, including teaching. Understanding these regulations can help...  [Read more]

Teaching English abroad can be a rewarding experience for retirees who are looking for a new challenge and adventure in their life. Many countries welcome older individuals with open arms to teach English as a foreign language. As a retiree, you bring a wealth of life experience, maturity, and wisdom to the classroom, which can greatly benefit your students. One of the first steps to teaching English abroad as a retiree is to obtain a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification. While not always a strict requirement, having a TEFL certification can improve your job prospects and give you the necessary skills and knowledge to be an effective English teacher. There are many online TEFL courses available that cater to individuals of all ages and backgrounds, making it...  [Read more]

Teaching English abroad can be a rewarding experience for individuals with a degree in education. Many countries require English teachers to have a bachelor's degree in any field, so having a degree in education can be a strong asset. Your background in education can provide you with valuable skills and knowledge that can enhance your teaching abilities in an ESL (English as a Second Language) classroom. Having a degree in education can also open up opportunities for you to teach in international schools or language institutes that prefer or require teachers with a background in education. Your understanding of pedagogy, classroom management techniques, and curriculum development can set you apart as a qualified and competent English teacher. Moreover, your degree in education may have...  [Read more]

Yes, having a degree in technology can actually be an asset when it comes to teaching English abroad. Many countries and language schools value candidates with a strong educational background, even if it is not specifically in English or teaching. Here are some ways in which your technology degree can be beneficial in the field of TEFL: Firstly, your degree in technology may demonstrate to potential employers that you have a good grasp of technical skills and the ability to adapt to new software and teaching tools. In the modern classroom, technology plays a significant role in language teaching, so having a background in this area can be advantageous. Secondly, your analytical and problem-solving skills, which are often emphasized in technology programs, can be transferable to the...  [Read more]

Yes, you can definitely teach English abroad even if you have a non-teaching background. Many countries around the world are in high demand for English teachers, and having a non-teaching background should not deter you from pursuing this opportunity. In fact, having a diverse background can be seen as a strength as it can bring a unique perspective to your teaching. One option for those with a non-teaching background is to obtain a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification. This certification will provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively teach English to non-native speakers. There are various TEFL courses available, ranging from online to in-person programs, so you can choose one that best fits your schedule and learning style. Additionally,...  [Read more]

Yes, stay-at-home parents can definitely teach English abroad! Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) is a flexible and rewarding career choice that can accommodate various lifestyles, including those of stay-at-home parents. Many countries have a high demand for English teachers, and some even offer programs specifically designed for individuals looking to teach abroad while balancing family responsibilities. One option for stay-at-home parents interested in teaching English abroad is to consider online teaching opportunities. With the rise of online education platforms, many companies offer remote teaching positions that allow instructors to work from home or while traveling. This can be a great option for stay-at-home parents who need flexibility in their schedules to accommodate...  [Read more]

Teaching English abroad can be a rewarding experience for those looking to immerse themselves in a new culture while sharing their language skills. While having teaching experience can be beneficial, it is not always a requirement to teach English abroad. Many countries and language schools have opportunities for individuals with no prior teaching experience. One option for those without teaching experience is to pursue a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification. This certification provides the necessary training and skills to effectively teach English to non-native speakers. Many language schools and employers abroad look for candidates with a TEFL certification as it demonstrates a commitment to teaching and a basic understanding of language teaching principles....  [Read more]

Teaching English abroad as a digital nomad is a popular choice for many individuals seeking a location-independent lifestyle while making a positive impact through education. As a TEFL (Teach English as a Foreign Language) expert, I can provide you with insights and guidance on how to pursue this rewarding career path. Firstly, it is important to obtain a TEFL certification from a reputable institution. This certification equips you with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively teach English to non-native speakers. Many employers, especially in countries where English is not the primary language, require a TEFL certification as a minimum qualification. Once you have obtained your TEFL certification, you can start exploring job opportunities abroad. There are various options...  [Read more]

  Strictly speaking the answer is no, you do not have to possess a TEFL certificate in order to find work as an English language teacher. In some countries around the world it is still possible to secure employment simply by being a native English speaker. However, there are several reasons why we would strongly recommend that you complete a TEFL training course before you set off to teach English abroad. In recent years many popular destinations for EFL teachers have begun to tighten the requirements necessary for teaching English in schools and language centers. A recognized TEFL certificate is now required in order to secure a work permit in many countries, whilst the ever growing number of teachers with a TEFL qualification means that employers in the majority of countries...  [Read more]

If you have a degree in arts and are interested in teaching English abroad, you may still be able to pursue a career in TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language). While some countries or schools may require a degree in English or education, many do not have such strict requirements. Here are some key points to consider: Firstly, it's important to research the specific country or region where you are interested in teaching. Each country has its own requirements for English teachers, so you may find that some places are more flexible than others when it comes to the subject of your degree. Secondly, gaining a TEFL certification can greatly enhance your chances of finding a teaching position abroad. This certification provides you with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively...  [Read more]

Yes, having a background in business can actually be a valuable asset when it comes to teaching English abroad. Many countries and language schools are looking for English teachers who not only have a strong command of the language but also possess professional skills and experience that can enhance their teaching abilities. Here are some reasons why your business background can make you a successful English teacher abroad: 1. **Communication skills**: Your experience in business likely means that you have strong communication skills, which are essential for teaching English effectively. You may already be comfortable speaking in front of groups, leading discussions, and explaining complex ideas - all of which are important aspects of teaching. 2. **Professionalism**: Your business...  [Read more]

Although it is not particularly unusual for teachers with children to head overseas to live and work, there are several important things to carefully consider before you decide if it is the right option for your family. Wherever you live in the world, bringing up children is typically an expensive undertaking. With that in mind, you need to make sure that teaching English abroad is financially viable for you before deciding to leave home. Teacher?s salaries vary greatly from one country to the next so where you decide to teach can have a huge impact on your prospects. Popular regions such as Europe and Latin America have plenty of job opportunities, but most teachers would find it hard to earn enough to support children in these areas. In contrast, Asian countries such as China,...  [Read more]

When it comes to teaching English overseas it is typical for schools to look for a commitment of 10 to 12 months from their potential teachers. However, if you only want a short-term position that fits into your summer break, there are certainly opportunities that might work for you. In some cases you will find schools or language centers that are happy to hire teachers on a short-term contract, but in reality most teachers looking for a short deal are better off looking at English summer camps or volunteer positions. During the summer months English language camps pop up in a number of different countries throughout Asia, Europe and Latin America. Working in one of these camps typically involves around one to two months of teaching students that could be aged anywhere from...  [Read more]

Teaching English abroad can be a fantastic opportunity for individuals with families, offering a chance to experience a new culture while providing valuable skills to students in another country. Many teaching positions abroad are open to individuals with families, and some even offer benefits such as housing assistance and schooling for children. When considering teaching abroad with a family, it's important to research the specific requirements and opportunities available in your desired location. Some countries may have restrictions on accompanying family members or may require additional documentation for dependents. It's also important to consider the impact on your family's lifestyle and adjust to the new environment. One key consideration is the availability of international...  [Read more]

It is not uncommon to find friends or couples enjoying the shared experience of living and working abroad as ESL teachers. Despite this, there are still a few things that you will both need to consider before you jump on the next plane. The most important thing to consider if you plan to head overseas to teach with a friend or partner, is that you need to choose a destination where you both have a realistic chance of securing a suitable job. Many people dream of relaxing in a hammock under the palm trees between lessons, but the limited number of jobs in these locations might make it difficult for both of you to earn a good income. In contrast, big cities in most parts of the world generally have a high demand for ESL teachers, which means that finding good jobs should be relatively...  [Read more]

Yes, it is entirely possible to teach English abroad without any previous teaching experience. In countries across the world there is a huge demand for English language instruction and often not enough teachers to fill the available positions. Every year, tens of thousands of teachers go abroad to work in schools and language centers and as few as 10% of these will have had any form of prior classroom experience. Regardless of the country you are working in, you will almost certainly teach your students using the method known as total immersion. This worldwide teaching method simply means that English is the only language used in the classroom, from the start to the end of each lesson. The fact is, most students are unable to move to an English speaking country in order to be...  [Read more]

In some countries where teaching ESL is popular there is a clear path for obtaining a work visa or permit that allows you to live and work long term, while in others the process can be overly complicated, expensive or simply nonexistent. However, as the demand for teachers is so high in many countries, the need for a work visa can often be ignored by employers. The truth is that thousands of people are currently working as ESL teachers in countries worldwide without a formal work visa or work permit. In two of the most popular ESL teaching destinations in Europe, Italy and Spain, it is very common for Americans and other non-EU nationals to start work as teachers with nothing more than a tourist visa in their passport. A standard tourist visa is valid for 90 days and there is no...  [Read more]

Yes, you can teach English abroad even if you are not fluent in the local language. Many schools and language institutes around the world specifically look for native or proficient English speakers to teach their students. As an English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) teacher, your role is to create an immersive English-speaking environment for your students, so fluency in the local language is not always a requirement. One of the main reasons schools prefer hiring non-local English speakers is to provide students with exposure to authentic English accents and cultural nuances. This helps students improve their listening and speaking skills in a way that a local teacher might not be able to provide. Additionally, being immersed in an English-only environment can enhance students' language...  [Read more]

Yes, having a background in social sciences can be beneficial for teaching English abroad. Many schools and language institutes look for candidates with diverse academic backgrounds to bring a unique perspective to the classroom. Your knowledge in social sciences can help you better understand cultural differences, societal norms, and communication styles, which are all essential in teaching English as a foreign language. When applying for teaching positions abroad, emphasize how your background in social sciences can contribute to your teaching approach. Highlight any relevant coursework or research that has equipped you with intercultural communication skills, empathy, and a deep understanding of human behavior. These qualities are highly valued in the field of TEFL as they can help you...  [Read more]