How To Teach English

If you have researched teaching English abroad, you might have found stories suggesting that it is impossible for US citizens to find ESL teaching jobs in Europe. However, this is not the case as a high demand for foreign teachers in many countries means there are plenty of great opportunities for American teachers in Europe. Language schools in many areas are always on the lookout for native English speaking Americans with a TESOL qualification to fill their vacant positions. At anytime you will find thousands of US citizens teaching in major European cities such as Rome, Madrid, Berlin, Moscow, and Prague. In many Western European countries there is a preference for British English in some schools and excessive bureaucracy can also be responsible for restrictions on US born...  [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]

Around the world there are several countries that are particularly popular with ESL teachers and Thailand is certainly one of them. First-time teachers and those with previous experience choose Thailand for a number of different reasons, whether it is the warm tropical climate, world-class cuisine, low cost of living, or the lively nightlife. Whatever your reasons for wanting to teach in this corner of Southeast Asia, one decision you will need to make is which part of this beautiful country you want to live and work in. Thailand is a relatively large country with a wide choice of locations where teaching jobs can be found, which is why we have put together this quick guide to the best places to work as an ESL teacher. Thailand's capital is an obvious choice for this list as teaching...  [Read more]

Due to the ever-increasing popularity of English as a second language, there are dozens of great options when it comes to picking a destination for teaching abroad. There are popular destinations on every continent (maybe not Antartica), where jobs are widespread and the quality of life you can expect as a teacher is above the local average. However, there are some places that are easier to get set up in than others. We have looked at a wide range of criteria such as job availability, the visa process, average income compared to average outgoings, how welcome you will feel on arrival, and even the local cuisine, to come up with the following list of great destinations for teaching English abroad. To provide a range of options we have limited it to one country per region. There are...  [Read more]

The wonderful continent of Africa covers a wide and diverse range of regions, from the Mediterranean beach resorts of North Africa to the vineyards and wildlife parks in the south. Despite the fact that jobs for ESL teachers are not as numerous or as widespread as you will find in many other parts of the world, there are opportunities waiting for those who wish to find them. The key to finding the right position for you might well be a degree of flexibility regarding your destination. A little patience might also be required. The best region for finding paid teaching jobs in Africa is the north of the continent. North African countries such as Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia all have a strong demand for ESL teachers, particularly in private language academies. Another option is private...  [Read more]

Every year thousands of foreign ESL teachers head to Japan as jobs are widespread in towns and cities across the country. The average salary is enough to live well and still save and the cultural and social aspects of the country are unlike anywhere else on Earth. If you have already decided that Japan is for you, it might not be quite so easy to decide on exactly which part of it to call home. Every city will have plenty of potential options and quieter areas will also offer a change from the normal hectic pace of city life. Although it would be hard to make a bad choice of destination in Japan, we recommend the following options based on the local job market and the experiences of our previous course graduates. It is no surprise that Japan’s largest urban area is at the top of...  [Read more]

You are prepared to start teaching ESL online, but is a TESOL certification necessary to get a successful online teaching job? In general, a TESOL certificate is required if you want to earn good money teaching online. Even if it might not be necessary for all online teaching platforms, having TESOL certification will increase your salary and attract more students. The confidence and skills required to teach someone a foreign language, which is no easy task, come from completing a TESOL course. We will go over a few other prerequisites for teaching English online, other than a TESOL certificate. To teach English online, you will often need to fulfill the following requirements: Even without a university degree, there are various platforms where you can work as an English instructor....  [Read more]

There are many different locations available to anyone who is looking to teach English abroad. Some people make their decision based on the potential salaries on offer, while others might be more focused on cultural aspects or lifestyle. There are pros and cons to be considered for every region and individual country, so below we have outlined the most popular options to help you towards your final decision. In terms of job numbers, Asia is by far the most popular region for ESL teachers. This huge continent offers a wide variety of opportunities across all kinds of environments. Jobs are plentiful in major modern cities such as Tokyo, Seoul and Beijing, while those looking for a slower pace of life are equally spoilt for choice in parts of Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam, to mention...  [Read more]

The basic answer to this question is No, it is not necessarily easier to teach English to any particular age group. Anyone who has spent time in different types of classrooms will know that there are many clear differences between teaching adults and teaching young learners. Different age groups have different reasons for being in the classroom, levels of motivation and discipline can vary considerably, and learning styles can also differ. Due to these differences, each age group will require a teaching style that is tailored to their needs. Below we look at some of the main differences between teaching young learners and teaching adults. One of the most important factors when teaching young learners is to keep them interested and motivated in whatever the day’s lesson is focused...  [Read more]

In many cases, people complete a TESOL certification course in order to head overseas to live and work. However, for many others the ability to teach online without having to leave home is a great opportunity. If you have no previous experience of teaching it can be a good way to build your skills and to earn some money before setting off abroad. For some people it can also be a very convenient way to top up what they earn from their main job, no matter where they are in the world. Starting out as an online English teacher is relatively easy and inexpensive. The main expense is likely to be the cost of completing a TESOL certification course. Although this initial outlay will require a significant investment of your time and money, it should prove to be more than worth it once you...  [Read more]

If you want to teach English in any country outside of your own, you are certain to need a valid passport. In most cases, you will need at least six months left on your passport to gain entry to a foreign country so it is essential that you check it before you plan to leave. To make sure you have no hassles while overseas, we highly recommend that you have a passport with at least two years validity. If you have any doubts regarding entry regulations you should contact the relevant embassy or visit the immigrartion website of your host country. From within the U.S. you can apply via the State Department's web page. From outside the country, you should contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. British citizens should visit the U.K. Government's Services website for full details...  [Read more]

Spain is popular with foreign ESL teachers for many reasons including the consistently booming job market, the easy going culture, the warm climate, and the great food. Jobs can be found all year-round in many areas, but are you eligible to work there legally? The simple answer is no, you do not require a degree in order to legally teach English in Spain. There are no government requirements for teachers to have any kind of academic background and the demand is so high in many areas that employers are equally unconcerned about your degree status. Generally speaking, schools in Spain prefer native English speakers in their classrooms as this is what most local students are looking for. However, they will not simply hire you on that basis without having completed some form of teacher...  [Read more]

In the vast majority of cases, ESL teachers will need to obtain some form of visa to enter their destination country. What specific visa you need is wholly dependent on the rules and regulations of your host country, so you should contact the relevant embassy or take a look at their website to make sure you have all the correct information. Below we outline the most common forms of visa you are likely to come across. Tourist visas are typically issued to people who only plan on a short visit and do not intend to work or study. This type of visa comes in many different forms depending on the host country and your own country of origin. The 'upon entry' tourist visa is the most common and this is issued upon arrival at the airport immigration desk. For example, US citizens arriving in...  [Read more]

If you have a TESOL certificate and are looking to teach English in the UK, there are several options available to you. One of the most common paths is to work in a language school. Language schools are always in need of qualified English teachers to instruct students of all levels, from beginner to advanced. These schools can be found in cities and towns across the UK, so you should be able to find opportunities no matter where you are located. Another option is to work for a private tutoring company. Many individuals and families in the UK are looking to improve their English language skills, and they often turn to private tutors for help. With your TESOL certificate, you can offer your services as a private English tutor and work with students one-on-one to help them achieve their...  [Read more]

If you have a TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certificate and are looking to teach English in Australia, you have several options available to you. One option is to work for language schools or institutions that offer English language programs to international students. These schools are often looking for qualified English teachers to help their students improve their language skills. Some well-known language schools in Australia include the International House Sydney, Kaplan International English, and Embassy English. Another option is to work for universities or colleges that offer English language courses to international students. Many universities in Australia have English language centers that provide English language support to students who may need extra...  [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]