Is Teaching A Good Job

The simple answer to this question is: Yes, a level 4 TESOL certificate is generally considered the minimum standard required to be eligible for the majority of good quality ESL teaching jobs worldwide. However, as it can be difficult to understand the different levels involved, we will first address how the levels are determined, the differences between each level and who each level is aimed at. Firstly, it is important to understand that there is not just one overall framework that is used to represent the different levels of TESOL certification. Some countries such as the USA, the UK, and Australia have their own system, as do other regions and organizations. However, whatever the framework, most are based on similar factors including the type of certification, the number of study...  [Read more]

  Japan has been a popular destination amongst English language teachers for many years due to its widespread job opportunities, good salaries and fascinating culture. Whilst there are other countries in the region where the cost of living may be lower and the wages a little higher, nowhere provides such an incredible mix of modern development and ancient traditions as you will find in this extraordinary country. If you are looking for excitement and adventure, look no further than Japan. In order to work legally you will need to be eligible for a work visa. The good news is the criteria is not as tough as many other countries as you simply need to possess a degree in any subject. The only other qualifications you need are a fluency in the English language, a professional approach...  [Read more]

This is one of the most common questions asked by our TESOL course trainees and the answer is quite simple. Yes, you can teach ESL without a bachelor’s degree. Anyone who is TESOL qualified will have a wide array of destinations to choose from all over the world, regardless of their previous educational record. If you have a degree in any subject you will certainly have a few more options, but non-degree holders are in no way excluded from ESL teaching in many parts of the world. In recent years some countries have made it compulsory for foreign teachers to have a degree if they want to obtain a work visa that allows them to work legally as an ESL teacher. This is most noticeable in Asia where some of the biggest markets for teachers such as China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan...  [Read more]

The USA has long been a destination of choice for immigrants, migrant workers, business professionals, and international students from every imaginable corner of the world. While all these different groups have their own reasons for choosing the U.S., one thing is generally the same among them all, i.e, the need to improve their English. Whether it is just a short-term visit or something more permanent, the countless numbers of new arrivals means there are always plenty of opportunities for TESOL qualified teachers in cities and towns across the country. One thing it is important to know is that a university degree is typically required if you want to teach English in the USA. If you want to teach within the public school system, you will most likely also require a state teaching...  [Read more]

Although Romania might not currently be top of the list of destinations for many teachers, it is well worth considering as it has one of the fastest growing populations of English language learners in the region. The majority of jobs are found in the main cities, but you should make time to explore the idyllic countryside that makes up much of the country. Romania?s most famous region is undoubtedly historic Transylvania, where ancient castles inspired Bram Stoker to write his masterpiece, Dracula. Salaries for ESL teachers in Romania are relatively low when compared to many Western European countries at around $500 to $1000 per month, although teachers with experience might be able to earn more. While these figures do not sound a lot, a low cost of living means that your salary will...  [Read more]

TESOL stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages and is to almost all purposes the same as TEFL, Teaching English as a Foreign Language. As they are basically the same we will refer to just one from here on: TESOL Most TESOL teaching positions require a minimum qualification of a 120-hour certification. Throughout the industry there are three generally accepted routes to obtaining this qualification. These are through in-class courses, online courses or a combination of both, known as combined (or hybrid) courses. Here the trainee will travel to a location where the course is offered. There are training centers in most countries throughout the world where English is being taught to speakers of other languages. The main advantage of an onsite course is the possibility...  [Read more]

  The good news is there is no real age restrictions on who can take a TEFL course and then go on to teach English abroad. At ITTT we do require you to be at least 18 years old to enroll on our courses but there are certainly no upper age limits. Over the years we have successfully trained people of all ages, many of whom have gone on to have successful careers as English language teachers. As long as you are a native or near-native English speaker who is keen to learn new skills and is open to new ideas, then your age should be no barrier to your success. Although a large number of new TEFL graduates are in their 20s, it doesn't mean they are always the most sought after by employers. Yes, there are many employers around the world who are only interested in recruiting younger...  [Read more]

Around the world there are a large number of countries and individual cities where the market for TESOL qualified teachers is particularly strong. In these areas it is common to find that the best jobs are oversubscribed with applicants, seriously reducing your chances of getting the jobs you really want. One of the best ways to combat this competition for jobs is to complete a higher level of training than the majority of the other contenders. Firstly, it is important to point out that there is no universal course level framework that covers the whole of the ESL teaching community. Many countries such as the USA, the UK, and Australia have designed their own unique systems, as have many other teaching related organizations and TESOL course providers. However, all of these...  [Read more]

The worldwide demand for English language skills is rapidly growing, which means there are always plenty of job options out there in a variety of different teaching environments. However, it should be pointed out that being a native English speaker is no longer the only qualification you need to be offered a good teaching position. The continuous increase in demand for foreign English teachers has led many countries to introduce certain restrictions on who is eligible for a work visa. Many individual employers have also raised their expectations when it comes to employing foreign English teachers. On top of this, the rise in popularity of teaching English overseas and online means there is an ever growing level of competition for the best positions. The main thing to remember is...  [Read more]

ESL teaching jobs can be found in almost every part of the world, but what is the best way to find a job to suit you? As the approach to recruitment varies from one region to the next, there is no simple answer to this question. Below we outline the main job hunting strategies that TESOL qualified teachers can use to find their dream job. Online job hunting is increasingly common, particularly if you are looking for a position outside of the country where you are currently residing. A quick online search will reveal several job boards that post vacant teaching positions from all over the world. In many cases, these jobs will be in areas where the demand for teachers is so high that employers choose to hire foreign teachers without actually meeting them in person. Jobs in this...  [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]

As the internet is largely anonymous by nature, it is easy for unscrupulous characters who are looking to make easy money to prey on unsuspecting job hunters. While it is true that the quality of schools and the teaching contracts they offer can vary enormously, the vast majority of advertised jobs whether good or bad will be completely genuine. However, to avoid the small number of jobs that might be dubious, there are a few simple rules you can follow. Research is always the best defense against job scams when looking for ESL jobs online. By spending a bit of time researching the typical salary, expected benefits, working hours, and visa requirements in your chosen destination, potential scams should stand out like a sore thumb. The bottom line here is, if it sounds too good to be...  [Read more]

Some of the biggest markets for foreign ESL teachers are restricted to native English speakers only, including Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. However, if your first language is not English there are still many exciting destinations all over the world where there are no such restrictions. It is worth noting that the term 'native English speaker' typically refers to teachers from the USA, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. As the demand for foreign ESL teachers is very high in most parts of Asia, there are a wide range of options for non-native English speakers. Thailand is a particularly popular choice due to its widely popular culture and cuisine, and the beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife. In order to get a work permit you need...  [Read more]

Although it is common for some ESL job interviews to take place over the internet or phone from within the teacher’s home country, many employers still prefer to interview in person on the school premises. Each job interview you have is likely to be a little different from the last, but there are a few simple guidelines you can follow to ensure you give yourself the very best chance of success. It is a well known idea that we form a first impression of someone within seven seconds of the first meeting. Because of this it is crucial that you are aware of some basic interview techniques to avoid blowing your chances before the interview has really begun. The first thing you should always do for every interview is turn up in plenty of time. Once the interview begins don’t forget to...  [Read more]

This question is one of the most common asked by TESOL course trainees and one of the most difficult to answer as there are so many variables that can affect it. The main thing to realise when considering this question is that the vast majority of our TESOL course graduates go on to find a teaching job either at home or overseas within a reasonably short space of time. Your choice of destination is one of the most significant factors as demand for ESL teachers varies from one area to the next. In countries such as China, the demand far outweighs the available teachers in many places which is great news for first-time teachers who have no experience to put on their application form. The simple fact is, if you are TESOL qualified and would like to teach in China, you will have little...  [Read more]

As the USA is such a big country with a relatively large and steady flow of immigrants, there are always plenty of opportunities available for TESOL qualified teachers. As well as permanent immigrants from all over the world, you will also find there are a huge number of potential students among the country’s millions of migrant workers and the large number of international students who flock to the US to study at colleges and universities countrywide. Business professionals who move to the United States on assignment is another area that is full of possibilities for ESL teachers. Most official English language teaching jobs in the US will require a university degree. Jobs advertised in state and public school districts typically also require a state teaching license or...  [Read more]

  We often hear from trainees who are concerned that they might struggle to find jobs as they lack teaching experience and academic qualifications. Many also think they might be too old to be successful in the ESL job market. The good news is that these factors are often irrelevant when looking for a teaching position as the demand for TESOL qualified teachers is so high in many areas. In reality, the vast majority of people who are currently working as ESL teachers worldwide had no previous classroom experience before they got the job. While it is true that a few countries and some individual employers restrict English teaching jobs to people with a degree, most have no such restrictions and are open to employing TESOL qualified teachers regardless of their academic record. When it...  [Read more]

If you have finished a training course and are now TESOL qualified, you are probably ready to start sending out job applications to all the vacant positions you like the look of. For each application you will need to send your CV/resume and an all important cover letter to go with it. The purpose of the cover letter is to introduce yourself, to demonstrate your enthusiasm, and to outline why you think you are the best candidate for the job on offer. So when it comes to writing a cover letter for your TESOL job applications, what points do you need to consider? It is typical human nature to take the quick and easy route of using the same cover letter for every job application. However, you are likely to have better results if you tailor your letters to suit each individual job. The...  [Read more]

To apply for TESOL teaching jobs, there are several steps you can take to increase your chances of success. First, it's important to have the necessary qualifications. Most employers require a TESOL or TEFL certificate, so make sure you have completed a reputable course. Additionally, having a bachelor's degree in education or a related field can also be beneficial. Next, you'll want to create a strong resume and cover letter. Highlight any relevant teaching experience you have, as well as your TESOL certification. Be sure to tailor your application to each job you apply for, emphasizing how your skills and experience make you a good fit for that particular position. Networking can also be a valuable tool in finding TESOL teaching jobs. Attend job fairs, conferences, and networking events...  [Read more]

  TEFL related jobs are available in cities, towns and beach resorts in dozens of countries spread right across the world, but what is the best way to secure the right position for you? Unfortunately there is no simple answer as it varies from one region to the next. Here we look at the main job hunting strategies that you can use to find and land that dream job teaching English abroad. Online Job Application If you are looking for a job outside the country you are currently in, then using online searches is a common option. There are many jobs boards online that post available positions from countries worldwide. The majority of these jobs will be in regions where the demand for teachers is so high that employers are happy to hire teachers without the need for a face-to-face...  [Read more]