The bottom line is that the worldwide market for TESOL qualified teachers is huge, which means there are always plenty of opportunities out there for everyone, regardless of their nationality or native language. In some areas the number of vacant jobs is so high that you even get to choose from a number of different options. With all this in mind, it should come as no surprise that non-native English speakers with a TESOL qualification generally have little trouble finding a suitable job in many countries. It is also worth noting that we traditionally have more non-native English speakers than native speakers enrolling on our courses. As long as you have a good standard of English and a high-quality TESOL certificate, there is nothing stopping you from becoming a successful ESL teacher.
It is also true that non-native English speakers often have certain advantages over native speakers when it comes to ESL teaching. It is common for non-native speakers to have a better understanding of English grammar rules as they have had to learn the actual mechanics of them, unlike most native speakers. Also, many English language students actually prefer to have a non-native speaking teacher as they feel they can understand their situation better as they have been through the exact same process themselves. Just remember that the country of your birth and your first language are not that important when it comes to building a successful career as an ESL teacher, wherever you plan to teach.
Where do Non-native English Teachers Teach?
As a non-native English speaker, you might choose to stay and teach in your home country where jobs are often easy to find. Alternatively, you might choose to work online, either from the comfort of your own home or while traveling from place to place. However, if the idea of living and working overseas is more to your liking, check out our FAQ: Where can I teach English abroad as a non-native speaker?
Thinking About Teaching English Online?
Once TESOL qualified, many of our graduates choose to teach English online. And this applies to both native and non-native speakers. If this is an area of teaching that you wish to explore, take a look at our specialized online teaching course as it covers all the basic knowledge you need to get started in this unique field of ESL teaching.
You should also check out our FAQ: Can I teach English as a foreign language online? Here you will find some basic insight into starting out as an online ESL teacher.
While you are on our FAQ Page you can also browse through over 200 other questions that are commonly asked by our trainees. You should find all the answers you need in straightforward and easy to understand English. Whatever questions you have regarding teaching English at home or abroad, ITTT has the answers to help you move forward.
