Get a Job Easily Teach English Abroad

Want to travel and work abroad but are unsure how to go about it and what job to do? One thing you could do, that will give you a lot of flexibility to work abroad is English teaching. The demand for English teachers abroad is still high and you can travel and experience a new culture.

If you would like to know how to go about it, then I'll share some tips about how to get a job teaching English as a second language (ESL). I did just this! I made a career change after a few decades in business.

I'll share a few tips with you about how I used my new found skills to teach English in English speaking and Asian countries.

Whether you are a college graduate who just wants to experience the world before getting "a real job" or someone older (like me) keen to experience more of the world, but not from the inside of a hotel, then this could be a great option for you.

It's also a good option for any native speaker of English if you're experiencing difficulty getting work in your home country. Teaching English abroad is a good way to indulge in a love of travel while teaching English as a second language.

There is still a massive demand for native English teachers and the list of countries where you might be able to work is extensive. To name some diverse countries - Germany, Spain, Mexico, Somalia etc along with many countries in Asia and the Middle East.

Even Australia and New Zealand have jobs for English teachers to help those who want to learn English in an English speaking country. There's also demand for teachers to help non English speaking foreigners who have migrated to an English speaking country.

Numerous emerging countries like China, Cambodia and Vietnam have embraced the concept of teaching locals to speak in English.  They are excellent students.

This article will give you some tips on how to go about securing that job and enjoy the benefits of traveling to a new country.

Daves ESL Cafe

• Dave's ESL Cafe has been a stalwart in the industry for a very long time.

He advertises jobs from a variety of countries and presents them in three broad categories - International. China and Korea. The site looks messy but he has the jobs!

TEFL

• For TEFL dot com - you need to subscribe to TEFL to access the available jobs but its worth the extra step.

You can also sign up for a daily email and they highlight the new job postings. Its an excellent site. If you apply for a job from TEFL, you need to take the time to complete the online application form.

It takes some time but once its done, for each job application, you only need to update it.

TEFL has some great jobs possibilities.

Teachaway

• Teachaway - a nice clean website. For each country listed, teachaway has a country overview, job prospects and salary range.
• This is a good site but use the salary range as a guide only.

The English language is sought after by many non native speakers, consequently the list of countries seeking teachers of English as a second language is huge.

Virtually every non English speaking country is hunting for teachers which gives you, the job seeker plenty of opportunity.

True, some countries are easier to get into to work than others, especially for those new to teaching. The rules change very rapidly and are different for various nationalities so you must do your own research.

Generally some countries like Mexico, China and Vietnam you may find jobs are easier to get with limited or no experience than countries like the UAE, Qatar and Australia.

Having said that although there are literally thousands of jobs, you still need to have qualifications and the situation changes depending upon the government and the school.

Some countries have restrictions on people over the age of 50, others its 55 and yet others have no limits. So even if you're over 50, don't let that stop you considering this as a work and travel option because there are many places you can work if you want to.

There are also some limitations of certain nationalitites in certain countries so you need to do your homework. As a New Zealander its virtually impossible for me to work in the European Union Countries.

There are also some great jobs teaching English as a second language in summer school.  You get to earn, travel the world and experience a different culture!

It is possible to get a job teaching english abroad without qualifications but I recommend you obtain one. You will be better equipped in the classroom and a more effective teacher with a qualification.

You are also more likely to secure a better job and higher pay with a recognised English teaching qualification.

So what is a recognised English teaching qualification?

There are two -

• CELTA - I got this certification and have more information here.
• TESOL

I'm already a classroom teacher, do I need this qualification?

In a word, yes. Even highly experienced classroom teachers have said that they gained immeasurable experience by doing a course such as CELTA. One of these two qualifications generally required by all reputable schools.

There are also many online qualifications but I recommend one that has practical teaching as part of the course as this is what's required by most employers.

For more information on the CELTA certification check here. 

Experience is always welcome and in some cases required but there are many jobs where experience is not required.

It's true that many jobs and countries require minimum experience. However, there are a great many countries and company's who will take students with little or no experience.

Most, however, do require a qualifications outlined here in this hub.

As there are so many possibilities, I recommend that you focus on the countries where you would like to, and are eligible to, work in.

The best way to do this is to look at the job advertisements posted on the websites listed above. Most of the advertisers list the job and the country requirements so if you are beginning with limited knowledge, you will soon get a strong body of knowledge.

Then fine tune your search.

Many places require two years of teaching and some demand that whereas others specify it as "desirable" but are much more flexible and will take teachers with no experience.

If you've had tutoring or seminar presenting experience then some employers just might take that into consideration so include that in your resume.

If you want to travel and work abroad then take a leap into the unknown and just do it!

Making the decision is one of the most difficult parts. Then, as you begin traveling, you will wonder why you hesitated. You'll look at the world and your country with fresh eyes. You will also meet some wonderful people and enjoy wonderful (and sometimes challenging) new horizons.

The experience will be enriching.  Here's some information on the CELTA course.

Check out The Cambridge ESOL Certificate site for detailed information.

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Thank you. If you would like more advice, feel free to ask me a question.