Great Summer Camp Jobs Teaching English Abroad

If English is your first language and you want to travel, why not consider summer camp jobs job teaching English abroad? Summer camp jobs for teachers are offered in many countries and they give the graduate valuable work and life experience helping kids to learn English and you can have fun while you’re doing it.

Here is the detailed information to help you secure summer jobs abroad.

Generally, the summer camps abroad are around late June to mid August (depending upon the country).  However, you will need to apply early.  

If you want summer camp jobs teaching English abroad, there are many countries you can choose from such as: Japan, Korea, China, United Kingdom, Poland and Spain to name just a few.

If you would like to inquire about summer jobs abroad in summer camps, first establish what country you would like to visit and explore the opportunities and the immigration requirements. The requirements for this type of work, teaching English abroad are usually (but not always) less stringent for temporary work than if you want to go to work on a fulltime basis.

The summer camps job advertisements will usually specify the experience and nationality requirements of the applicants. This is usually related to the ease with which you can get a visa.

If you already have experience working with children in any capacity then that will be very desirable for summer camps so be sure to mention that in your application.

Do you need to have any special qualifications to teach English abroad?

Some positions require specific teaching experience but many do not have that restriction. Some require specific English teaching certification such as CELTA or TESOL but many don’t. (However, for teaching English abroad, I highly recommend the CELTA qualification.)

The advertisements will specify the requirements of each of the teaching English summer jobs. The jobs at summer camp teaching English abroad generally specify that:

• English is your native language,
• you enjoy working with children,
• have a degree (the major is not usually that important for these roles),
• have a clean police record,
• have a hobby which you can teach the children i.e. photography, boating, swimming, tennis – you get the idea.
• Physically fit - you will have to work hard to keep up with the kids!

• Have a great attitude.

Countries and camp recruiters have different requirements which will be outlined in the job advertisements.

While its tempting to think of a summer camp holiday as a vacation, it won't be. Your time will be taken up during the day with English lessons and activities. During the evening you are likely to be involved in helping with additional activities such as helping with a concert performance and more.

Here are some of the key sites to search for summer camp jobs for teachers:

• Transitions Abroad
• ESL Cafe
• TEFL.com - you can sign up for a daily email which will highlight new job postings
• Hi teacher

Despite trying to cover all eventualities, there will, inevitably still be some things which are lost in translation or an issue with cultural differences.

An example - I accepted a job once and was promised my airfare would be reimbursed on arrival (this was a full time contract). They advised me they would apply for the visa but the application was denied (on appeal it was approved). In the meantime the airfare (which was supposed to be refunded when I arrived) wasn’t reimbursed until everything was in order which was several months after commencing the contract. It was an expensive lesson as I’d secured another job where there weren't visa issues. I lost my $1400.

Another contract specified the airfares would be reimbursed on the day of arrival. Reimbursement happened seven days later but after a tax deduction of 20%. That seven days delay caused some people a lot of stress because they had relied on that money to live on.

Once you secure an interview for summer camps jobs, you may be interviewed by telephone, probably by SKYPE.

During the job interview, ask many questions. I usually prepare a list and write down the answers I receive for future reference.

Ask where you will be based. Ask about the accommodation. Ask about the hours of work, the pay, the tax deductions and insurance offered. Develop your own list.

Some are paid jobs and some are volunteer so be clear about which category you would like to work and gain experience.

If the position sounds like one you would like, ask for the names of previous teachers so that you can call them to check out some details yourself.

Many positions will be on the basis that you fund your own airfare to the country.

I've discovered this great new resource for those who want to teach English abroad. Although it doesn't relate directly to teaching English abroad at summer camps, it's packed with useful tips.

The guide is published on Click bank and its - teachenglishabroadguide. 

I've read them and I highly recommend them to anyone thinking about embarking on a career in this industry.

Apply early because you will need time to arrange your passport, the visa and obtain any other documentation you may need.

Having said that, sometimes English schools with summer camp jobs are looking for people at short notice so if your passport is up to date, it might be possible to get a job teaching English abroad quickly.

You have a commitment to this process usually you will be expected to pay for your airfare but your costs once you arrive such as accommodation and food will be covered.

Allow some extra for snacks and drinks in the town with your new friends though because the camp food may not suit you.

Have a back up plan and always, always, always have extra money to cover eventualities.

At the end of the experience many teachers spend sometime traveling around the foreign country with their new friends.

What a great way to experience a new country and culture!

If you would like to read more information about  teaching English abroad, its here.  For information about obtaining a CELTA (certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults) qualification its here in this article.  

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