If you are looking for a new career that combines your passion for travel with the opportunity to make a positive impact on others’ lives, Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) could be the ideal choice for you. Nowadays, there are different ways in which you could pursue a career in TEFL: teaching English abroad, online from home, or online while travelling.
Whichever way you choose, a new career path is a life-changing decision. As such, factors like personality and skills, choice of destination, cultural differences, and the criteria required should be considered carefully. Whether you desire to learn a foreign language, earn a high salary, expand cultural knowledge, pursue professional development, or make international friends, teaching English allows you to fulfil your goals.
Determining Personal Suitability
Before embarking on your new career as an English teacher, it is crucial to assess your personality traits and willingness to adapt to a new lifestyle. This is essential if you are planning on teaching abroad. Several key qualities contribute to success in this field. Firstly, a genuine enthusiasm for learning is essential, as teachers continually acquire knowledge about local cultures and innovative classroom techniques. Secondly, flexibility is vital to overcome challenges such as mixed-level classes and limited resources. Patience is also a valuable trait, as learners may face difficulties in language acquisition.
Choosing the Right Destination
When deciding where to teach English abroad, you need to take into account your personal needs and goals, as well as the requirements of your destination of choice.
Different countries have varying requirements for international English teachers, including educational prerequisites, age restrictions, and previous teaching experience. For those seeking to learn a foreign language alongside their work, the Czech Republic offers opportunities to attend language classes at discounted rates.
Kuwait has a growing demand for teachers of English for Specific Purposes (ESP) and it presents an option for earning a high tax-free income.
Japan, with its rich cultural diversity, rewards teachers with high salaries while offering a unique cultural experience. Italy provides ample professional development opportunities for teachers seeking to enhance their skills, while Colombia offers a vibrant environment for making international friends.
For further guidance in the search for your perfect place, check out the ‘best countries to teach English abroad’ blog content from The TEFL Org.
Navigating Cultural Differences
Teaching English abroad – and online, to a certain extent – enables you to interact with students from diverse cultural backgrounds. While this experience can be exciting, it is essential to approach it with an open mind. Cultural differences may lead to misunderstandings, making it crucial to research and understand the customs and etiquette of the destination country. For instance, in Japan, locals tend to avoid saying “no” directly, leading to potential misunderstandings.
Expat communities and online platforms can provide valuable insights into cultural norms, helping mitigate the impact of culture shock and facilitate smoother integration into the new environment.
Finding Your location
When selecting a base for teaching English, it’s important to factor in aspects such as job availability, access to transportation, and social integration. Big cities often offer more work opportunities and diverse expat communities, providing support to newcomers. While city life may be hectic, it offers excitement and cosmopolitan experiences. On the other hand, rural areas provide an immersive experience in local culture, allowing for a deeper understanding of traditions and a quieter lifestyle.
Criteria for Teaching Abroad
Qualifications needed for teaching English in-person and online vary depending on the destination. While a university degree is often necessary for visa purposes, it may not be mandatory in all cases. Proficiency in the English language, including reading, listening, speaking, and writing, is vital.
A 120-hour TEFL certificate is a valuable asset, providing the necessary skills and knowledge to deliver effective lessons, covering areas that include teaching approaches, classroom management, lesson planning, and learner assessment.
Teaching Face-to-Face vs. Teaching Online
Teaching English in-person offers the opportunity to build strong relationships with students through regular classroom interactions. Language schools, public schools, and international schools/universities provide avenues for teaching face-to-face.
However, for individuals seeking a nomadic lifestyle, teaching English online is a flexible and convenient option. With minimal equipment requirements and the ability to teach from any location, online teaching offers autonomy and freedom. Researching established online language schools is essential to find a reputable platform that aligns with individual preferences and goals.
Teaching Online Must-Haves
When it comes to online teaching, the location doesn’t matter much as the fundamental principles remain the same. First and foremost, you should prioritise your tech setup, which is crucial for your livelihood. You don’t need to splurge on expensive equipment initially; start with simple and basic tools which you probably already have, and upgrade as needed. Make sure your PC or laptop is up to date with the latest free upgrades, and utilise the built-in camera and microphone for your online lessons.
Equally important is to have a reliable internet connection. Slow or unreliable Wi-Fi connection can hinder the delivery of your lessons. In that case, consider upgrading or changing providers. While travelling, check the internet quality before booking accommodation using free online tools to measure the speed.
Additionally, create an area that is conducive to learning. Whether at home or in a hotel room, find a quiet, well-lit spot to get into your teaching mode. One way to enhance your teaching layout is by using background props, like suitable posters or a dry-wipe board.
Don’t forget to look after yourself. Sitting at a desk staring at a computer screen for many hours day in day out can significantly affect your general health. Taking regular breaks and investing in some ergonomic equipment can help you reduce back problems and increase concentration.
Open the Doors to Your New Career
Teaching English online has emerged as a gateway to a world of opportunities. Whatever your life goal or professional objective, teaching English abroad or online offers a path to fulfil these aspirations. By embracing the possibilities of this digital age, aspiring educators can embark on a journey that opens doors worldwide, promoting global understanding and facilitating cross-cultural communication.
