Are you wondering if teaching English abroad is a good job? Considering applying but not sure if this is right for you? View some reasons why you will love working as an English teacher.
1. Learn New Skills
If you are totally new to the idea of teaching abroad, most recruiters will require you to have a TEFL qualification. This course helps to prepare you to become a successful teacher overseas by providing information, advice and tips. It’s really easy to get started and qualified, you can take an online TEFL course, or book a classroom TEFL course – with either, you’ll learn a lot and even more so when you actually start teaching.
2. Live Abroad
Options for working abroad can be really limited due to visas and country entry requirements unless you work in a very skilled profession. But by getting TEFL certified you get a worldwide recognised qualified allowing you to teach English anywhere in the world.
Some of the best places to teach English include Thailand, Spain, France, Mexico, Vietnam and the Czech Republic. You could also apply for online English teaching jobs and as long as you have a connection to the internet you can work from anywhere.
3. Immerse Yourself in a Different Culture
Going to live and work in a new country offers the chance to learn so much about the history, customs and cultural norms. You’ll get to see how other countries function both in terms of life and also academically. You’ll get to learn far more than just your average tourist.
4. Learn a New Language
Apply to teach in a non-English speaking country and you will get the chance to learn or improve a foreign language. Usually with most destinations you won’t need to know any of the native language before arriving, but actually being in the country provides you the chance to study independently or book language courses. This will make the whole experience of living overseas easier and more enjoyable.
5. Earn a Good Salary
There is the potential to make a lot of money teaching abroad if you choose your destination carefully. Some of the TEFL countries with the highest salaries include UAE, China, Korea and Japan. Some teachers earn more than $3000-$5000 per month!
Some recruiters offering TEFL jobs also offer flight reimbursement, free housing or a housing allowance, paid holidays, completion bonus, medical insurance, pension contribution and other benefits.
6. Meet New People
Teaching English abroad offers the chance to meet new people from all over the world. Some recruiters hire hundreds of staff from all corners of the globe and you will form close friendships when working in different countries. The chances are you will make lifelong friends.
7. Help Others Learn
Teaching is such a rewarding job, well compared to a lot anyway. Seeing students develop and improve their English skills is something you can’t put a price on. You will get to see the progress made over weeks and months which can be really inspiring.
8. Increase Your Confidence
Working as teacher allows you to grow both personally and professionally. Just having the initiative to pack up your bags and move abroad requires confidence. Then when actually standing in-front of students at first it can be intimidating but it gets easier over time.
9. Boost Your Career
Getting a TEFL qualification and going to teach abroad will look great to future employers. It demonstrates so many positive aspects like the ability to learn, adapt and also work in different environments. Some schools and employers offer options to develop professionally over a career, you could start out teaching English then become the manager of an area or become a school head.
10. Travel
Travelling is one of the best things to do in life and by working overseas you will get lots of free time to explore new places. Teachers usually get weekends free and also lots of holidays during the year providing plenty of opportunities to go sightseeing.