TEFL Jobs Abroad

TEFL Jobs Abroad - An Introduction

The realisation by non-English speaking countries of the importance of learning English as a second/ foreign language has resulted in an ever-increasing demand for native English speakers. The positions available Worldwide are as varied as the countries that offer them. TEFL jobs exist in just about every country around the globe from the colossus of China to the smallest pacific islands.

A World Of TEFL Job Opportunities

The benefits on offer are closely related to the demand, and right now the demand in many countries is exceptionally high.

In entry level TEFL jobs you can expect to earn anywhere between £300 ($500) up to £1200 ($1600) a month (plus other benefits). Some of the highest wages for entry-level candidates are to be found in the North Asian nations of South Korea, Japan and Taiwan; while the lower pay rates are found in the third worlds’ tropical hideaways.

Don’t get blinkered into comparing overseas salaries to wages in your own country. Remember costs of living are sure to be lower (in most cases); low tax rates, paid airfare and accommodation may be provided or subsidised. Plus if your only motivation was to earn money then you would stay at home. Remember the cultural and life enhancing experiences you will have and the understanding that you will gain from living and working abroad. These life experiences are invaluable.

It’s often the case that the majority of TESOL/TEFL teachers leave the profession after a couple of years.

The skills you'll gain as a TEFL teacher will help you to succeed in any situation that requires you to think on their feet.

Fewer teachers work in the industry for extended periods, but those that do typically do so because they love to travel and explore the globe and it allows them to earn a good income in their country of choice. Others just love teaching and the reward it brings.

English has become universally dominant and is the accepted global language. English is the language of pop songs, computer games, the internet, and international business deals. There is an estimated 300,000,000 people currently learning English.

English teaching opportunities exist in most corners of the globe. Rather than identifying the countries that offer good prospects its easier to highlight the less promising destinations. English has been referred to as the ‘barometer of western influence’. There are over 260 countries in the world and only a few have rejected Western influence outright (including Iraq, Bhutan, North Korea). Some nations have their own version of English that is taught by the native populations, these are not promising destinations for aspiring teachers. These include (India – Indian English, Philippines – tagalong and Singapore – Singlish).

Some countries are popular holiday destinations. Countries that fall into this category promote a lot of their TEFL jobs to travellers passing through. I.e. they advertise locally. See the “Before you go or on arrival?” section.

Employment situations are not great for all teachers. As the profile of the English Language has risen, so has the profile of the profession who teaches it. The number of qualified teachers has increased alongside the demand. Quite rightly, foreign language schools are becoming selective and actively look for teachers with accredited TEFL qualifications. (As an INTESOL graduate you will have an internationally recognised qualification, accredited by the College of Teachers).

Many TEFL jobs abroad begin in the autumn - ideal if you're qualifying in the summer. In the UK and other English speaking countries, you have better chances just before the start of the summer season. In more competitive countries like Spain and Italy, it can be useful to get an extra qualification in teaching Younger Learners or Business English.

Whilst it may have been the case years ago, people who now cruise into a country expecting to be hired as an English instructor simply on the basis of being a native English speaker are in for a wake up call. Employers at all levels will ask for evidence of their ability to teach their language, or at least have a university degree as proof of a sound education.

Today, inexpensive and efficient flights are available to everyone, a luxury that our parents didn’t have so readily available.

In a world of over 260 countries you are free to turn your attention away from that comfort zone you call home.

You can explore foreign cultures, languages, climates and peoples and what better way to do this than by involving yourself with local communities and teaching conversational English!

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