If you’re interested in becoming a traveling teacher, Europe is one of the best places. With so many countries to explore, the opportunities for adventure are endless. Unlike Americans, Europeans aren’t all about work.
Can you get paid to teach abroad?
You’ll find that a teaching job provides you with enough money and free time to fully experience your new home. In most countries, you can expect to make enough money to live comfortably.
Can teaching abroad finance your travels?
If are thinking of an adventure, you should consider the ESL teaching path. You can get paid for teaching English while you travel the world. It’s true that teaching English abroad isn’t going to make you rich, it can finance your travels around the world.
The salary is good, and the job isn’t too difficult. If you are good with budgeting, you can even put money in your savings.
What is ESL teaching?
ESL stands for “English as a Second Language.” But more often you will see the term ESL when describing teach English abroad programs. As a native English speaker, you are teaching students who are not native English speakers.
If you are stung by the travel bug, teaching English abroad may be your ticket.
What qualifies you to be an English teacher abroad?
So, you’ve decided to travel and teach English abroad. Of course, the first requirement to teach English overseas is to be a native speaker. But, that’s not all. Most schools require some sort of a certificate before they hire you to teach English.
Here are some of the certificates you might need to teach English abroad:
TEFL – Teaching English as a Foreign Language
TEFL is one of the most popular certifications to teach English abroad. A TEFL certification is a common requirement to teach English. It is globally accepted to teach both children and adults whose first language is not English. Most schools want job applicants to have a TEFL certification.
TESL – Teaching English as a Second Language
The TESL certification is geared toward those who want to teach English to non-native speakers in English speaking countries. If you live in Canada, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, or the United States, and want to pursue teaching English to non-native speakers, you might need a TESL certificate.
TESOL – Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages
The TESOL certificate is ideal if you want to teach English to non-native speakers in your home country and abroad. If you want to teach at home and abroad, TESOL is a great option. Because TESOL is a new language teaching certificate, it might not be as widely accepted overseas as TEFL. The TESOL certificate is also more intensive than other language teaching certificates such as TEFL.
CELTA – Certificate in Teach English to Speakers of Other Languages
CELTA is a widely recognized English teaching qualification. It is accepted around the world as a qualification for teaching English as a foreign language.
Why you should get TEFL certified?
If you want to travel the world as an English teacher, you need the TEFL certificate. The TEFL certificate is going to help you choose from thousands of teaching opportunities around the world.
To teach English abroad, you need two things. One, you need a bachelor’s degree. Your degree doesn’t have to be a teaching degree. And you will need a TEFL certificate. Schools hiring foreign English teachers are looking for applicants with TEFL certification. The certificate shows the employer that you have the skills for the job.
That’s why the TEFL certificate is an important part of getting an English teaching job abroad.
If you have the TEFL certification, you will:
- Find an English teaching job abroad more easily
- Earn a higher salary than those without TEFL
- Learn the skills you need to succeed as an English teacher overseas
Which countries are the best for teaching and traveling?
Finding a job in a foreign country can be intimidating. The first thing you need to do is decide in which country you’d like to teach. Almost every country wants English teachers, but Spain, the UK, Georgia, and France have the highest need. Based on the ease of obtaining a legal job and overall experience, the best countries to teach English are Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, France, and Denmark. If you’re not ready to immerse yourself in a foreign language, consider teaching in the UK. Many people move there just to learn English.
Travel to Teach English
Each country has different education requirements. Make sure you meet the qualifications for your new job. Most employers require an undergraduate degree or a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate. You can obtain a TEFL certificate online, but it’s best to find a teaching experience program. English, Literature, and Teaching degrees are also valuable. Some institutions will require you to prove your proficiency in English. Others require only a basic teaching license. Interpersonal skills are also critical when it comes time to apply, as well as previous experience.
If you wish to work in a private language school, you will have to complete an introductory course of 100 or more hours with 6 hours of observed teaching. Some facilities offer and require more specific courses, such as ILT (Introduction to Language Teaching), PLT (Practice of Language Training), and Literacy.
Many Americans overlook the fact that some European countries prefer a particular gender. Other countries only hire teachers within a specific age range (usually 20-40). If you have obtained a TEFL and are under the age of 19, you will probably only teach in volunteer situations.
How much money can I make teaching English?
As with almost any job, your salary depends on many factors, including experience, seniority, and education. There is sometimes a danger of exploitation when you travel and teach. In recent years, many institutions in Spain have paid teachers under the table to maximize their profits. This might not sound bad for the teachers, but teachers can lose their benefits when paid illegally. Make sure you are paid following the law.
Some countries ignore labor laws when it comes to foreign employees. They assume the foreigners won’t know or understand local laws regarding things like end-of-contract payments and working hours. If you don’t speak the local language and/or aren’t familiar with its culture, you may find yourself a victim. Individuals who can’t adapt to their new home culture usually give up after a few months. With proper preparation, you should be able to avoid this situation.
Which countries pay the most for English language teachers?
Some of the best paying English teaching jobs in the world are located in the middle east. The two highest paying countries for English teachers are Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the two largest cities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Foreign English teachers can expect to earn between $3,500-$5,500 per month, depending on job role and experience.
In addition to cash, English teachers in the UAE can expect additional benefits such as relocation allowance, paid flights home, government healthcare, and housing allowance. As a teacher, it is possible that your salary will be tax-free in the UAE. When your salary is combined with the additional benefits, it’s easy to save and travel while teaching in the UAE.
How to prepare for teaching abroad?
Speaking of preparation, you’ll also want to make sure you have the proper documents. Requirements are different for each European country. Many teachers follow the “don’t ask, don’t tell” method by working illegally with a tourist visa. This is not a good idea!
There are several websites you can visit to help you get a professional teaching job abroad. Keep in mind that September is the highest recruiting month for foreign English teachers.
