One of the most significant advantages of teaching English abroad is the chance to travel to countries you would not have visited otherwise. But, teaching English in a foreign country entails experiences different from teaching at home in Australia.
Though K-12 teachers in developed countries struggle with burdensome curricula, long hours, dissatisfied parents and disputes about paycheques, TESOL teachers have the golden ticket to teach English in more comfortable destinations worldwide.
Instead of opting for a job due to sheer desperation, TESOL teachers enjoy the luxury of more options and can be picky with teaching jobs. Having said that, there will be certain schools and countries that do not permit you to enjoy a lavish and happy lifestyle. But with proper planning, you can set yourself up for a fulfilling experience.
Following are some tips to make the most of a career with TESOL certification:
Conduct Adequate Research
Before kickstarting your career abroad, the first and main task is to conduct detailed research, which will help you be secure and well-prepared to make significant decisions. Begin with deciding where to teach. Other questions to address during research are:
- Is your priority to make and save a significant quantum of money?
- Do you plan to begin by volunteering?
- Do you possess a college degree? Note that this is not required by some countries and recruiters.
- Do you need to apply through a recruiter or on your own?
- How will you consider the following: Salary and benefits, cost of living, culture, weather, number and kinds of jobs available?
Definition of Professional and Personal Goals
Your personal and professional aspirations can be defined by considering what you desire from the teaching experience. Certain questions to be asked in this regard include:
- How much savings do you desire?
In case you have the burden of paying off dues like student loans, credit card payments, or a downpayment for a car or house, it is critical to make financial plans for the future. Based on the destination country of your choice, it may be possible to either save much or at least break even.
- Do you have a priority to travel?
Another area to budget is to fund your wishes to travel and see the world.
- Is your goal to learn a new language?
Consider hiring a private tutor or check out local language schools in a foreign country. Another option is to sign up for language exchanges where you can make many new friends.
- What do you like to do in your free time?
Consider hobbies and cultural interests in the new country where you are planning to work.
- Is this career for the short term or long term?
Though there is no need to decide on this promptly, it is good to have this at the back of your mind. It will help guide your path to future courses in advanced education if that is your priority.
- How long do you intend to stay?
While there is no need to make 5-year plans, you can avoid extra anxiety in the future by planning on this aspect.
Avoid Taking the First Offer
While attempting to gain the first TESOL job in your career, do not settle for the first job offer. Though it might seem highly tempting, the fact is that there is no need to compromise. Sometimes, doing this may even prove to be regrettable.
Ensure that the prospective job role provides the needed resources and tools for teaching, like projectors, computers etc. It may also be good to compare salaries & benefits, work schedules and holidays & leaves applicable to the jobs.
Certain offers after taking a TESOL course online might be more attractive, so view each with a critical eye. If the prospects of the first job seem intimidating, consider going through recruiters or providers of programs.
Plan Ahead with Realistic Timelines
Applying for an English teaching job abroad and moving to a new country takes much research and planning. It cannot be done at the last minute.
Though procedures and cycles for hiring vary from one country to another, it is always wise to take 3 to 6 months from the end of the TESOL course and the start of the search for jobs before you actually fly off and go abroad to start your teaching career.
With regard to some programs like government-sponsored JET in Japan and assistantship programs in France and Spain, the procedure to apply, interview and make travel arrangements will take around six to nine months.
Another time consideration is to secure a visa. In certain countries, it takes a few months to process the visa, so factor this aspect in deciding the timelines for your new job.
Be Financially Prepared
A career as an English teacher abroad may be a highly cost-effective mode to fund travel and living overseas. However, similar to other significant decisions in life, it needs a degree of financial planning.
Some of the costs for a TESOL career include the cost of a TESOL course & certification, the cost of transport to the country of destination, initial costs after arriving in a new country, costs of household items & appliances and expenses to make a new home. Other key costs include teaching materials and props for boosting your lessons.
Note that in some countries like South East Asia, start-up costs are low as fully furnished accommodation will be provided. In countries like China and South Korea, housing costs and airfare will be covered.
Build Rapport with Students
Teaching English to foreign students is not as easy as waltzing into the classroom and weaving your magic to help students learn the language. Students of different age groups have varying needs, interests and levels of development. So, it is good to get familiar with students to know how to connect with them, whether children or elderly. It is good to learn the names of students, and their learning styles (kinaesthetic or auditory), use videos, music, pop culture, etc. and support kids with learning disabilities.
In sum, the above tips will possibly help you know how to teach English in a foreign country and the kinds of things you can expect. Whatever the case, this will surely be an unforgettable experience that can impact your life forever.
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