Travel and Teach EnglishTEFL,ESL,TESOL,TESL,EFL,ELT. Whatever you call it, they all mean - to teach English as a second language to non native speakers. If you're looking for job satisfaction, travel and adventure.....you've picked the right job. A report I saw a few years ago, said that about 470 million Euros were being spent on English Language teaching materials, in Asia alone. Japan topped the list, followed by South Korea.... and China is forecast to be the next booming market. The demand for native speakers to teach English overseas, is still large. With no previous teaching experience or specific degrees required, high salaries, rent free apartments - in some countries - and low cost of living all thrown in too....you can see why the supply is also growing. More and more people also take a "gap year" or dump their nine to five lives, compared to a few years ago. For a lot of people the idea to teach English never crossed their mind, or they thought it wouldn't be their kind of thing. They soon find out that they love the job and stay for years! Teaching English overseas can be your passport to extended - and very low cost - travel. ESL teaching can take you to the most remote and beautiful places on the planet, in a third of the time and cost it would usually take you to travel around the world. You also get a much deeper experience than if you were just a tourist on holiday. You can learn new languages, get involved with the people and culture, make some great friends from all over the world......and maybe even get married and have a family. The decision to teach English abroad can be a tough and scary one. I can still remember the day I decided to pack up and leave the monotony of the big City and my predictable nine to five life. Although I was a bit apprehensive at the time, it was the best decision I ever made. I've finally found the meaning of "job satisfaction" after years of searching, and have been able to get the most out of my love of travel. I've been teaching English for ten years now....and I've had some experiences that I'll never forget..... But wait....! Before you start looking for your passport and backpack.....let's get serious for a couple of minutes....as I don't want to be held responsible for leading you astray....;-) Before you decide to teach English abroad, here are some thing's you should think about first: Is Teaching ESL for You? As an English teacher, you'll find yourself becoming more than someone who helps people with a few phrases. You'll also be part - friend, actor/performer, coach, motivator, confidant, student and leader. Here are some questions to ponder on:
If you think you're going to be lying around on the beach all day, hanging out in the bars all night, making and saving loads of cash...then think again. This aint no holiday buddy! You're going to be entering into the unknown. Possibly even being the only English speaker in the neighbouhood. Are You Mentally Prepared? You'll have frequent and unexpected water cuts, power cuts, internet cuts, crazy and unreliable transportation....and communication....and even stranger food - both dead and living! You'll become the latest museum exhibit and will acquire stares, random shouts in the street and strangers wanting to chat...unexpectedly and sometimes quite personally....wherever you go. Then the tables will turn and you'll experience complete isolation. You'll witness more poverty, suffering and political upheaval than you're used to. You'll also become an ambassador of your country and respected pillar of the community....so watch your behavior! I could go into more detail, but you get the idea. Some people have a hard time dealing with all this....and unfortunately their experience is short lived. They end up back in their home country within a few months....disillusioned. Culture Shock Even well seasoned teachers and expats still have their down days. Some become part of the community, while others surround themselves with cable TV, lock themselves away in their cozy apartments....and rely on their partner to take care of everything. Don't let the change in culture, customs and environment get you down. Learn to speak the language....or at least give it a try. You'll get a lot further with the locals, your life will become a bit easier and you'll gain more respect too. You won't make a fortune teaching English abroad, but you will get to see the world, meet some interesting people, have some exciting adventures, excellent vacations and.... depending on which country you're working in....save enough cash after a year or two, to pay off some debts while doing it. We don't only teach English for the money though, do we? If you're open minded, flexible and have a desire to broaden your horizons and help people...you'll do fine. OK....put that passport down! First, Check out TEFL Job Precautions then take a look at the ESL FAQ We've also included a TEFL Jobs Checklist to help you ask the right questions....before excepting that dream job. Once your done....you'll be ready to teach English abroad in no time! Coming Soon.... What's YOUR Story?
Are you already teaching English overseas?
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