Work Travel Volunteer

Teaching is the one professional where organisations search for you and give you benefits to come to their country, rather than most working abroad scenarios, where the hoops you must go through can be a bug bear.

If you are a qualified teacher or have a TEFL or TESOL certificate, this allows you the opportunity to work all over the world. Travel and get paid.

Even if you do not have any of these, you could still work as a volunteer teacher in a developing country, through participating in a much shorter course prior to working. However, the downside of this is you won't be paid!

Finally, if you can speak another language, you may also want to think about teaching another subject, other than English and utilize your skills this way.

What is TEFL or TESOL?

TEFL - Teaching English as a Foreign Language

TESOL - Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages

Either qualification will allow you to work as a professional teacher of English abroad. The certificate can be studied for through a number of organisations (some better than others)

The best place to start looking is CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults) or Trinity College for a TESOL certificate.

Qualities you will need to become a TEFL teacher include;

1. patience
2. creativity
3. the ability to be organised/prepare lessons
4. a like of people!

The ins and outs of the certificate

Cost:- 650 to 1250 pounds
Length of course:- 4 to 5 weeks full time (The course can also be done over a longer period of 9 to 10 weeks but this is more expensive)
Place of study:- All over the world!

Another option to obtain the certificate is to go through an international language school who can then help you find a job afterwards Try www.ihworld.com for further details.

Finding a job

Think about the type of work you want first. City or country? Adults or children? Conversational English or English grammar?
Start looking about three months before you want to work. It is a competitive sector and it can often take this long to find a placement that you want.
There are more options in developing countries but the pay is way lower and you may feel frustrated by the differences in the culture. However, this may have been your sole reason for wanting to teach - it is the main area of work where you can get paid in a developing country as opposed to volunteering.
You'll get the best wages and support in Asia - South Korea, Japan and China. Some organisations even pay for your flight there and back and subsidize your accommodation costs.

Volunteer teachers

Many organisations offer volunteer teaching positions. This may also be combined with a short tefl course to assist the transition. You may still have to take whole classes yourself unsupported or you may act as a teaching support to another teacher.

Teaching other areas

Do you have a passion for sport? Thought about teaching? Visit our volunteer sports section and ski and snowboard section to find out more about using your coaching skills overseas.

Visit our directory for organisations that provide teaching opportunities abroad.