English proficiency is something that not all countries possess. People from these countries typically do not use English as its primary language. However, it has been recognized that, in order to increase one’s chances of traveling afar or taking advantage of career opportunities, the ability to speak English is a must. For those who wish to teach English abroad and have the skills to do so will find this a welcome opportunity.
Many countries such as China, Korea, Thailand, Spain, Turkey, Poland, Laos, Indonesia, Taiwan and Vietnam are all just beginning to remove the boundaries of the language barrier and to embrace English as a second, standard language. In light of this, the government and other institutions, such as schools and private companies, are in need of people who are able to teach standardized English to their people.
Do you love meeting new people and discovering or enjoying new cultures? Most importantly, do have a passion for teaching the English language to anyone who’s willing to learn from you? Then gear up. A life as an English Teacher abroad might just be for you.
Now, you might think that a lot of certification and qualification is required in order for you to teach the English language abroad, or that being an English Teacher abroad can be financially rewarding. Thing is, there are many options as how one can become an English teacher abroad and how you will be able to earn many things besides money. Here is a condensed guide on How to Teach English Abroad, and the benefits and quirks that go with being one.
What does an English Teacher Abroad do? What is it like to teach English abroad?
The task of an English Teacher who works abroad is simple: that is to teach the English language to anyone whom their organization requires them to teach. This simply means that they are expected to handle people from different age groups – children, teens, tweens, young adults, middle adults and full-fledged adults. You may have a one-on-one teaching opportunity, or a group classroom setting. An English teacher’s goal is to enable the people of the country they are in, or at the very least the small population they teach, to understand the English language and to be able to speak it as well, enabling them to travel or to use it in their profession, etc.
Teaching English abroad does not have to be complicated. It’s all elementary; all you have to do is to teach people the different meaning of English words and to help them formulate coherent sentences with it. Generally you won’t be teaching complex “business English” but more often than not, the basic and intermediate principles of English.
The concept of teaching English to people may sound easy, but it can actually become quite a task. You will have to rely on body language in many cases in order for the pupils to understand you if you do not speak their native language (or if you are teaching an immersion class, where students are not allowed to speak in their mother tongue). Then, when acquaintances and familiarizations have been made, you will have to employ different teaching techniques to ensure their skills are retained – there are two popular techniques for this, such as the multiple pass method or the Dogme technqiue. The multiple pass talks about utilizing a technique in which the teacher reads a book to a user, pausing to explain the meaning of words. The Dogme technique, on the other hand, uses the conventional day-to-day conversation with the teacher and the pupil so that the pupil will understand English eventually.
There are many ways on How to Teach English Abroad, even if you have the right certification or not. If you don’t want to get a certification, all you have to do is to associate yourself with an sponsoring organization, get the proper visa permits and then pack your luggage and fly. There are downsides to this though. The main thing to remember is that organizations which accept uncertified English teachers may want charity work, or your working conditions may be far from ideal – perhaps even downright uncomfortable. Certified teachers, on the other hand, have much better chances of being employed by a professional organization (with funds) and will even have the option to choose which country they are going to work in.
If you are really interested in becoming an English teacher abroad, you can earn certifications by undergoing a four week program as prescribed by the TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) International, which involves at least 100 hours of training and 6 hours of teaching practice while an observer watches over you. TEFL is one of the most popular and widely recognized certifications.
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How much money does an English Teacher Abroad make?
The salary of an English teacher abroad varies on the certification of the teacher, the organization he or she is associated with and the country that he or she has chosen. Salary amounts range from $45,000 to $75,000 a year, depending on the certification you took when looking for ways on How to Teach English Abroad. Some English Teachers also opt to do charity work in their spare time, and the reward for this is seeing the smiles of your students, and possibly free/discounted room and board.
It is best to remember that these amounts are volatile, since the exchange rate between the countries change and salary levels vary – for example, you may opt to do more private lessons, which can bring in more funds, but these opportunities are harder to find. Most teachers’ salaries are considered enough for a very comfortable life in the country you are working in with.
Why Teach English Abroad?
Being an English teacher abroad can be a rewarding experience for those who are passionate enough for it. There is the thrill of going to new places, meeting new people and learning new cultures. It is also a source of personal development for you, because the path on How to Teach English Abroad involves you having to handle budgets and people, which if you don’t handle well, may result in you being stressed or having to cut your contract short. English teachers often become a popular figure in town, as everyone wants to be friends with the “English person.”
The perks of being an English Teacher abroad that may just give you enough reasons as to why you should be an English Teacher abroad can be summarized as follows:
- Opportunity to travel and experience new culture
- Chance to meet new people, and develop lasting relationships along the way
- Knowing that you have contributed to another person’s life
- Allows you to become fully independent
For more information on the highs and lows, be sure to look at our recommended detailed guide to teaching English abroad.
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Pros and Cons of being an English Teacher Abroad
There are many perks and benefits for English Teachers Abroad to experience and enjoy with. Here are a few of them
Pros
- You get to experience living in a completely new culture.
- You get the benefit of being able to help people from another country in removing their language barrier.
- The flights, food and lodging are all free (depending on the organization you are affiliated with)
- The stress associated with the job is not intense.
Of course, before you take the path on How to Teach English Abroad, you should also consider the downsides of being one.
Cons
- You will probably not live in an area where English is widely spoken, which will be a challenge if you do not speak the local language.
- The salary is not too extravagant, especially when you are working in a poor country.
- You may experience homesickness, since you will be away for a long time (contracts usually last for a year at minimum)
Teach English Abroad – Inspirational Quotes
What does existing English Teachers Abroad say on being an English Teacher Abroad?
“Before I first taught I thought of my own schooling in the UK. Being a teacher overseas was nothing like this. In many ways it didn’t feel like work, because I love children and enjoyed playing games, reading stories and singing songs with the kids. I loved being a mentor and holding the attention of the class. I found the students in Asia looked at me like a big brother and they were always intrigued to learn more about their new foreigner friend, particularly whether or not I could introduce them to David Beckham!”
- Mark Bradford, UK
“I found that teaching in Asia was only about 50% teaching English (although everything was done in English medium). I noticed I indirectly taught students social interaction with a foreigner; body language, mannerisms, colloquialism etc. I felt this gave the students a new found confidence around foreigners and an understanding of what people are like from the other side of the planet. I also learnt exactly the same, except I was paid for this experience!”
- Bridget, English Teacher Abroad in the UK
Perhaps the most enticing prospect of teaching overseas is the chance to immerse oneself in an entirely new culture and language. Teaching abroad allows people to experience a foreign culture and language firsthand, to travel during their time off, and explore what their host country has to offer in a way that no mere tourist can.
- Laura Dixon, eHow Contributing Writer
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Learn what countries, what certificates are best with our recommended Teach English Abroad Guide:
Click now to get started on your Teaching English Abroad career!
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