Teach English Abroad
Teaching English is one of the most popular ways for expats to earn money while living overseas. The ability to make money teaching English abroad is also what coaxes many people to take their first extended stay overseas. There are hundreds of English language schools around the world, and they’re frequently advertising teacher positions in the U.S. and other English speaking countries like Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the U.K.
Where to Teach English
For many years the most popular destination for English teachers was probably Japan.
There teachers could earn thousands of dollars per month, get subsidized housing, learn some Japanese, and generally have a great time for a year or two. Teachers who played their cards right returned with a hefty savings. In the 1980s and 90s more and more English teaching jobs became available in other Asian countries like South Korea, Taiwan, Indonesia, Thailand, and of course China. The opportunity to work long hours, save money, and travel in these other Asian countries remains very strong. You can learn about teaching in Asia online fairly easily.
English teaching jobs in Eastern Europe and Central European countries, such as Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia provide more opportunities to people interested in teaching abroad.
Of course, there are many other places in the world to teach conversational English to adults and youths. You could spend a rewarding year volunteer teaching abroad even if you don’t have prior teaching experience. Some volunteer placement agencies provide all the training necessary and will place volunteer teachers into schools around the World.
Teaching English as a Second Language
Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) is when you’re teaching English to non-native English speakers. Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) is a term used when you’re teaching English to people in a country where English is not the native language. You’re teaching it as a foreign language.
Then there’s the term TESOL, which is an acronym for Teaching of English to Speakers of Other Languages. There’s actually a TESOL association, and their website contains lots of great information for prospective English teachers abroad.
If you’re going to be teaching English in Japan or elsewhere, then you’ll have to have a plan. There are many good online resources for teachers that include lesson plans and instructional aids. Your school will also supply much of what you need. Check out these great TESL links and ESL teaching tips.
One of the great things about teaching English in a foreign country is that the students love it. As a teacher you have the ability to change lives, make friends, and interact with people who have a strong desire to learn.
Teaching Abroad
As an English teacher working abroad you earn excellent money for a year or more and truly learn another culture.
The many English language schools around the world advertise on websites like JobMonkey.com and TransitionsAbroad.com. What you’ll need to do is determine where you want to teach and begin applying for jobs. Be sure to get clear and concise information, in writing, from your employer regarding pay, benefits, time commitment, living arrangements, and other details. For instance, you might want to earn extra money as an English language tutor. Will your employer allow that?
Most teachers overseas don’t get a lot of time off, which means few to no visits home for a year or more. From time to time, however, you’ll need to leave the host country for visa renewal purposes plus you’re likely to have vacation time and holidays off. So despite the long hours and overall time commitment you do get some time from your English teaching job.
Living overseas can become expensive, but if you’re good at budgeting then the chance to come home with money in your pocket is strong. Some people return home with enough money to put a downpayment on a house, buy a car, invest, or to survive many months while job hunting.
Teaching English abroad is truly one of the best ways to combine travel with work. You can have one of the most rewarding experiences of your life!
Volunteer Abroad >>>
