There are many different ways to teach English abroad. Before you decide on a method, it’s important to consider your goals for teaching and whether or not you’re familiar enough with the local culture and language.
How to Teach English Abroad?
In order to teach English abroad, you’ll need a valid passport, plus a copy of your teaching visa. Many schools also require references from previous employers. The requirements to teach English abroad vary depending on the country you’re teaching in. In general, however, you must have a bachelor’s degree in any subject and be certified by the relevant agency as an ESL teacher.
How to teach English as a second language
Teaching English as a second language (ESL) requires careful planning, effective strategies, and a supportive learning environment. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to teach ESL:
Understand Your Students: Get to know your students’ backgrounds, proficiency levels, learning styles, and language goals. This information will help you tailor your lessons to meet their specific needs and interests.
Set Clear Objectives: Define clear learning objectives for each lesson or unit, focusing on language skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing), grammar, vocabulary, and communication strategies.
Use Communicative Approach: Adopt a communicative approach to language teaching, where students engage in meaningful communication and authentic language use. Encourage interactive activities, role-plays, discussions, and real-life tasks to promote language fluency and proficiency.
Provide Language Input: Expose students to authentic language input through listening and reading materials, such as podcasts, videos, articles, and stories. Use a variety of resources to cater to different interests and learning styles.
Focus on Speaking and Listening: Prioritize speaking and listening skills in your lessons, as these are essential for effective communication. Provide ample opportunities for students to practice speaking in pairs, small groups, and whole-class activities.
Incorporate Grammar and Vocabulary: Integrate grammar and vocabulary instruction into context-rich activities and tasks. Use examples, visuals, and practice exercises to reinforce language structures and lexical items.
Provide Feedback: Offer constructive feedback on students’ language production, focusing on accuracy, fluency, pronunciation, and communication effectiveness. Encourage self-correction and peer feedback to foster learner autonomy.
What qualifications do you need to teach English abroad?
To teach English abroad, the qualifications required can vary depending on the country, educational institution, and type of teaching position. However, some common qualifications and requirements include:
Bachelor’s Degree: Many countries and institutions require English teachers to have a bachelor’s degree in any field. A degree in English, education, linguistics, or a related field may be preferred or required for certain positions.
TEFL, TESOL, or CELTA Certification: Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL), Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), or Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA) certification is often required or preferred by employers, especially for teaching positions in countries where English is not widely spoken. These certifications typically involve completing a training course that covers English language teaching methodologies, classroom management, and lesson planning.
Native or Near-Native Proficiency in English: Many employers prefer candidates who are native English speakers or who have near-native proficiency in English. Proficiency in English is typically assessed through interviews, language tests, or demonstration lessons.
Previous Teaching Experience: While not always required, previous teaching experience, especially in ESL/EFL settings, can be beneficial when applying for teaching positions abroad. Experience working with diverse student populations or teaching English online may also be considered.
Visa Requirements: Depending on the country where you plan to teach, you may need to meet specific visa requirements, such as holding a valid passport, obtaining a work visa or residence permit, and meeting health and background check requirements.
Cultural Sensitivity and Adaptability: Employers often look for candidates who demonstrate cultural sensitivity, adaptability, and cross-cultural communication skills. Experience living or traveling abroad, knowledge of the local culture, and language skills in the host country’s language may be advantageous.
Additional Qualifications: Depending on the specific requirements of the teaching position, additional qualifications such as specialized training in teaching young learners, business English, or exam preparation (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL) may be desired.
It’s important to research the specific qualifications and requirements of the country and institution where you intend to teach English abroad and tailor your qualifications and application accordingly. Obtaining relevant certifications and gaining practical teaching experience can enhance your prospects of securing teaching positions abroad.
Do you need teaching experience before teaching abroad?
No, not necessarily. However, if you’re not familiar enough with the local culture and language, it might be a good idea to gain some teaching experience before you leave for your new job. This way, you’ll have a better understanding of how students learn and will be more prepared to handle difficult situations on the ground. Additionally, Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) courses can help prepare you for working abroad in specific countries or regions.
The teaching world has changed. Some people have all the qualifications they need, overseas experience, and an innate skill to teach English but when it comes to teaching abroad they just can’t find a job or accept jobs that are too low paying or not living in Western countries so many turn away without any further interest – no wonder why those who get work often only stay for 5 years if lucky!
Do I need to speak the local language?
You don’t. In most parts of the world, English is an international language spoken by millions and used widely outside of business and commerce; sooner or later you’ll make friends with people who speak a variety of languages from all over the world at home or work.
Knowing another language can be useful for finding work because some teachers are expected to provide their students with teaching materials in several foreign tongues — especially if they’ve studied pedagogy abroad rather than at a college or university in their home country — but acquiring such fluency is not essential.
It’s true that these language skills are important, however, to speak English well without the expectations of getting paid and teaching before moving forward overseas I would suggest having some prior agency experience rather than just being an inexperienced local graduate.
Which country pays most for English teachers?
According to the TEFL Online survey, 70% of salaries were between $20 and $300 monthly. Canada had a similar range, with about 70% of salaries being paid between $2000–$3000USD/month (approx US$125-250 bi-weekly). Meanwhile, for example in South Korea, the median salary was only 547 USD per month or SOJ 160,000 won approx HKD 1120 at the exchange rate on June 19, 2011.
Note that this was an average among countries surveyed; it doesn’t necessarily mean $20–$300 for all English teaching jobs in Canada and the same ratio in South Korea which does pay significantly less than the survey median. In June 2016 the salary was raised to 3300 Euros per month ($4200 USD).
Can I teach English abroad as a career?
Teaching English is a job that can be done at home using the internet, but if you want to work abroad then there are many ways available for such. You just need to get details about it from your website or present company where you spend professional time in case of self-education or school improvement.
Finding a Job in Asia and other countries on strike like Greece, Spain, France, etc has become difficult as fewer companies offer good jobs. Even the BBC is in trouble as the main TV channel to broadcast news with subtitles is on strike.
The best solution: TEFL Course and choose your target country then follow somehow easy steps given by companies you like most based on different documents which have been made public online correctly or through links posted below otherwise if not too careful you can get cheated as lots of people do this out there.
Generally, four batches of information are needed – a passport photo of the person teaching, a copy certified by a local authority giving permission to teach at a school outside one’s own country, documents showing qualifications, and proof of fingerprints through military or college system.
Further, you have plenty of options due in large part because more and more places outside Europe are hiring English teachers as an asset for their economy with millions already overseas learning English (for instance take Japan).
All in all, Many teach English in Japan or Korea and get paid comparatively less than in other states. Many also work on a very long-term basis, staying up to 3 years. This is great because no one wants to stay any longer than that when kids are starting school and chances for further work are minimal unless it’s a backup position for some reason such as illness etc . so your likelihood of getting another job once employment runs out is less than elsewhere.
Work on a short-term basis ( 2 months to 1 year ) for Japanese companies, A lot of places offer it and pay a sum that all can live comfortably with as not every job will allow you more time in the country so many people take these offers.
FAQ
What qualifications do I need to teach English abroad?
- Bachelor’s Degree
- TEFL Certification
- TESOL Certification
- Native or Near-Native Proficiency
- Previous Teaching Experience
- Visa Requirements
- Cultural Sensitivity and Adaptability
- Additional Qualifications: (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL) may be desired.
Which country pays most for English teachers?
The countries that typically offer the highest salaries for English teachers are often those with strong demand for English language education, a high cost of living, and a preference for native English-speaking teachers. Some of the countries known for offering competitive salaries for English teachers include:
United Arab Emirates (UAE): Cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi offer high salaries and attractive benefits packages for qualified English teachers, particularly in international schools and language institutes.
Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia offers lucrative salaries for English teachers, particularly in universities, international schools, and government-sponsored programs.
South Korea: South Korea is known for offering competitive salaries and benefits for English teachers, particularly in public schools and private language academies (hagwons).
Japan: English teaching opportunities in Japan, particularly in private language schools (eikaiwas), can offer relatively high salaries and benefits, especially in urban areas like Tokyo and Osaka.
China: While salaries for English teachers in China can vary widely depending on the location, qualifications, and type of institution, major cities like Shanghai, Beijing, and Shenzhen offer some of the highest-paying opportunities.
Singapore: English teaching positions in international schools and language institutes in Singapore can offer attractive salaries and benefits, although the cost of living is also high.
Taiwan: English teaching positions in Taiwan, particularly in public schools and private language centers, can offer competitive salaries and a relatively low cost of living.
Qatar: Similar to the UAE, Qatar offers high salaries and benefits for qualified English teachers, particularly in international schools and language institutes.
It’s important to note that salaries and benefits can vary widely depending on factors such as qualifications, experience, type of institution, and location within the country. Additionally, while some countries offer higher salaries, the cost of living and other factors should also be considered when evaluating potential teaching opportunities abroad.
How can I teach English to foreign?
Teaching English to foreign learners involves using effective instructional strategies, engaging teaching materials, and creating a supportive learning environment. Here are steps to help you teach English to foreign learners:
- Understand your students
- Plan your lessons
- Use communicative language teaching
- Provide clear instructions
- Focus on vocabulary and grammar
- Incorporate authentic materials
- Provide feedback
- Promote language practice
- Cultural sensitivity
- Continuously assess progress
By following these steps and employing effective teaching strategies, you can help your foreign learners develop their English language skills and achieve their language learning goals.
What is the best degree to teach English abroad?
The best degree to teach English abroad depends on various factors, including the country where you plan to teach, the type of institution you wish to work for, and your career goals. However, some degrees are commonly sought after by employers in the field of English language teaching abroad:
- Bachelor’s Degree in English, Linguistics, or Education
- Bachelor’s Degree in TESOL or TEFL
- Bachelor’s Degree in a Related Field with TEFL/TESOL Certification
- Master’s Degree in TESOL or Applied Linguistics
- Master’s Degree in Education with a Focus on ESL/EFL
In conclusion, teaching English abroad offers a rewarding opportunity to make a positive impact while immersing oneself in a new culture and gaining valuable teaching experience. By following the steps outlined in this guide, aspiring English teachers can effectively prepare for their teaching journey abroad. From obtaining the necessary qualifications and certifications to understanding the cultural context and adapting teaching strategies, thorough preparation is key to success.
Remember to research your destination country, stay flexible and open-minded, and embrace the challenges and rewards of teaching English in a foreign setting. With dedication, passion, and a commitment to lifelong learning, teaching English abroad can be an enriching and transformative experience for both educators and students alike.