Choosing the Best TEFL Experience Abroad
Selecting the Right Country and Type of School is Important
Jan 23, 2009 Katherine Kocisky
Making the decision to teach abroad is usually one that's well-thought through, so it's important not to leave one's destination country and school up to chance either. By choosing a country and school that satisfies the teacher, meets personal goals, and also presents a sufficient learning opportunity will create fulfillment in one's time abroad.
Teaching Abroad Preparation Courses
Courses can be taken on-line or in a classroom setting with actual teaching practice. Having a TEFL course on a CV or resume will only increase job opportunities and provide teachers with valuable lesson ideas.
With a tight budget and little time, it's more reasonable to take an on-line TEFL course. However, to have the opportunity to teach, receive feedback, and scope out a new country for possible work, it's ideal to take a full-time month long or part-time three month long CELTA course.
Teaching in South America and Asia
South America and Asia are the best options for North Americans, Australians, or other non E.U. native English speakers. This is because visas and paperwork are not needed before the applicant is hired, as is the process in many places in Europe and Africa. Asian countries prefer to have teachers with North American accents and will often pay for airfare to the country and sometimes accommodations. Asian countries often pay the highest salaries in TEFL.
Teaching in Europe
Europe is a convenient location to teach abroad for those with E.U. citizenship. The hiring process is much simpler than for those with non E.U. citizenship. However, North Americans, Australians, and other non E.U. citizens shouldn't rule out teaching in Europe. It may just take some more thorough research. Eastern and Central European countries are more likely to take non E.U. citizens than Western Europe.
For those hoping to teach in Europe no matter what, it's best to look for programs offered by specific embassies or government organizations open to non E.U. citizens. Some come at a price, are solely voluntary, or pay little, but provide the European experience, nonetheless.
Choosing the Right School
School options for teaching English abroad are, but not limited to, language schools whose students include young children, adolescents, and adults; language schools whose students include business people and involve teachers traveling to businesses (Business English); and public or private schools (primary or secondary schools).
Language Schools and Business English
Language schools often cater to motivated students of all ages and require the teacher to create a wide variety of lessons that include grammar concepts, writing, reading, speaking, and listening. Teachers need to be organized and motivated themselves.
Business English students may not always appear motivated after a long day of work, so teachers need to come prepared with motivating, useful lessons, and language that caters to their business.
Private/Public Primary and Secondary Schools
Many government programs and organizations place English teachers in schools throughout the particular country for which they applied. This can be a gamble and teachers may end up in a remote village or a bustling city. This can be positive or negative, therefore teachers who choose this option must be open to whatever comes along. This can be quite a cultural experience as teachers are placed in the heart of a real school from that country.
By being informed and prepared before a journey abroad teaching English, teachers will encounter fewer negative surprises, enjoy the cultural differences and come home feeling enriched.
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