|
Have you thought about teaching abroad but you aren't sure how
to do it or if you are even qualified to be a international teacher? Some
of the typical questions are answered by our expert panel below.
Am I qualified to teach abroad?
If you have a passion to teach and are open to new cultures, teaching
abroad may be for you. There are teaching positions in many disciplines
and languages around the world and if you are flexible you will
surely find one that suits your interests and qualifications. The
majority of teaching positions available are for native English
speakers willing to teach English as a foreign language.
Do I need a degree? Or would a TEFL certificate be sufficient?
Is teaching experience required?
The qualifications required by employers vary widely depending
upon the demand and availability of teachers and work visa requirements
in your country of interest.
In many countries, a bachelor's degree is required to be able
to work legally. The majority of full time teaching positions require
a bachelors' degree, though not necessarily in education. Some English
teaching schools do not require a college degree as long as you
are a native speaker.
There are schools that employ native English speakers who do not
have a TEFL certificate, but many competitive employers require
a TEFL certificate. Regardless, you can be sure that any certificate
will help you develop your skills and prepare you for the classroom
experience. A TEFL certificate is a must if you are serious and
you want to be a better teacher. While native speakers are often
preferred for English teaching positions, a non-native speaker with
a TEFL certificate may also qualify. In general, most certificate
programs assist with job placement.
In most cases, English teach abroad programs do not require teaching
experience but your chances of getting hired will be greater if
you have it.
If you have a degree in teaching English as a foreign language
there are no limits to your destination options. The US, UK, Australia
and many other destinations have highly paid teaching jobs for qualified
professional teachers.
Does age matter? Are teaching positions available for both young
and older teachers?
Age might be an issue in other countries due to working permit
and visa requirements. In some cases, particularly in Korea as well
as other Asian and Middle–eastern destinations, age may be a factor
in hiring. Otherwise, teachers can be as young as 18 and as old
as 75. While many employers prefer young teachers, usually those
in their 20s, there are employers who hire older teachers. Most
teacher-training providers offer job placement assistance for their
graduates of all ages. Many of these schools require photos
and more important than age is often a well-groomed appearance.
Aside from teaching positions in a university or a language school,
there are also 'volunteer' teaching positions open to any age; there
are even some open to high school students.
|
Can I teach with my partner?
Schools seek stability from their internationally recruited staff
members.
If the school takes care of the travel, housing, medical insurance
and visa application expenses, then most likely single teachers
are preferred. They are highly appealing if they are open to shared
housing. Some schools opt for single teachers because they are mobile.
Other schools prefer to hire teaching couples because they can
be hired together and, at the same time,  on their living accommodations.
Also, couples who have no children and share accommodation may be
more stable. In most countries there is zero tolerance for dating
local students. This is obviously less of a risk with teacher couples.
In many places the demand is so high that a couple just means more
students, more classes and more income for the school owner.
Not all destinations are gay friendly. Prospective teachers concerned
about destinations should check out Rainbow
SIG.
Do I need to speak the local language?
You don't need to speak the local language. Many schools prefer
that you do not speak the local language and most students do not
expect you to speak the local language.
Many schools offer language classes and social activities to help
their teachers familiarize with the local culture. Having a little
background in the local language will give you an edge why certain
diction, grammatical and pronunciation problems are obstacles to
foreign language learning. A bit of knowledge of the local language
and culture will also help you determine what topics of discussion
will be of interest to your students for a good English conversation
starter in the classroom.
Do I have to go for a year?
Most teaching positions are for a year. Some schools provide you
with a return ticket only after you have completed your year commitment.
Others will reject your visa if you try and change schools before
your year-long commitment has been completed. There are still short-term
teaching jobs. Occasionally summer camps in Asia, for example, hire
teaching counselors. Most volunteer teaching have
flexible commitments from a few weeks to a few months.
Teaching abroad is an incredible way to immerse yourself in the
local culture, interact on a meaningful level with the locals and
earn some to
travel. Teaching however is not easy, it’s challenging and
you will earn the you
make. It is a job after all, and like any job you should commit
yourself to it. Take a TEFL course, research the local culture,
and ask yourself in advance if you have the patience and commitment
required to teach abroad.
More...
|
