Teach Abroad Programs

How to teach English abroad

Wondering how to be an English teacher abroad? Don’t worry—it’s actually fairly straightforward! Here’s a brief overview of how to teach English abroad:

1. Get TEFL certified. Although not always required for every teaching job, this is the most basic step to prepare yourself for teaching English abroad. Having a TEFL certificate is quite frequently a prerequisite for teaching opportunities abroad anyway, so having one will open you up to jobs in almost every country in the world. You can get certified online or in-person, in as little as 60 hours or as much as 8 weeks! The right certification for you depends on your level of teaching experience, as well as your career goals, so make sure you evaluate the TEFL program before investing your time and money.
2. Have a degree. Yes, a Bachelor’s degree isn't always required for teaching jobs, but it is actually required to teach English abroad in many destinations that offer decent compensation packages. Your degree definitely doesn't have to be in education, though, so if you have a bachelor's degree in any field, then you could be eligible for hundreds of English teaching jobs. However, a relevant degree won't hurt your on-the-job skillset either!
3. Apply for teach abroad programs. You can find ESL jobs abroad without a teach abroad program, but it’ll require a lot of research on your part. Not to mention, it can be easy to get scammed or accidentally work illegally if you go it alone, so be sure to consider every detail in your application process. Formally arranged teach English abroad programs will find you a reputable placement, and may even secure a salary on your behalf, so it's worth considering having expert support along the way. Check out our most recently posted teaching jobs now!
4. Prepare for interviews. Submitting your application with all the right degrees and certifications they are looking for is only the first part of getting your dream teaching job. You also have to nail the interview! Make sure you prepare for all the right interview questions and you'll be on your way to getting hired.
5. Get your visa and passport. Once you've got a teaching job secured, the legal paperwork begins. Most teaching abroad programs will make your life easier by organizing all the logistics involved in getting a valid work visa for teaching English abroad, and they can even assist you in applying for a passport if you don’t have one. But if you're going it alone, make sure you qualify for a visa that will allow you to legally teach English in your destination—especially if you intend to earn a wage.