This mystical teachings of jesus. Few people can stroll into a classroom and begin
teaching without any prior training. Any assumption that you can speak a language – therefore
you can teach it, is a false one
Even if you have had experience of teaching ‘one on one’ lessons to private students, are you sure you can stand in front of a classroom of 20 or 30 expectant faces? Can you manage the classroom, keep discipline, plan enough material for 4 x one-hour lessons per day?
And how is your grammar? In all likelihood, it will not half as good as many of the students you
will be teaching. Most Students can spot an incompetent teacher a mile away, and when they do,
their life can be hell. I have seen it happen too many times.
You do not need a BA Degree to teach English abroad unless of course you want to teach at a
university or government school. Some countries may require a degree for work permit
purposes but many employers just require a recognised TEFL certificate. This issue remains a
grey area in most countries resulting in the majority of English teachers working semi illegally.
A good TEFL course will provide you all the basic skills you’ll need to start your career abroad as
an English teacher. You will learn how to:
o plan lessons
o engage your class
o keep discipline
o teach grammar, vocabulary, speaking, listening, reading and writing.
Most of all, you will be able to walk into a room full of expectant faces and conduct a lesson with
confidence.
OK – you are a good English speaker, you are armed with your TEFL certificate. You can now go
about finding a teaching job abroad in 10 days or less by following these 10 simple steps.
Step 1: Decide where you want to go
Reasons for wanting to teach in a particular country (or countries) will be many and varied. It may
be somewhere you have always wanted to visit, or one that you know well and want to settle in for a while whilst earning a living, or possibly because it presents a challenge.
Whatever your chosen country, and whatever your reason for going there, you will find receptive
pupils who are wiling to learn and who will be grateful to you for teaching them English. It is no
exaggeration to say that most of them will remember you for the rest of their lives.
Step 2: Book a flight
You can find cheap flights online or try one of the many student travel agencies
important as the price. Book a room for one night then you can negotiate a good monthly rate
once you have arrived and are happy with the room.
If your chosen country requires a visa, travel on a tourist visa. When you find a job, your
employer should be able to arrange a work permit (see ‘Step 9’).
