Have you ever felt curious about how people travel for a living? How do they make it work? And is it really as flexible as it seems? Nowadays, remote working options are facilitating a digital nomad lifestyle, which means you can work anywhere you have access to Wi-Fi. If you consider yourself to have the potential to be a great teacher, then why not teach English abroad? There’s a widespread global demand for teachers creating opportunities almost anywhere you could dream of visiting.
TESOL (Teaching English as a Second Language) is one of the most practical ways to achieve a work-travel balance. TESOL offers exciting job prospects with opportunities to progress, and all you need to get started is a certificate from a quality course provider.
Choosing A TESOL Provider
So, what makes a quality course provider? It’s essential that your provider has received accreditation from reputable external bodies. This is important in determining whether the course you’re about to take upholds the standards expected by good employers.
120-hour TESOL courses are widely known as a minimum requirement amongst employers so make them a priority. Often you can take the course entirely online or through a combination of classroom and online learning. Naturally, the higher the quality of course you complete, the more impressive it looks to employers. However, if you really want to stand out against other candidates for more competitive TESOL jobs, you should consider taking an advanced course.
Advanced courses are a great opportunity to develop specific teaching expertise. For example, you could take a course specializing in teaching Business English or teaching English online. You don’t need a degree to TESOL but it does restrict where you can and can’t teach. Where degrees aren’t a visa requirement but are favored, an advanced course can seriously boost your application.
Which TESOL Destination Is Right For Me?
Like we’ve mentioned, a degree can limit where you TESOL, as can other criteria e.g whether you are a native English speaker, have a passport from an English-speaking country, have previous teaching experience, or your age. These specifications are employer and visa dependent so having good research skills will be essential to finding the perfect fit. But don’t be disheartened if you don’t fit certain criteria as there are many other options available!
Requirements aside, where are some of the best places to TESOL? Choosing where to go entirely depends on what your priorities are – what might make a location ideal for you might not be the case for someone else. But we can tell you where some of the most popular TESOL destinations are and why that is.
ESL teachers after the highest wages, potential accommodation stipends, and travel reimbursement often head to South Korea, Japan, China, and the Middle East (TESOL in the Middle East is dependent on whether the teacher has a Master’s degree and at least a year of teaching experience). Those looking for the most budget-friendly destinations may find Thailand, Vietnam, Mexico, and Spain suitable options.
TESOL Jobs To Suit Your Travel Plans
It’s important to be aware of all the options you have as a qualified ESL teacher. You have the joy of choosing what type of teaching you want to pursue.
Online teaching is a very attractive option if
1. You want to work on a schedule that suits you from week to week and
2. If your travel plans include moving around constantly. Most online English teachers work for an online teaching company.
It’s the easiest way to secure work, plus gives you the most flexibility. Typically, teachers work a minimum number of hours per week (although very low) and the rest are optional. They simply list the slots they have available, free for students to book up when it suits them. Every week can be different, making it the perfect fit for those likely to move from one location to the next.
If you prefer something more concrete, language centers and schools typically hire teachers with fixed hours and year-long contracts. Year-long contracts will allow you the chance to fully immerse yourself in the culture of your destination country, never mind the chance to learn a new language too! In this case, take advantage of holidays and weekends to explore the country you’re living in or even venture a little further.
Typically, ESL teachers make enough money to support themselves and their love of travel (within reason of course!) so even when working to a fixed contract there’s no reason why you can’t make the most of your current location. Some teachers make extra money by offering a custom essay writing service. It’s a good idea especially for introverts who get tired by spending too much time with other people.
The chance to immerse yourself in a new culture is only one of many reasons why teaching English abroad is a thoroughly fulfilling experience. If you’re looking for short or long-term opportunities, are career-driven, and have a passion for travel then TESOL can work for you. So, what are you waiting for?
