If you want to teach English overseas it can open up a world of exciting possibilities including the opportunity to see other countries (while getting paid) the satisfaction of helping others and the chance to gain valuable teaching experience. You might consider teaching English overseas purely as a way to travel, many people do and you will certainly have a birds eye view of its people and culture since you live among them for extended periods. On the other hand many people find that they truly love the teaching experience and find it very rewarding to help others to improve their language skills.
Here is an overview for those who want to teach overseas.
There are many myths circulating about teaching English overseas, one of which is the ‘you don’t need to be qualified to teach overseas, all you need to do is speak English!’ myth. This was indeed true in the past but now that the market is flooded by suitably qualified people it isn’t easy to find work without qualifications. Before you sign up to teach English overseas you need to ask yourself the following pertinent questions:
1. What are you looking for?
Think about what interests you about teaching and your options based on your experience. Make contact with others working in this field such as teachers, former graduates, and colleagues you can meet online. A good resource for this step is Dave’s ESL Cafe Job Discussion Forums.
If you want to teach English overseas, you need find out if there is a market for the skills you are going to acquire in your preferred geographical location. You may have to be prepared to go where work is available. Of course this could lead to work in a preferred location so don’t discount this option.
2. Are you mentally prepared to teach English overseas?
You may not be ready for what you find in another country in terms of culture and lifestyle and become disillusioned. Your employer bears some of the responsibility for preparing you to teach English overseas but you still need to prepare yourself for what to expect. If you have a clear professional aim in mind you will be able to go the extra mile in adapting to life in a foreign country.
You need to be prepared to expect the unexpected and be prepared for resistance to for example, changing established teaching methods.
Prospective teachers should make efforts to learn about cultural anomalies and in so doing aid their own transition into a foreign environment, for example learning the local language and keeping up-to-date with the current events in a country.
3. How can I better prepare myself to teach English overseas?
Plan for your teaching future during the first year of your program by:
• Researching the profession – Get an idea of the opportunities that are available and know what qualifications are required for specific jobs.
If you want to teach English overseas, get involved by volunteering or attending conferences. Becoming known in important circles is helpful, so become involved in a local TESOL society or organization. You may consider giving a presentation on a skills area. This will help others to see your skills and abilities and you can add the presentation to your resume later.
• Find out what jobs are available where you want to go.
Qualifications
To teach English overseas you are required to do the Teach English as a Foreign Language course commonly known as the TFL exam. Before enrolling consult the EFLWeb’s article entitle: ‘What to expect from a TFL course? The site will also provide information on which course to take.
Jobs are available in several overseas countries including:
* South Korea
* Taiwan
* Thailand
* Japan
* Poland
Preparing Your Resume If you want to teach English overseas you would do well to remember that you aren’t the only one who does! There are many people just like you looking for an employment opportunity and in some cases the applications far exceed available opportunities. So how do you stand out?
Preparing a good resume is one of the best tools for creating a good impression. Make sure your resume contains:
* Up-to-date biographical information
* A brief motivation for why you are a good candidate to teach English overseas.
* Details of your education and teaching qualifications
* Summaries of your relevant teaching or English teaching experience
* A list of contactable referees to vouch for your skills, abilities and desirability as an employee
* A list of travel documents you have, such as a foreign passport that will make your travel arrangements easier.
* A list of any prior travel, particularly to the area in which you are applying – this indicates that you already know the country and that your transition into the culture and lifestyle will be easier.
* The names and contact details of any employers overseas who can vouch for you as a good candidate to teach English overseas.
If you do decide to teach English overseas be prepared for a culture shock, at least initially. Make it easier on yourself by following the above suggestions and preparing yourself mentally for the demands of living and working in a foreign country. It can be immensely rewarding to teach English overseas if your attitude is positive and disciplined. Don’t forget to have some fun too! Good luck!