Travelling and living abroad is a common ambition for many people of all ages with an adventurous spirit who are seeking a taste of excitement. The only problem is how to afford to make that dream a reality.
Perhaps you’ve always longed to take an extended road trip around Europe in your own RV. Or maybe you’d love to spend some time living in one of the most popular European tourist resorts. Finding a way to fund your adventure may seem impossible, but there’s one solution you may be overlooking – working as an overseas teacher of English.
Will I Be Teaching In A Traditional Classroom?
There are several different ways in which you can teach English in Europe. You probably immediately think of working in a traditional school or college when bringing to mind working as an overseas English teacher, but there are plenty of other possibilities, too. While you may be able to find a job as a teacher working with children, you could also take a role working with adults in a language school, with individuals as a tutor, or even with companies teaching business English.
Overseas English teachers may work in a traditional classroom, but they could also deliver lessons in their students’ homes, at work, or even online. With so many options available, this career choice represents a versatile and flexible way to work and earn while seeing the world.
How Can I Travel In Europe While Teaching English?
Going on holiday in Europe may be fun, but it doesn’t allow you to fully immerse yourself in your destination. Working overseas gives you the chance to truly experience the European culture and lifestyle, getting to know the people and their environment in a much more personal way.
If there’s a particular European city you’d love to discover in depth, you could find a post at a language school there. Many of the biggest cities across the continent have multiple language schools where you could get a job teaching English to adult learners. Prague, Barcelona, Munich, and Paris are just a few of the major cities that are popular with tourists and offer overseas English teachers a wealth of employment opportunities.
Alternatively, you could work as an online English teacher, which gives you even more freedom. You could opt to base yourself in a single destination for an extended period to fully familiarise yourself with everything it has to offer, or tour an entire country or even the whole of Europe while working remotely, delivering English classes to students from all over the globe. Working for one of the many online language schools enables you to choose the days and hours you work, as learners worldwide demand round-the-clock work. You’ll also find that you can teach classes from virtually any location as long as there’s a good internet connection, making it possible to deliver lessons from a campervan, a hotel room, or a hostel during your travels.
How Do I Become An English Teacher In Europe?
Although it may seem complicated to become an overseas teacher of English as a foreign language (TEFL professional), in fact, it’s surprisingly easy. You don’t even necessarily need a degree or any prior experience in the classroom. However, both of those things could prove beneficial depending on the type of teaching job you’re seeking.
As long as you’re a native English speaker, you’ll be in a good position to find a teaching job abroad, but to give yourself the best chance of securing employment with one of the top language schools or institutions, you’ll need a TEFL qualification. Having this certificate will open up more opportunities for you while also helping you command the highest possible salary.
What Is A TEFL Qualification?
The TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification is a teaching qualification that is recognised all over the world. All of the best language schools will require their staff to have this certificate, so it makes sense to obtain it before you set off on your travels.
The TEFL course equips you with all the skills and knowledge you need to teach English to those with other first languages. You’ll learn the best ways to deliver lessons successfully and how to plan and prepare for the needs of learners of different abilities. This qualification will also demonstrate your commitment to your new career and prove that you have the necessary expertise to help your learners develop and hone their language skills.
How Do I Become TEFL Qualified?
To become TEFL qualified, you’ll need to take a TEFL course. You could do this in-person at a college near you or, alternatively, you could study remotely, taking a virtual course that allows you to take lessons and complete your tasks at a time and location that suits your needs and fits around your schedule.
Although there are many different TEFL courses available to choose from, it’s important to understand that not all are equal. Doing your research and choosing wisely is key.
Firstly, it’s crucial to choose a course that offers at least 120 hours of teaching, as this is the minimum typically required by employers. You should also make sure that your chosen course is accredited by a recognised and reputable body. The best courses will also offer you the support of a tutor so that you can ask any questions and address any concerns at any stage of your study, giving you the best chance of completing your qualification to the best of your capabilities.
Are you ready to start applying for TEFL jobs in Europe and to follow your dream of travelling and living abroad? Then don’t hesitate for a moment longer. Get your TEFL qualification today, and you’ll be ready to embark on your exciting new way of life, touring Europe while earning an attractive salary.