From volunteering on a distant island to engaged on a yacht, there are such a lot of cool methods to stay and work overseas. Just image your self working as a information in a distant vacation spot, being an au pair jet setting round Europe, or instructing English in a rustic you solely examine in books. Teaching overseas will not be solely a well-liked job for native audio system, but in addition the main target of this publish.
We’ve traveled world wide for years as digital nomads. On our first around the world journey collectively, Charles labored in Australia in a greenhouse, and I edited tutorial essays and labored remotely as a technical author. Years later, we began this website, and made our residing as journey bloggers however it was a variety of years within the making and a variety of brief and lengthy contract work within the center.
We’ve gotten a variety of emails from you all around the years about the way to get a job instructing English abroad, however whereas we’ve labored remotely, we’ve by no means taught overseas. So we introduced in Georgie Snape of Teacher’s Friend, who’s an knowledgeable on instructing abroad. In our chat, she shares some extremely useful tips about all the pieces that you must know, from the way to get your first instructing job, to selecting a TEFL course, to the perfect international locations for instructing abroad.
The YouTube video of our interview with Georgie is stay! Make certain you’re subscribed to our channel, and have notifications turned on so that you don’t miss our movies!
Micki: So, how did you get into instructing?
Georgie: I don’t really keep in mind this, however once I finally went to show, my pals had been like, ‘Oh, you’ve been happening about this because you had been 14.’ And I used to be like, ‘Oh, I have?’
So I believe I needed to be taught to journey from a younger age. I did a level in neighborhood drama, so as a substitute of being an actor on stage, I used to be operating workshops throughout the neighborhood, serving to marginalized teams. I naturally discovered a variety of the abilities I’d must be a trainer.
I knew instructing was a great way to journey, and I like instructing as effectively. I graduated and did my dissertation, which was project-based, similtaneously doing my TEFL course. In hindsight, that was a horrible concept, however it meant I used to be able to go as quickly as I completed my diploma.
Micki: Where have you ever taught English?
I spent three months in Vietnam, touring, after which I got here again to instructing once more in Vietnam.
Then I moved to Australia and New Zealand, which lots of people don’t consider as locations for instructing English overseas, however there are lots of native individuals who need to go to college overseas or transfer to an English-speaking nation. So there’s really a variety of instructing English in Australia and New Zealand as effectively.
I did that, then got here again to Vietnam. Vietnam’s my child. I taught in Vietnam and in addition in Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, and now I’m in Indonesia.
Well, my plan was to go train for six months, and I’m nonetheless right here 11 years later. So I’m not likely certain what occurred, however right here I’m.
Micki: What recommendation would you give to somebody who’s interested by instructing overseas? How do you get began?
Georgie: Well, first that you must get certified. You’d want a TEFL certificates. Choose a TEFL course that’s going to organize you as greatest as potential.
I’ll preserve it temporary for now, however choosing the proper TEFL course is unquestionably my first recommendation. When I used to be doing it, I requested myself what I needed from instructing overseas. I got here up with 4 standards: to be well-paid, to have a decrease value of residing as a result of it makes it simpler, to have pleasant folks, and to take pleasure in lovely surroundings. That appears like a reasonably good life.
I used to be a bit old style, so I purchased the TEFL information, which was an precise e book, and I learn by means of it. You can even do searches on-line and have a look at all of the international locations, weighing the professionals and cons, and contemplating which international locations supply the very best salaries.
After I did my TEFL, many TEFL suppliers helped with job help, however you can even pay for somebody that can assist you with all the pieces concerned in shifting overseas. It is determined by what sort of individual you’re and whether or not you need somebody to information you thru the method.
Micki: In phrases of TEFL programs, are there any that you’d advocate avoiding or ones which might be higher? Are on-line or in-person programs higher?
Georgie: I at all times say to do an in-person TEFL, even for those who’re already a trainer. Teaching English as a overseas language to non-native audio system will not be the identical as instructing English to individuals who communicate English as their first language.
The largest ‘oh my gosh‘ moment that students have is realizing they didn’t be taught this at school as a result of it’s a very totally different mind-set and studying. In-person programs provide you with entry to the coach and different folks going by means of the identical state of affairs. These programs are sometimes overseas, so that you get to fulfill folks and immerse your self within the tradition, plus you get real-time observe in your friends.
Most face-to-face programs embody instructing observe, so that you get to enter a classroom. It’s not the identical if you do one thing together with your friends who perceive you versus actual college students who would possibly wrestle to know you.
However, I perceive that not everybody can afford a face-to-face TEFL. These programs are usually a month lengthy, and also you want cash to maintain your self. Face-to-face programs additionally value extra. If you’re near having the finances, I’d say wait and save up. It’s positively price it. For those that can’t, your TEFL ought to be a minimal of 120 hours and embody some sort of noticed instructing observe. If not, you are able to do top-up programs overseas, which often work out cheaper.
Look at who’s coaching you. Ideally, you need somebody who has been instructing for a big period of time and has additionally skilled lecturers for a big period of time.
Accreditation is one other issue. TEFL isn’t accredited like a level, so many suppliers declare accreditation from numerous third events. It’s vital to decide on a TEFL course that’s not less than accredited by somebody, however be cautious of tremendous low-cost programs.
If your TEFL prices lower than $250, it’s most likely not definitely worth the paper it’s written on, and employers gained’t settle for it. Between $250 and $500 is extra acceptable. I’ve taught on each government-accredited TEFLs that weren’t excellent and non-accredited TEFLs that had been wonderful. So, focus extra on the standard and value somewhat than the accreditation.
Micki: Is a college diploma required to show overseas?
Georgie For a variety of jobs, sure. But for those who don’t have a level, you possibly can nonetheless train overseas. It usually means you’re extra restricted to sure international locations for working legally. However, particularly in Southeast Asia, many individuals work money in hand or beneath the desk. So it’s positively not a closed door.
Cambodia, Spain, and Costa Rica are three good international locations for those who don’t have a level. Unfortunately, for those who don’t have a level and also you’re a non-native speaker, it’s an additional barrier, however it doesn’t imply you possibly can’t do it. There’s additionally the choice to work for your self, the place it doesn’t matter whether or not you’ve a level or not.
Micki: That’s fascinating. I hadn’t heard of Costa Rica for instructing.
Georgie: Oh, yeah. It’s not a lot on the map as a result of the wages are usually decrease, however you possibly can positively stay there. It’s lovely, and for folks on the alternative facet of the world, it means you don’t need to go so removed from dwelling. There are a variety of jobs there, and also you don’t want a level.
Micki: How have issues modified for the reason that pandemic?
Georgie: There’s been a giant rise in folks getting TEFLs with solely an internet course. It’s a catch-22 as a result of it’s simpler now, however employers are beginning to notice that on-line TEFLs don’t present as a lot sensible coaching. Online TEFLs make it simpler to get a job, however employers nonetheless favor face-to-face programs.
There are much more on-line jobs obtainable now, but in addition extra folks instructing on-line. If you don’t have a level otherwise you’re a non-native speaker, the roles are there, however you need to dig deeper to seek out them. Sometimes it’s higher to be within the nation to seek out these jobs. The market continues to be rising, and many individuals are doing it yearly. For instance, in Bali, they’re in need of lecturers as a result of there aren’t sufficient.
Micki: What international locations are greatest for first time lecturers?
Georgie: Southeast Asia, positively. That’s the place I began. These international locations are very secure and tourist-friendly. Most cities have some English, so the language barrier isn’t as difficult as in locations like the center of China. Compared to Japan and South Korea, Southeast Asia is constructed on tourism. You’re a little bit of a novelty, and persons are pleasant with foreigners. In Japan and South Korea, they’re extra ‘take it or leave it’ about foreigners.
Southeast Asia is affordable to stay in, and the wages are fairly good. I most likely earn lower than a variety of my pals, however I’ve extra disposable revenue as a result of the price of residing is so low. The value of residing in North America has gone by means of the roof these days, so it is smart. In Australia, the US, and the UK, the price of residing is excessive. What I stay off is like their month-to-month payments with out really consuming something.
Micki: What sort of obstacles do first-time lecturers face?
Georgie: An enormous one is lesson planning. It takes time to get good at it. You both don’t plan and notice within the lesson that you need to have, otherwise you plan an excessive amount of and it takes over your life. Learning to plan the correct amount is essential, however it will get simpler with observe, like studying to drive a automobile.
Culturally, particularly in Southeast Asia, most individuals don’t wrestle a lot as a result of it’s very foreigner-friendly. Having the suitable assist community, whether or not from a TEFL supplier, a trainer overseas program, or somebody you already know who has achieved it, helps loads. Accepting that it will likely be totally different goes a good distance. Remember why you left dwelling and take a look at to not idealize going again.
Classroom administration is one other problem, particularly with young children. Different ranges carry totally different points. A top quality TEFL course gives you observe and train you the way to handle a classroom. Non-verbal communication is essential; nobody desires to be the trainer always yelling for consideration. We cowl this extensively in our programs.
Another problem could be the meals. It’s very totally different and could be an adjustment.
Micki: . Tell me a bit about Teacher’s Friend. What do you do?
Georgie: The two most important issues I do are serving to folks get a TEFL course, whether or not on-line or face-to-face, and selecting the best choice for them based mostly on finances, nation, and private circumstances. The second is helping folks after they’ve acquired their TEFL. Many folks get their TEFL and surprise, ‘Now what?’ They don’t know the place to start in search of a job or the way to know if it’s official. They fear about shifting to a brand new nation and beginning to stay there.
The Teacher’s Friend program helps with all the pieces: logistics, social and cultural adjustment, and tutorial assist. As a trainer coach, I assist folks go the TEFL course, help with assignments, and supply lesson planning assist. This bridges the hole between ending TEFL and the primary months of instructing once they want further assist.
Micki: Once somebody involves you, will get their TEFL, and also you’ve helped them get a place, is there assist after that?
Georgie: Yes, I actually give attention to energetic assist. I’m nonetheless in contact with lecturers from 5 or 6 years in the past. They nonetheless come again to me for assist with getting jobs or common life recommendation. I attempt to grow to be a pal, therefore ‘Teacher’s Friend.’ I like assembly new folks.
Specifically, there’s lesson planning assist for 2 months after they’ve began instructing. I additionally supply assist with profession development. If they need to transfer to a different nation, I help them in relocating.
Micki: How do folks get in contact with you or be taught extra about what you do? What’s one of the best ways for them to do this?
Georgie: If you need to take a look round, you possibly can go to my web site at https://teachers-friend.com/.
Check out my story the place you possibly can examine how I ended up right here. I got here by means of a Teach Abroad program however felt they did the naked minimal after I paid them. I discovered my ft, however I needed to do a greater job, which is without doubt one of the causes I began Teacher’s Friend.
On my web site, you’ll discover details about the TEFL programs I supply, particulars about full relocation, and the totally different international locations obtainable. I’m additionally including an inventory of on-line choices for individuals who need the cheaper model, although I like to recommend face-to-face programs if potential. I perceive budgets fluctuate.
I additionally supply lesson planning help. Even for those who’ve already achieved your TEFL or moved overseas and are struggling, you should buy lesson planning help individually. If you need assistance discovering a job and don’t need the total package deal, I’m including choices for that too. All this info will probably be beneath packages on my web site.
You can even e book a name with me. I gained’t onerous promote you or push you to maneuver someplace you don’t need to be. Just e book a name if you wish to discover out extra info.
You can be taught extra about Georgie Snape and Teacher’s Friend on her web site. You can even discover her on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.