Becoming an English Teacher Abroad - How Skilled Should You Be

The demand for English teachers creates numerous career opportunities for those who love to teach the English language in a foreign country. Teaching a language is quite different from speaking it, even though you might be a native speaker. To become an English teacher in a foreign country, you need to have certain traits that include patience, flexibility, and creativity. As a good teacher, you need to understand that it is quite impossible for foreign students to learn the English language within a week, it will take time, and effort, so patience is the key. Well, these are some of the basic requirements needed to teach English abroad.

College degree

Different countries have different educational policies when it comes to hiring teachers from other countries. In countries such as Latin America, China, and Cambodia, English speakers without a college degree are paid to teach the language. On the other hand, in countries in the Persian Gulf and Western Europe, a college degree is essential to teach the students. Nevertheless, there are public and private schools in all countries, which follow different rules and regulations while hiring teachers to teach English or any other language.

Experience and native speaker

Experience is certainly useful when you are a prospective candidate for a teaching job. However, most schools seldom ask for a certificate of experience when you seek a job as an English teacher. You can stand apart from the rest of the crowd with a TEFL certificate even without prior experience. Some countries hardly require a native speaker to teach abroad such as Latin American countries. Nevertheless, countries such as Vietnam, China, and Gulf countries prefer to hire native English speakers. For non-native speakers, your fluency level, training, and experience, accent, and TEFL certificate will make it easier to find a job.

TEFL certificate

It is easier to search for a job as an English teacher abroad with a TEFL certificate. Though some schools seldom ask for this certificate, it is highly recommended as the course provides you the skills required to teach the language to foreign students. TEFL certificate will assist you to find jobs in most countries, which might otherwise limit your search. It will also help you to find jobs based on your expertise and area of interest.

Apart from these requirements, the age group is another factor that might be considered while you apply for a job as an English teacher. Some countries do offer job opportunities to older adults while some are open only to a younger age group. Teaching English is an exciting and rewarding job, even though it can be challenging. With an open mind and desire to teach a beautiful language, you can make a difference in the world!