The ESLstarter Guide to Everything You Need To Know About Teaching English Abroad

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Why Teach English abroad?

As the leading authority in all things TEFL, ESLstarter can introduce prospective teachers to one of the

world’s most rewarding and intriguing job markets. According to British Council reports, 750 million

English speakers work as foreign language speakers and 375 million for whom English was a second

language work as foreign language speakers. The British Council estimates that by the year 2020, two

billion people will be enrolled in classes in order to learn the English language. English teachers are

not just in demand now, but will continue to be in demand reaching into the next decade. To find out

how you can be a part of the adventure, visit www.ESLstarter.com to get started today.

Job Security - With such a strong job market, prospective English teachers need not ask whether or not

they can get a job, they only need ask within what country will they teach?

Straightforward Eligibility - Any recent college graduate as well as English speakers without a college

degree qualify to teach English abroad. Certification through one of ESLstarter’s TEFL programs will

provide teachers with the training and qualifications to begin their career as a professional English

teacher abroad.

Paid Adventure - One of the greatest personal benefits of teaching English abroad is to actually get paid

as you experience the culture of a foreign country. Wages and living expenses vary from one country to

another, but few jobs offer such an opportunity as getting paid for the adventure of a lifetime.

Cultural Immersion - Working among the locals also means living among the locals. As an English

teacher you will be a part of the working community of the foreign country you teach in. You will reside

in a typical neighbourhood, shop the local markets, use public transportation and savour the flavour of

the cuisine and entertainment just like a native, learning the local dialect as you go. It is likely that you

will build friendships and become part of everyday, local family life. That is an experience that cannot

be found in any college classroom or executive boardroom.

Amp Up the Resume - Current job markets are highly competitive. What greater way to have an edge on

a rival than to have a resume that reflects a year abroad and fluency in another language. With the

current economy being a global economy, international experience is definitely a plus on any resume,

not to mention the character traits a TEFL job reflects such as key communication skills, cultural

awareness, leadership abilities, and of course foreign language skills! Any prospective employer will

reflect upon your initiative, ability to adapt, and willingness to accept a challenge as your resume

is considered.

“Real World Experience” for the Grad - Many graduate schools look for students who have gained

non-academic experience before admission. Teaching English abroad can fulfil this requirement. Be

prepared to share your experiences abroad when you sit for your interview.

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Who Can Teach English abroad?

International Career Prep - Agencies such as the State Department of the United States, CIA, and UN,

report that they prefer candidates that are multi-lingual, have travelled internationally, have an

awareness of international affairs, and volunteer experience. Teaching English abroad can satisfy

such preferences.

International Travel – Often, the geographical location of an English teaching position offers the benefit

of economical international travel to neighbouring countries. See the world as you teach in Asia, Europe

and South and Central America.

Make A Difference - In addition to many wonderful personal benefits, teaching English abroad puts a

person in a position to make a profound, positive impact on the lives of many people, enabling them to

better their lives, achieve their goals and fulfil their dreams.

Fluent English Speakers - Almost any person who is a fluent English speaker is qualified to teach

English abroad. In many cases, a college degree is not required to be an English teacher in a foreign

nation. The most important qualifying characteristic is the ability to speak English. Some nations prefer

native English speakers and others require English teachers to be a citizen of an English

speaking nation.

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What Does TEFL / TESOL / CELTA Certification Mean?

English Teachers With Accredited Certification – TEFL, TESOL or

CELTA certification qualifies an English teacher for more job

opportunities in the global market than a teacher without a

college degree and no teaching experience. Certified teachers

can also expect higher wage prospects. This specialized training

can also help a college graduate gain specific skills that will

enhance existing abilities.

College Graduates – Many countries of Western Europe, Asia and the Persian Gulf require a college

degree in order to teach English in their country.

Non-Native English Speakers – Opportunities are available in Europe, Asia and Latin America for

teachers for whom English is not their native language but have fluent English speaking skills.

Most European countries require TEFL, TESOL or CELTA certification in order to teach English in their

country. Such certifications are also helpful in finding jobs in other countries, such as Latin American

countries. These programs provide training in order to teach English professionally in a foreign country.

Any person looking for an English teaching job abroad, with or without a college degree, can gain

tremendous benefit from the skills learned in these certification programs.

In order to be optimally prepared as a professional teacher abroad and enjoy the benefit of more

opportunities as you job seek, ESLstarter recommends accredited TEFL or TESOL certification with a

minimum of 100 hours of course work and 6-20 hours of practical classroom experience. ESLstarter

offers the convenience of online classes in which the student advances at their own pace and are

TEFL – “Teach English as a Foreign Language” is a non-standardized teacher preparation

certificate program.

TESOL – “Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages” is a non-standardized teacher

preparation certificate program often available through universities.

ONLINE TEFL – A non-standardized, convenient and economical certification program available

worldwide through the internet. Flexibility and convenience are certainly advantages to this

teacher preparation program.

CELTA – "Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults" is a standardized preparation

program which is an internationally recognized qualification.

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Approximately 100 nations currently

hire first-time English teachers.

instructed by experienced, highly qualified tutors. To enrol today, visit eslstarter.com/tefl-courses.php.

Browse, select, enroll, and the first step toward a fascinating career has already been accomplished!

A method of assuring that the quality of particular skills meet professional standards, accreditation is

an important factor to consider when comparing TEFL/TESOL programs. An accredited program has

been reviewed and approved by an independent agency that is recognized in the particular career field

of certification. Employers will look for accreditation when reviewing teacher certification documents.

To establish credibility as a teacher when applying for an international teaching job, it is highly

recommended to be certified in an accredited TEFL course.

When determining which course to enroll in, consider that the following standards will be met by

programs that are legitimately accredited:

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minimum of 100 hours of coursework and training

minimum of six hours of practice teaching with observation of actual ESL students

accreditation awarded by a reputable, outside agency or body

course instructor is qualified with a Master’s degree, Dip TEFL, Dip TESOL, or DELTA and has a

minimum of eight years teaching experience

If you plan to enroll in an online certification program, look for a direct link on the website that will

navigate to the accrediting body’s website. Research the accrediting body’s history and determine that it

is a separate business entity than the website offering the TEFL course. All certification programs

offered by ESLstarter are fully accredited through ALAP and meet, or exceed, all industry standards.

ESLstarter offers a range of courses to choose from. Most employers will require a minimum of 100

hours of TEFL/TESOL training. Classes offered by ESLstarter can easily help a teacher meet this

requirement or even exceed it.

ESLstarter stands behind all of the teaching certification programs they offer by continuing on with the

student to the next step of the journey. ESLstarter provides the assistance of an expert job placement

team as the newly certified English teacher searches thousands of job opportunities and begins the

application and visa process.

How do I get started in TEFL?

End of sample

The first step in getting started is research. Study the requirements of TEFL teachers in several

countries you are interested in. Read testimonials of other foreign teachers or, if possible, have a

conversation with them about their own personal experiences teaching abroad. Discover criteria

foreign employers look for in addition to teaching skills and plan your approach to a potential interview.

Don’t forget cultural research as well. It is important to know what is a faux pas and what is considered

to be a gesture of respect. Knowledge of basic customs, languages, and religious practices will indicate

to an interviewer that you are serious about teaching in their country. Learning a traditional greeting in

the native language of the interviewer can also express a measure of enthusiasm an interviewer can

see as positive.

When you have an interview planned, the first impression you should make is that you are reliable. In

other words, be on time. Whether the interview is over the phone, in person or via Skype, be punctual.

Also make sure you are certain how Skype is formatted so that a webcam interview runs smoothly from

start to finish. It is also possible you may have multiple interviews. Verify scheduling and stay organized

so times and dates do not get mixed up. Be aware of time zone differences.

Put forth a positive image and don’t be afraid to smile when you greet your interviewer. Consider the

possibility that the interviewer may not be a native English speaker. Speak clear, concise and

unhurried. Dress professionally even if the interview is through a medium such as Skype.

An interview is also the teacher’s first opportunity to...

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