findin g work guide - uk-tefl · 2017. 1. 11. · in the tefl industry and the strong relationships...

UK-TEFL FINDING WORK GUIDE

FINDING WORK GUIDE


There are a number of reasons why people decide to undertake TEFL

training. It can be done as a gap year or career break, a way of earning

money, something to do in retirement or a lifelong vocation. Whatever

your motivation for taking a course, having a certificate under your belt

means you have opened the door to endless opportunities. Being TEFL

trained allows you to earn money whilst travelling the world and

experiencing new cultures. Choosing to teach English as a foreign

language could be the best decision you have ever made.

Once you get down to the nuts and bolts of job hunting however, you

might find yourself a little overwhelmed. For one thing there are so

many questions you will end up asking: Where do I want to go? How do

I look for work? What do I say in my interview? And how do I know

that I’m not being ripped off?

This booklet is designed to give you guidance on how to negotiate all of

these difficult topics. The advice we offer is based on years of experience

in the TEFL industry and the strong relationships we have forged with

schools and recruiters. Over time we have developed an extensive

network of employers all over the globe. Consequently we are able to

offer feedback on exactly what they look for when recruiting for

teachers.


WHERE SHOULD I TEACH?

As a UK-TEFL graduate you have the world at your feet. There is no shortage of places you can work, it’s

just a case of finding one that is right for you. Here we offer a quick look at the job opportunities, working

conditions and lifestyles in some different destinations across the globe.

Europe

Many people see the stereotypical TEFL graduate as an intrepid backpacker heading to a far flung

destination. That image is a little outdated now as more and more people decide to stay in the UK to find

work. Thanks to an increase in the number of foreign migrants there are plenty of opportunities right here on

your doorstep. A popular route to go down is to set yourself up as a private tutor, by advertising in the local

area and teaching from your own home. Another is to teach at summer schools, where students come from

across Europe every July and August to improve their English. You can also use the certificate to mentor at

universities or as part of a scheme run by your local authority. A further option is to work full time at a

language school but bear in mind these positions often go to the most experienced TEFL teachers and, as

such, may not be appropriate for first timers.


Western Europe is a popular destination and is

therefore quite competitive. Jobs in France, Spain

and Italy are particularly sought after. The high

standard of living, climate, cuisine, museums, art

galleries and architecture are all a big draw.

Recruiters can therefore afford to be selective when

choosing their teachers for long-term positions. So

make sure you have put together a good application

if you want to be in with a chance. There are plenty

of short term vacancies available and with most

destinations just a few hours flight away these are a

great way of dipping your toe into English teaching.

Eastern Europe doesn’t always enjoy the

glamorous reputation of its Western counterpart.

That’s not to say that it doesn’t have its own

charms. As a part of the world which saw the rise

and fall of communism, it is rich in political history

and attracts many teachers wishing to know more

about life in the old Eastern Bloc. Vacancies in

Eastern Europe are much easier to come by than in

the West of the continent and although the wages

are lower, so is the cost of living. For example in

Moldova you could be paying as little as 58p for a

pint of beer. Volunteering opportunities abound in

the region and with many of these located in the

countryside, you could find yourself living with a

host family and enjoying a very ‘authentic’ cultural

experience.


Asia

More than anywhere else in the word, Asia is the place where a TEFL certificate

can get you hired. It is believed there are around 100,000 native English speaking

teachers in China and yet they are crying out for more. In South Korea there is a

huge government programme, which places teachers in all state schools, and an

unrelenting study ethic, which has fuelled the rocketing number of language

institutions. There are currently more than 20,000 foreign teachers there and that

figure continues to rise to meet demand. A high standard of living means that

Japanese schools can be more discerning when it comes to picking teachers. Most

positions in Japan and Korea will require a degree certificate.

Outside these highly-industrialised oriental countries, and the reasonably wealthy

nations of Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei, good wages are a little harder to come

by. In South East Asia the colourful cuisine and vivid landscapes of places like

Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia more than make up for the lower pay. Thailand is a

popular destination with younger teachers because of its raucous nightlife and

stunning coastline. Those wanting to teach in the Indian subcontinent will find that

most positions are low-paid or voluntary.

The Middle East

This oil-rich region has a reputation for paying teachers handsomely, and for the

most part that’s true. The good wages on offer mean that the Middle East has long

been able to attract the best and most experienced teachers. In many Middle

Eastern countries you will pay no tax on your earnings, which also adds to the

region’s allure. Wealthy countries like Saudi Arabia, Oman and the United Arab

Emirates generally employ those with the top qualifications, although

opportunities for newcomers are growing. In Saudi there has been a boom in the

number of colleges and universities opening which means the demand for native

speakers is higher than ever. Please bear in mind that if you decide to work in a

strict Islamic country you will have to abide by their customs. The culture may be

very different to what you are used to, for example alcohol may not be freely

available. However many teachers find that this is a good thing as it helps them

lose weight and save money!


Africa

Despite a wealth of resources, Africa remains the world’s poorest and most underdeveloped continent. The sad fact

is that few language schools exist in Africa and most of them cannot afford to employ foreign teachers. Your best

chance of finding work at a private language institution is in Mediterranean countries like Egypt, Morocco and

Tunisia. English is an official language in Britain’s ex-colonies such as Ghana, Nigeria and Kenya and so most of

the English teachers there are locals. That’s not to say that there isn’t demand in these countries, or in the rest of

Africa. In fact there is an abundance of teaching positions all over the continent. Just don’t expect to receive much in

the way of wages. The vast majority of placements are voluntary, usually working at state schools in rural areas. The

poor financial returns, coupled with the continent’s reputation for political strife, deter some teachers from working

in Africa. Those who do go will tell you about how much they enjoyed their time there. Volunteering in a

developing country can be a rewarding and life-changing experience. Gap year agencies may be a good place to

look for work here, although they may charge you for the privilege.

South and Central America

Backpackers have long been drawn to Latin America thanks to the vibrant way of life, warm-hearted locals and

year-round sunshine. A melting pot of cultures, with a strong Iberian influence, make it popular with travelling

teachers – particularly those wanting to practice their Spanish. Chile, Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela and

Brazil are the most sought-after destinations. In the larger cities demand comes from big businesses, bi-lingual

schools and private language institutions. Volunteer vacancies are plentiful in the more rural areas and on the

Caribbean Islands, which are home to some of the world’s best beaches.


WHERE DO I LOOK FOR WORK?

UK-TEFL Connections

0871 222 1231

www.uk-tefl.com

Everybody who takes a classroom course with UK-TEFL is given access

to our TEFL Connections service. Upon completion of your course you

will be sent a link. Follow this link and you can browse through all of the

schools and recruiters for your preferred destination and start contacting

them directly. These are the people who process your application and are

best placed to answer any questions you may have. This eliminates the

need for any middle men and puts you straight in touch with the people

who matter. If you run into any difficulty or require further advice you can

also call the special TEFL Connections Helpline, with our expert advisors

just a phone call away and always happy to help.

Many of our graduates decide to take advantage of TEFL Connections but

this is by no means the only place to look. There are lots of websites out

there you can use to find work. Below is a list of some of those that we

have found to be useful:

www.tefl.com

www.eslcafe.com

www.eslemployment.com

www.tefljobsworld.com/jobs

www.tefl-jobs.co.uk

www.gumtree.com/tefl-jobs

www.eslteachersboard.com

www.jobsabroadbulletin.co.uk

www.totalesl.com

www.eslbase.com/jobs

www.tesljobs.com

www.youcanteachenglish.com/jobs

www.tefl.net/esl-jobs

www.onestopenglish.com

www.footprintsrecruiting.com

www.eslstarter.com


You can also simply enter the type of job and country you’re looking for into a search engine and see

what comes up. Don’t be afraid to do a bit of your own research!

Aside from the websites we have provided you with, there are other ways you can look for work. One is

to attend a recruitment fair where prospective teachers get the opportunity to meet a range of employers

at once. Another is through voluntary, gap year and religious organisations, who will usually help place

you in developing countries. You can also send off speculative applications to schools you like the look

of, even if you can’t see any jobs advertised. There is no harm in doing this and you never know, you

might just get lucky. A final option is to fly into the country you’re looking to work in, book yourself into

a hostel and try to find work while you’re over there. Many people have had success using this method,

all you need is an adventurous spirit and a bit of cash to keep you going until your first pay cheque.

HOW DO I APPLY?

The application process varies from job to job, but most employers will ask you to send the following:

Cover Letter

A cover letter should accompany and complement what is in your CV, rather than just repeat the

same information. The aim is to summarise your skills by emphasising your suitability for the job.

You should start by saying exactly which job you want and where you saw it advertised. The rest

of the letter is an opportunity to highlight the best parts of your CV and give real-life examples that

are relevant to the position. Keep a formal tone but remember this is the chance to show your

personality in a way that your CV can’t.

CV

This is the most important part of your application and is basically a snapshot of your professional

life. It should stress your achievements and strengths and make a good impression in a way that is

clear and easy to understand. If you don’t have any teaching experience then focus on skills that

are interchangeable, for example if you are well-organised this will aid in your lesson planning.


A good format to follow for your CV is:

• Personal details, such as name, age, nationality, address, phone number

(including dial code), email address and any professional social media presence.

• Career history, starting with your most recent position first. If you think you

are running out of room then you can leave off any irrelevant or short-term jobs.

• A personal profile in which you sell yourself and your qualities.

• Training from previous jobs.

• Education and qualifications.

• Hobbies, if they are relevant and interesting.

• Any extra information, such as reasons for prolonged gaps in employment.

• References, ideally two, one of which is a recent employer that can be

contacted immediately.

Documents

As part of your application you will also be asked to provide some other

documents such as scans of your passport, qualifications, TEFL certificate and a

recent photograph. Most reputable schools will want evidence of your

qualifications so if you can’t produce the goods then they probably won’t offer

you a contract. If you have lost any of your documents then you can always order

replacements.


Application Advice

The following tips might sound like common sense but qualified candidates often miss out because

they make simple mistakes. Always remember to:

• Get the basics right.

If your spelling, punctuation or grammar are bad then your application will end up straight in the bin. After

all you’re applying for a job as an English teacher and if you’re seen to have a poor grasp of the language

then it won’t bode well. The golden rule is to check, check and check again. Once you click ‘send’ there is

no going back.

• Keep it short and sweet.

Your cover letter should be no longer than one side of A4 and your CV no longer than two. Recruiters

don’t have the time to sift through pages and pages detailing everything that has happened since the day you

were born. Less is more where job applications are concerned so try not to waffle!

• Use an appropriate email address.

Avoid things like ‘[email protected]’ or ‘[email protected]’. Have a professional

account that recruiters can respond to.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN IN MY INTERVIEW?

If you have followed these steps and sent off a good application, the school or recruiter may want to

interview you. These days most interviews take place over Skype, an internet video call service

which is free to set up. This is no different to a face-to-face meeting in that your interviewer can see

exactly what you’re doing. Remember to make eye contact rather than looking at your own

reflection or staring into space. Speak loudly and clearly and make sure your enthusiasm shines

through!


YOU COULD BE ASKED

Other than the obvious interview questions, here are

some that might specifically crop up when applying

for a TEFL position:

What do you like about teaching?

Only you can answer this question. Think about

your true motivations for wanting to do the job and

speak passionately about them.

Tell me about your teaching experience.

If you have taught before this should be easy. If you

haven’t then think of other experience you have that

is relevant or talk about what you learnt on your

TEFL course.

What do you know about our country?

Do some research before the interview so you know

a bit about the customs and culture of the country in

question.

How would you deal with a disruptive student?

Have a clear list of rules that you would use in class

and what the consequences are for those who break

them.

Do you have any questions for us?

Here’s your opportunity to find out more about the

position. Prepare at least one or two questions as this

will show that you are a serious candidate.


QUESTIONS YOU COULD ASK

It’s perfectly natural to want to know as much as possible about the job

before you sign a contract. A lot of this information will be provided in the

advert but if not feel free to get clarification. Some questions you might want

to ask are:

What is my salary and are there any completion bonuses?

Will I get my flights reimbursed?

Is there an airport pick-up service?

Will you help organise and pay for my visa?

Will you provide me with accommodation or help me find it?

Will I get medical insurance and what does it cover?

How many hours will I work in a week?

What age and level are my students?

How big will my classes be?

Will I have any responsibilities other than teaching?

Can I bring my partner/family?

You are well within your rights to want to know this information but be

wary of asking all of these questions in one go as the recruiter may find it

off-putting. Also be wary of trying to clarify every minor detail. Asking if

your apartment has a bed is one thing but asking if it has a toaster is another.

If you harass your potential employer with pointless requests then they are

likely to lose patience. Sometimes there is a legitimate reason why the

recruiters cannot tell you certain things. For example if you apply for a

government run programme, they may not know the exact town or city that

you will be placed in as usually this isn’t finalised until much later on.


Although you need to be flexible, that doesn’t mean you should sign any old contract if you have

reservations about the school or the job. Ultimately it is your decision whether you take up the offer and

UK-TEFL cannot be held responsible for any problems you encounter in the course of your search or

employment. If you are suspicious then you can always ask to speak to another foreign teacher currently

working there. If the school has been open for more than three years this is a good indication of financial

stability.

WHAT AM I DOING WRONG?

You may find that your application has been ignored or rejected, or that you had an interview and

weren’t offered the position.

If this happens then the most important thing is to try not to get too disheartened. Applying for a TEFL

job is no different to applying to any other job in that if you fail the first time, then you can just apply for

another! You might get lucky on your first try or it might take a few attempts.

It is also important to be adaptable. Are you being too narrow in your search? Do you have unrealistic

demands? If you decide that you only want to teach in a certain city or with a certain age group then this

will severely restrict your options. Agreeing to live and work in another country requires you to take

something of a leap of faith so don’t be afraid of stepping into the unknown.

Another thing to bear in mind is that the countries you are applying for have different employment laws

to the UK. As much as we may disagree with their way of thinking, some schools might discriminate on

the basis of things like age, gender and race. They may have an idea in their head of what the ideal native

English teacher should be like and if you don’t fit this stereotype it might work against you.

Unfortunately there isn’t a great deal you can do about it if you suspect a school does not want to employ

you for one of these reasons.

Finally, remember to go back and check your application. There may be one fatal error in there that is

tripping you up every time. Misspelling the name of the person you are applying to is a sure fire way of

having your application binned. So go back, check, check and check again!


AND FINALLY….

Once you have secured yourself a position then the

initial euphoria may die down and be replaced with

feeling of fear as the reality of leaving home kicks

in.

It is perfectly natural to feel nervous about making

such a radical change in your life. Moving house or

starting a new job can be stressful enough as it is. If

you have to go to the other side of the world to do

this then you might find yourself overwhelmed.

Saying goodbye to family and friends and leaving

your old life behind is daunting but it will all be

worth it once you realise how much fun teaching

abroad can be.

Good luck with your job hunt and keep us updated

on how you are getting on in your new role!

THE UK-TEFL TEAM