Are you interested in trying your hand at teaching English abroad? You may have thought about this as a way of taking time out, a gap year experience or a way to consolidate your thoughts in a safe, affordable way. Teaching abroad provides you with the opportunity to experience another culture and lifestyle, learn another language and integrate into an exciting new social and cultural context. Talk about inspiring and invigorating.
Teaching English abroad is a great way to do all these things. It combines the benefits of living abroad with the security of earning money in a country where you might not speak the language. It gives you a means of integrating into the local social life. It brings you into contact with the local people - something that backpacking or depending on the local enclave of "ex-pats" can never do.
First things first, do you have what it takes to be a TEFL teacher? Can you handle life overseas?
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Are you physically and psychologically ready for the demands that a new culture and lifestyle will make on you?
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You need to research life in your chosen country, preferably by talking to someone who has done the same thing.
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Are you professionally prepared?
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To make yourself employable, to do the job well and to be appreciated by your students you may want to consider getting TEFL or TESL or TESOL or CELTA certification.
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Do you have family or dependents who will be coming with you or who will need you locally in a 12 month period?
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Are you genuinely interested in being a teacher?
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This is a critical element to your success. Teaching really isn't for everyone. Teaching is a struggle at time. Motivating students, managing your classes, organizing lessons, marking, and discipline are just part of your responsibilities. The rewards are amazing but your efforts are seldom rewarded or even potentially recognized. The biggest problem is that too many people choose to teach abroad for the free plane ticket, the free housing and the decent monthly salaries that provide a great facility to travel and explore the country you are living in.
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Are you non-discriminant?
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Do you have an open mind about cultures and language? Life abroad is not always easy, there are communcation obstables, cultural challenges and differences.
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It's good to point out here that you're not expected to be a walking grammar reference book before you get on the course, most schools have textbooks, workbooks and teacher manuals that layout how to present the materials to your students and define the grammar points. It will be worth investing in a grammar book (check the Footprints Bookstore) or even a grammar course to prepare yourself better for the interview and for the course itself.
Teaching TEFL opens your world to limitless opportunities - are you open to TEFL?
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