Teaching and Traveling Abroad
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So, you want to teach and travel abroad? Yes, you are on the right track! Lots of adventures and new experiences are waiting for you there!
Lovely students, spicy foods, backpackers, beaches and so on! Teaching and traveling abroad is more likely an ideal way of escaping the stressful world of cities and pollution while getting paid for the work you will love! In this article you will know why teaching and traveling abroad is the coolest job you will ever have! Hope it will help you in some ways.
- Different systems of Education
- Various styles of teaching
- Materials being used in regards with curriculum
- Diverse Philosophies of teaching (comparison to mine and my country)
- Technology as a tool of learning
- Creating my own idea of how learning develops
Those are some of the most relevant information I’ve learned while teaching and traveling to some different countries in Southeast Asia. Professionally speaking, it will help you reach your maximum potential as a teacher as you will be trained to different Professional Growth Program around the world (depends on which country). You will also acquire some seminar certificates which you can use later to your next application.
How to Teach English Abroad?
How to apply? I use of course, technology. I’m applying online. There are a lot of trusted sites where you can find a legal employer and a good deal in terms of salaries, benefits and personal preferences.
Useful Websites
Listed below are some websites I use when applying:
- Dave’s ESL Cafe
- Ajarn Recruit
- Esl Teaching Forum
- Jobstreet
You can also find some job vacancies in the Classified Ads Section in Newspapers and other groups in Facebook. There are also agencies to help you if you are willing to undergo to their Professional Teacher’s Training Program.
Basically, they will require a TESOL or Teaching English as Second Language Certificate which you can get almost everywhere now. In the Philippines, you can inquire to some Language Centers around your area. You can also Google Search TESOL Certificates and get a hundred results about how to have one. Click on the web and inquire via phone or email. Prices vary depending on which University/Institution you will be enrolled. Here are some certifications they recognized:
- Celta Certification
- ITTT Certificate
- Cambridge Certificate
- IELTS Score 8 or 9+
- TEFL (British)
- TESOL (American)
Even if you are a native speaker, you need one of these certificates to teach English. If you wish to go to an International school, the requirements are far more strict.
I’m sending my updated CV as much as I can and I wait for an e-mail for days. Usually, it takes 4-6 days for the school to answer. If it’s hiring season, basically their response will take longer because of the competition from different applications. Peak season of hiring in January (for summer class) and October (for a regular school).
Qualifications
So in summary, you need these qualifications before you consider applying in a school/English Center abroad:
- TEFL / TESOL / CELTA Certificate
- Bachelor of Education (or equivalent)
- At least a school/center/volunteer teaching experience is a must/plus
- Passport Copies
- Police Clearance from your country
- Health Certificate
These are just the basic requirements and some schools may ask for more or fewer documents.
Salaries and Benefits
Salaries and benefits of teaching overseas have a huge discrepancy compared to my country (Philippines). It also depends on which country you get hired (Middle East, Southeast Asia, Europe), your qualifications in teaching, your past experiences and of course, which nationality are you. The Native Speakers (USA, UK, CANADA, SOUTH AFRICA, AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND) get the highest salary ever, for example, my British Friend, he is getting $3,000 in a month. (Teaching English for public schools in Myanmar). For non-native English Speakers, we will get less or half of theirs but generally more than enough.
The contract is upon agreement between you and your employer. They offer 3-6 months contract and until 1 to 2 years of employment. The renewable contract is upon agreement, too.
Working Hours
Working hours is 20-36 hours per week (for English Teaching) and 30-40 hours per week (for regular school). Overtime pay is $10-15 per hour. Rest days are Saturday and Sunday, normally. Some schools are giving split-off days (Wednesdays and Fridays) and some only give 1 day off. Read your contract thoroughly.
Health Care Benefits
As per health care, it depends to which country and employer. In Vietnam for example, my employer is giving me additional pay (cash) for my health insurance. Some of my friends receive a health package benefits.
Visa Application
Flights and Visa’s should be shouldered by the employer through reimbursement. You book your flight and they will arrange your visa. When you get off the plane, they will give you 20% of the plane fare upon arrival and 80% after you have completed the contract.
Life Changing Experience
Touching the future of the next generation will give you a sense of achievement for once being part of their changing lives. Yes you can enjoy in-between-work adventures and meeting people from different countries, engaging in their cultures, explore more of yourself and appreciate life in the other side of the world, but none of these things will matter once you see your students loving you and your influence.
So, Goodluck to your application and see you halfway around the globe! – Kate
See Also: Interesting Jobs that Offer Excellent Travel Opportunities
