In today’s increasingly connected world, the demand for learning English has grown significantly.
Can you imagine yourself walking through lively streets, trying new flavors, and listening to fresh stories each time you step out? If yes, becoming an ESL teacher abroad could be a great fit.
Like anything else, you cannot begin the whole process without doing your homework. Let’s see how you can prepare to become an ESL teacher abroad.
Step 1: Research Your Options
When we learn something unfamiliar, our first instinct is usually to seek more information. Naturally, we turn to Google to explore and know all we can about it.
That’s exactly what you have to do about teaching English as a second language. Gather all the basic information about the job and ESL teaching requirements as your first step.
When you’re done with that, you will make a list of places where you would love to go and teach. Each place has its wins and slips so conduct some research and make a decision that you won’t have to second guess later.
Step 2: Figure Out What Matters to You
Moving to a whole new place is not just about packing bags and boarding the plane. You need to have a whole map of how you plan to do everything that leads to your destination. The ‘plan’ usually goes around your priorities, so have them figured out before anything else.
How long do you plan on teaching in a single country? Maybe you prefer to spend one year in Spain and the next in Taiwan. Relevant certifications for various countries differ in price and requirements; make sure you know which ones apply to you.
Step 3: You Must Have a Budget in Mind
Let’s not mince words here — Finances make a critical part of any plan. While you’re planning everything else, you must know what’s your budget. The cost of living in every country is different. Make a list of your expenses and factor in everything before you make a decision. You might want to save some extra bucks on the side for your rainy days.
Step 4: A Timeline Will Keep Everything Streamlined
The only way to not fall off the track and make everything smooth is to make a timeline. It will help you keep a check on what you have achieved so far and you will not miss out on anything important. Staying organized at every step is the only way to make all of this easier.
From obtaining ESL qualifications to shopping, incorporate everything in your timeline. This way, you make the least amount of mess and frustration, and the whole phase becomes enjoyable.
But let us remind you that the timeline has to be reasonable and achievable. You might not want to push your limits and end up with burnout before the big move.
What Abroad ESL Teaching Would Look Like?
The best thing about this role is that it does not restrict you to a desk and a chair inside a closed cubicle from 9 to 5. It’s a brilliant mesh of new experiences and adventures in the cultures you only viewed on your Instagram reels. This job is perfect for people who like operating in communities and networks. Having a social network miles away from home can be a whole new accomplishment for them.
What Does the Job Market Look Like?
As we said earlier, people all over the world are eager to learn English. According to the University of Winnipeg, English is a mandatory part of educational policies in more than 140 non-English speaking countries.
So, this high demand for English lessons means a high demand for ESL tutors in multiple non-English countries in the world. From kindergartens to colleges and government organizations, every institution wants to provide efficient learning experiences to their people.
Cultural Expectations
It’s obvious that you will encounter some major cultural shocks in the new country. Some changes are subtle, whereas some of them will be hard to digest. And if you want to gel in, you must keep an open attitude towards everything.
Above all, avoid imposing any personal biases on your students, colleagues, or neighbors. Let us share an example with you to make it easier to understand. Students in South Korea do not make eye contact with teachers as a sign of respect. Now, this can be a bit confusing for an ESL teacher who has just moved to Korea from the US. To avoid such confusion, connect with fellow teachers and alumni.
Wrapping Up
Gladly, this role is not like any other teaching job you’re used to seeing. It’s not just about black and white boards, grey classrooms, and big textbooks. Besides, if you have a knack for connecting with people from different groups and exploring other cultures, you will enjoy being an ESL tutor.
If you feel you have the substance it takes to become an English teacher, the world awaits you. Dig in and explore teaching jobs that not only let you inspire young minds but also provide you with exposure to different cultures.
