Teaching English Abroad
Teaching ESL Abroad
Teaching English overseas gives you the chance to see the world, try new things, while enhancing your resume and gaining invaluable experience! Choose whether you want to teach English to young learners in a public school setting, teach alongside a co-teacher in a high school, teach private English language lessons to various age groups – the options are endless, and every teaching job abroad has its benefits.
ESL teachers are in high demand because as native English speakers, they are experts of the language. Some of the things we take for granted – proper pronunciation, the ability to spell, natural writing capabilities – are sought-after skills. Teaching English abroad can be very empowering!
Types of ESL Teaching Jobs
ESL-qualified English teachers have the option of teaching in a traditional classroom, working within public schools as an English language teacher, or teaching English in other settings. Qualified ESL instructors can also teach English in a private school setting, for businesses or organizations, in volunteer placements, and at the university or college level. ESL teaching jobs might be offered as a part-time contract or a full-time contract, and might have some flexibility on working hours as well. Contracts for ESL teaching jobs will vary from employer to employer.
Salary and Benefits for ESL Teaching Jobs
Each teaching job abroad will offer a different salary and benefits, and typically these vary depending on your qualifications and experience. Most ESL teaching jobs abroad pay between $1,000 and $3,000 each month, and benefits may include flight, accommodations, health insurance, paid vacation days, paid training, and bonuses.
It is important to note the cost of living in your destination country, as this will have an effect on your salary as well. For example, you might have the option of earning $3,000/month while teaching in Japan, in contrast to earning $1,000/month while teaching in Thailand – but the cost of living in Thailand is much lower, and so the salary is actually comparable.
Responsibilities of an ESL Teacher
Just as teaching English abroad can mean teaching in public or private schools, or in a different setting, the teacher’s responsibilities also vary. Some teaching jobs abroad may require that the English teacher get involved in the larger school community while others may include assisting local teachers with improving their English proficiency. Tutoring students who require extra assistance may be included as part of the contract, and often volunteer positions that include a home stay will require tutoring your local host family to help them learn English.
Benefits of Teaching English Abroad
There is a reason teaching abroad is such a popular option for teachers – the experience is beneficial in so many ways! In addition to gaining excellent teaching experience that will strengthen your resume and even qualify you for future teaching jobs, teaching overseas also offers you the chance to explore the world while earning a salary that allows you to live comfortably.
Live in different countries, immerse yourself in different cultures, and learn about yourself – all while earning enough money to travel, or to save! Teaching abroad is a good way to challenge yourself and grow as a person, not to mention the opportunity to grow as an educator. Teaching develops a unique set of skills that are applicable in all employment fields. Teaching refines organizational skills, fosters effective interpersonal communication and conduct via all mediums, builds leadership and project management experience, and develops ICT knowledge and understanding. Teaching abroad also requires flexibility and adaptability, and completing a contract overseas proves to future employers that you have what it takes to succeed in a challenging setting – a qualification that sets you apart from the rest!
A very small percentage of teachers do not complete their teaching contract overseas; an even smaller percentage regret their decision to live and teach overseas. Teachers that do complete a contract find more employment options available to them upon return to their home country. Graduates looking to go into the education field are provided with a taste of their future career and are more competitive when applying for spaces in education programs.
