More people need to learn English as a second language than ever before in today’s globalized world. The demand for ESL teachers is rising, but many people don’t know how to become one. Here is how to become an ESL teacher and travel the world.
Research on Where You Want to Live
A big part of knowing how to become an ESL teacher and travel the world is figuring out where you want to live. If you’re looking at teaching English as a possibility, you might think location doesn’t matter. You’d be wrong, and if you plan on staying in the ESL world long term, you must pick a location that suits your goals.
Find Schools That Offer TEFL Courses in the Specific Location
There are many different places in the world to work as an ESL teacher, but you can’t just go anywhere. You need to have an ESL degree or be 18+ years old. If you’re not at either of those milestones yet, don’t worry – it’s not too early to start researching and planning for your future.
Find schools that offer TEFL courses in your desired location. The school will likely guide you with the next steps, like filling out paperwork and applying for a visa. Once you’ve completed the course and obtained certification (in most cases), many schools will hire you directly. This means you don’t have to go through the hiring process of an organization or agency, which saves time and hassle during your planning stages.
Double Check Requirements for Teaching English in Your Desired Location
There are many different requirements to becoming an ESL teacher or obtaining certifications for K-12 teachers in some countries, and you should research those before making any decisions. It’s important to go where you want to go and not just settle for a place to hire you as an ESL teacher. While it might be easier now, the roadblocks won’t stop you from getting what you want later on down the line. If this is your goal, make it a priority to get there.
Know How You Want to Travel While Teaching English
Some ESL teachers travel the world by moving from country to country after a few years, while some opt for staying in their first choice of location for years at a time. Some choose to travel long-term with their loved ones, while others pack up after a few years and leave their partner behind. There are so many different ways to approach this part of being an ESL teacher that you have to figure out what will work best for your situation.
Becoming an ESL teacher and traveling the world is not easy, but it’s possible. Know that whatever location you choose, there will likely be roadblocks on your way. You might feel discouraged at times, but know that you can make it work if you want it.
