Mind your language

Written by: Paul Johnson  Posted: 28th November 2011

Teaching abroad can be one of the most exciting and sometimes challenging ways of combining a love of travel with an engaging and stimulating job. For many teachers in language schools across the world, the buzz of seeing a classroom full of students successfully communicate in the words they’ve just been taught is immeasurable.

In the short-term foreign teaching work can be a quick and effective way to beef up a CV and increase employability in any chosen future career back in the UK, or for others it can be a longer-term career option in itself.

English has become one of the key global languages of business, commerce, science and engineering – as well as of entertainment – leading to widespread demand for English language tuition. There are an estimated two billion people learning English worldwide and this has spawned a huge global industry centred around teaching English as a foreign language, a term often abbreviated to Tefl.

Tefl is a particularly tempting option for UK graduates as there is no need for teaching experience nor the ability to speak another language. Most English language teaching is done in private language schools, often to young people or college students. However, UK Tefl teachers can also find themselves teaching anyone and of any age or background – from corporate business people to school children.

Teaching can be in virtually any country across the world – even English speaking ones which run courses and schools for non-English speaking-students. Europe, South America, the Middle East, Asia and the Far East are all key Tefl markets.

Time spent abroad teaching can make graduates much more attractive to potential employers back in the UK. Career coach Pete Bernard says: “You should be able to highlight in applications and interviews the skills, experiences, confidence and greater maturity you developed during your teaching abroad. Travelling to, and living independently in, a foreign country demonstrates a sense of adventure and an entrepreneurial nature.”

What’s more, teaching English abroad is the perfect opportunity to learn a new language. Tefl teachers often take part in ‘language swaps’, where they offer private English tuition in return for lessons in the language of the country they’re in.

But teaching abroad isn’t for everyone. Some people may find the ordeal of being thrust into an alien culture, sometimes with few other English speakers around, very hard. Potential isolation and distance from family and friends can also be difficult, not to mention the daily pressures of ensuring your teaching is fun and engaging.

Working hours can be long and unsociable, especially in a language night school. Bear in mind also that most language schools are private businesses that have to make money so managers will not be happy if your students fail their exams or don’t make good enough progress. 

Pay and conditions can vary enormously, but don’t expect to become rich. Some language schools and employers will pay for return flights, accommodation, health care, holiday pay, sick pay and a generous salary, where as others will be far more limited in what they provide. It’s not just the money that needs to be taken into account though – good employers will also provide proper orientation, support and professional development.

Career coach Sherridan Hughes says: “Few people see Tefl as a long-term career because it is quite hard to progress or increase earnings – you tend to just move from one country to the next – sideways rather than upwards. There are of course some managerial roles, but the vast majority of Tefl teachers do seem to move into a different field within a few years.”

Getting qualified and finding work

Theoretically, anyone can be an English language teacher, without experience or qualifications. However, most reputable and professional language schools across the world look for evidence of Tefl ability and qualifications. A good Tefl course will not only give a solid understanding of the technical aspects of teaching English – including grammar and spelling – but also the personal and presentation skills needed to engage with a classroom full of people.

There are many Tefl courses available, but the Cambridge Celta (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults) and the Trinity College London Certificate in Tesol (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) are two of the most widely known and respected. Most teaching schools across the world recognise these qualifications and many will expect teaching staff to have them.

The courses, which are held at centres across the country, can cost about £1,000 – depending on the course provider – and last for four weeks. 

Both the Cambridge Celta and Trinity Certificate are recognised by the British Council, the UK’s international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations. The organisation, which teaches English in about 85 countries worldwide, has launched a grant scheme for unemployed graduates that can pay for half the fees for a one-month course at a UK training centre.

Weekend, part-time and online Tefl courses are also available from many providers, and while these usually aren’t as comprehensive as the month-long intensive courses, they can be useful in giving a basic grounding.

Once you’ve got some training under your belt, you need to find employment. Many vacancies are posted online on a number of sites (see get started) and some Tefl course providers may also help their students find jobs. However, it pays to do your homework, both in the language schools you’re applying to and the countries they’re in. Chris Slay, CEO of international recruitment organisation Skills Provision, says: “Make sure that you understand where the opportunities currently lie. Some areas have been flooded with teachers and so it is much more difficult to secure a good position. On the other hand, some countries – such as Saudi Arabia – have real opportunities opening up.”

It’s also important to check any employment contract is fair and you know what to expect, as well as what the situation is with potential work permit and visa issues.

Opportunities for professional teachers

Graduates who have a UK professional teaching qualification – such as a post-graduate certificate in education (PGCE) – and have achieved qualified teacher status have the option of working as a qualified teacher in state or private schools abroad. However, most schools prefer teachers to have some solid classroom experience in the UK – usually a minimum of two years with the more experienced teachers able to command better paid and more senior positions.

Indeed, competition for the best foreign teaching jobs can be extremely competitive. However, there are now thousands of British international schools across the world, where the teaching is in English and experienced teachers from the UK are in demand. 

Where to start  

English Language Gazette – the Tefl ‘trade paper’ – www.elgazette.com

Times Educational Supplement – www.tes.co.uk

British Council – www.britishcouncil.org

British Council Graduate Tefl scheme – www.teachingenglish.org.uk/graduate-sch

The Association for the Promotion of Quality in Tesol Education (QuiTE) has issued a guide to choosing training at an initial teacher training course at www.quality-tesol-ed.org.uk

Tefl course provider i-to-i has an online Tefl guide for graduates at www.onlinetefl.com/graduates.html 

Cambridge Celta course – www.cambridgeesol.org/exams/teaching-awards/celta.html

Trinity College London Tesol course –www.trinitycollege.co.uk/site/?id=293

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