This website is dedicated to all English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers.
PDF #185 – 10 ESL Lessons for Beginners
This Student Book is the beginning of a long planned method that is coming together. I hope that the ESL teachers that try to use can give me some feedback on what to do better.
After reading “10 ESL Lessons for Beginners” you can check important issues for ESL teachers on the section PDFs, and visit my YouTube channel.
Training program for English teaching assistants – In this section you will find Articles that may help you in your classes. Some of these worksheets have been taken from the internet and some of them I have prepared myself. If you know a great worksheet that it is not here let me know and I shall place it here. You can follow me on my social medias, the links are on the homepage.
Right click with the mouse, copy or save the image, and print it for your students! You can also place it in Word and make adjustments! Have fun!
After reading “Articles” you can check important issues for ESL teachers on the section PDFs, and visit my YouTube channel.
Episode #32: “Dino Buzzati Trio” – Here is the LINK to the podcast
This week we read “The Collapse of The Baliverna”, “Catastrophe”, and “The Epidemic”, all by Dino Buzzati. So begins the our eternal shamble towards better audio, primarily Steve’s inability to record local audio. This crusade includes myriad stops, not the least of which being this week’s Damon Money Appreciation Special: A retrospective on our favorite, satellite correspondent. Also in this episode:
-Lord Of The Rings; at length
-“I’m doing the Lavazza”
-Boots on The Ground Reporter, Damon Money
-RIP Mr. Peanut
-The Great Barrier of Grief
-Wealth Strata v. Self Respect and Decorum and Social Apocalypse
AND MORE.
“Podcast” is a portmanteau, a combination of “iPod” and “broadcast”. The term “podcasting” was first suggested by The Guardian columnist and BBC journalist Ben Hammersley, who invented it in early February 2004 while writing an article for The Guardian newspaper. The term was first used in the audioblogging community in September 2004, when Danny Gregoire introduced it in a message to the iPodder-dev mailing list, from where it was adopted by Adam Curry.[10] Despite the etymology, the content can be accessed using any computer or similar device that can play media files. Use of the term “podcast” predated Apple’s addition of formal support for podcasting to the iPod, or its iTunes software.
Other names for podcasting include “net cast”, intended as a vendor-neutral term without the loose reference to the Apple iPod. This name is used by shows from the TWiT.tv network. Some sources have also suggested the backronym “portable on demand” or “POD”, for similar reasons.
After reading “Episode #32: “Dino Buzzati Trio” you can check important issues for ESL teachers on the section PDFs, and visit my YouTube channel.
English Teaching Jobs Online – English teaching jobs online are the key to convenient, meaningful, and well-paid work! Teaching online is a great gig to fund your travels, be location independent, and immerse yourself in another culture. Many ESL teachers are getting out their laptops and applying for online English language teaching jobs as oppose to the traditional in-class teaching position. If you’ve got a knack for working with ESL learners and don’t quite want to commit to a contract abroad, teaching ESL online may be just for you.
How do you figure out where to find these jobs? What country of origin will your students be from? Do you prefer to teach adults or children? Is this going to be your full-time income or a side gig to fund happy hour? Before applying to every job out there, consider why you want this job and what kind of commitment you are willing to fulfill. Soon enough, you’ll be pulling out your laptop, lesson planning from home, and hanging out with students thousands of miles away!
Although you can teach students from all areas of the world, here are some of the best online English teaching jobs—particularly if you’re excited about working with populations from East Asia, where the online English teaching job market is popping. (P.S. If you still need that oft-required TEFL certificate, check out International TEFL Academy to get started!)
You’ll likely find that most online ESL companies are catered to teach English online to Chinese students. There are tons of companies out there with their pros and cons. Here are a few of the top Chinese online ESL companies to sift through.
Teach English one-on-one to kids in China through one of the top online ESL companies. Students range from ages 3-16 and go through a curriculum based on their ability. Not to keen on teaching pre-school ages? Great! You can decide what levels you want to teach and get certified for the age ranges you prefer. Classes are only 25 minutes and you have all the work planned for you. There’s minimal prep requirements and paychecks come into your bank bi-weekly.
Pros: No minimum hours required. Your schedule is based solely on when you want to work.
Cons: Fairly strict cancellation policy. From the time of hire it can take either days or months to get that first class. Only hires teachers from the United States and Canada.
Average pay per hour: $20+
Use your bachelor degree and provide high quality educations to children in China by becoming a ESL teacher with GoGo Kid! All classes are one on one, offering you the opportunity to really concentrate on your students individually. It is not guaranteed that you will be teaching the same students each time, but if you make a good impression and they like you, the students will request you for each class. Isn’t this a great way to get feedback on your job, or what?
Pros: Like VIPKID, there are no minimum required hours; they are more lenient about contract cancellations.
Cons: Newer company so not as many students. Only hires teachers from the United States and Canada.
Average pay per hour: $20+
Magic Ears is a great innovative platform for ESL teachers that want to teach English to Chinese children of ages 4-12 in a fun and effective way. With flexible hours, a 1-on-4 (teacher-student) class format to ensure that each student interacts with both the teacher and other students, and a wonderful closing song, teaching for Magic Ears is so enjoyable that it hardly feels like a real job. To top off the awesomeness of working for this company, the lessons schedule is already designed for you and class only takes 25 minutes. Too good to be true? Check it out yourself!
Pros: LOTS of Bonuses! Arrive to your class 3-10 minutes early and receive a bonus. Also, after 60+ hours of teaching, you receive another bonus!
Cons: The hiring process can be a bit long and overwhelming and the pay rate is determined by your credentials.
Average pay per hour: $22+
Teach English online to Chinese students with ages ranging from 4 to 12, in a fun and dynamic way, through animated and engaging stories with Qkids! Teach on an interactive gaming platform with original characters, and fun props to make a 30 minutes class the best class for your students. You can have up to 4 students per lesson, AND you don’t have to communicate with the parents, because the staff has it all covered. Give this new way of teaching English a shot!
Pros: Very fun and unique way of using games as a teaching English system to students.
Cons: Currently the company only hires teachers from U.S and Canada and the schedule is set weekly.
Average pay per hour: $18+
SayABC is one of the most popular platform for online English teaching to children all over China. With clases lasting 40 minutes, you can help Chinese children with ages between 5-12 year old to boost their confidence in their English speaking skills. The company will provide you with the needed tools such as notes, reward cards, feedback, and they will even provide support with your lessons. All you gotta bring is fast internet connection and audio/video capabilities.
Pros: SayABS has the best online rates AND you can can make your schedule however fits best for you and your lifestyle.
Cons: The company’s standards are quite high, requiring a degree, TEFL or some form of teaching certification.
Average pay per hour: $21+
Teach English online to Korean students from the comfort of your own home with PAGODA, a leading company in the industry for over 30 years. You will not be instructing your normal teenage students, but adults from large corporations or government employees that want to perfect their business English skills. You can work as a full time teacher, Monday through Friday, but as a new teacher you’ll start with a split shift, where you teach in the morning until 11 am and then come back in the evening around 6 pm. In between is up to you how you spend your time, but the more you teach, the more you get paid.
Pros: You can teach full time or part-time, and you can even do it in the weekends if you want the extra cash.
Cons: To qualify for the position, you have to be an English native speaker with a neutral accent and pass an oral exam.
Average pay per hour: $15
GMNY (Global Mate New York) is a Global Educational Call Center in the US that gives ESL teachers the opportunity to teach English online to Korean students from home. Most classes you will be teaching will be about 20 minutes long, and in time your number of classes may increase. Also, depending on the quality of your work, you can get different bonuses and increase your income. Working with GMNY you will mostly be teaching South Korean professionals or students ages 19-50.
Pros: Before you start teaching, you will receive free training, practice with a mock class, and get a renewable 6 months contract. This gives you enough time to decide if you want to continue working with them or consider other possibilities.
Cons: At the moment the company only hires native English speaker from U.S., Canada, Australia, U.K., New Zealand etc. and they must reside in the U.S.
Average pay per hour: $12
If you’re passionate about teaching and are a native English speaker, or speak English at a native level with an American accent, you can start teaching English online to Korean students today. Eine Teacher offers flexible class schedules to suit both the teachers and the students, but you will most likely be teaching early in the morning or late in the afternoon. The classes have a one-on-one format and last around 25 minutes and your students will be at an age anywhere from 5-60 years old. Some of the students are beginners, some are at an intermediate level and very few are advance English learners. Also, there is no limit as to how many hours you can teach per month, so the more, the better for your pocket.
Pros: No matter what level you are teaching at, the company provides you with the teaching lesson plan and required materials.
Cons: The pay is pretty low, starting at $1.4 per 25 minutes, with a chance of salary increase after 7 months of working for the company. This of course depends of your performance, popularity and good reputation with your students.
Average pay per hour: $5
Feeling overwhelmed by all of the options? Some companies allow you to work for multiple agencies if you can balance your schedule. In this case, you may be able to pick and choose which one is best for you to continue with after being hired on. So go and apply for those jobs and get the cash rolling in from the comfort of your own personalized classroom.
Teaching online English definitely comes with its advantages, but it also comes with great personal responsibility, dedication and self management. If you feel like you do not meet these requirements, then you might want to rethink your decision. However, we’re here to tell you that there’s nothing better out there than being able to do what you love, from your sofa and on your own time. At least give it a try!
Speak English? Love travel? Own a laptop? If you can say “check, check, and check” then we’ve got the opportunity for you—remote, home-based online teaching jobs! If you’re interested in teaching abroad but are worried about having to commit to one location, we have good news: Teaching is one of the best paid online jobs from home, as well as among the fastest growing careers for remote workers. There’s a particular need for online TEFL teachers, as there’s a huge demand for English language learning in Asia, especially in China. You’ll be able to earn an income while building your experience interacting with international students and maintaining the flexibility of an online job.
English Teaching Assistant – Have you ever thought about working abroad? Usually these programs are for Americans trying to work on German universities.
The program helps to improve the teaching of the English language and American studies at all types of German schools. U.S. teaching assistants usually cooperate closely with a German teacher of English and take over certain responsibilities in the classroom, especially with regard to projects on the U.S. The duration of the award is usually one school year, beginning in early September and ending in late June.
University affiliation and part-time study may be feasible when the assigned school is located in or near a town with a university.
The program is administered by Fulbright Germany in close cooperation with the Pädagogischer Austauschdienst (PAD) in Bonn.
Approximately 140 grants are available, all in the full maintenance category.
More information on the personal profile and expected duties and responsibilities of a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant (ETA) can be found here.
Berlin
U.S. students holding at least a B.A. by the time of arrival in Germany, typically in German or German Studies, but other subjects will be considered if applicants have a good German proficiency.
Applicants with a U.S.-German dual citizenship are not eligible.
The application procedure is handled by the Institute of International Education. Please check their website first.
Applicants still affiliated with a university should consult the Fulbright Program Advisor at their institution for application information and deadline. At-large applicants (no longer at a university) should contact the Institute of International Education directly.
Applicants should contact their advisor or the IIE in the spring preceding the year in which they wish to teach in Germany. (For example, those who would like to teach in the academic year 2021-2022 should contact an advisor in the spring of 2020.)
The IIE Online application system closes at 5:00 P.M. EST and applications have to be fully submitted by then. Further information on the IIE timeline is available here.
All applications will be reviewed by special selection committees, and grants are awarded in competition and depending on funds available.
The English Teaching Assistant (ETA) Programs place Fulbrighters in classrooms abroad to provide assistance to the local English teachers. ETAs help teach English language while serving as cultural ambassadors for the U.S. The age and academic level of the students varies by country, ranging from kindergarten to university level. Applicants for ETA Programs can apply to only one country. Consult the table below for details on specific country requirements and numbers of awards.
After reading “English Teaching Assistant”, you can check important issues for ESL teachers on the section PDFs. You can also visit my channel on YouTube.
English Teaching Certificate Online – TESOL stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. When people refer to “having a TESOL” , what they mean is having a TESOL certificate.
Teaching English as a foreign language is the perfect way to travel the world. You can enjoy a fantastic adventure, while inspiring the next generation. Have in mind, English will not stop being the lingua franca. So let’s try to connect as many people as possible. The way to do that? Teach them English.
We know what it is to feel the excitement and trepidation of embarking on a new adventure. I’ve been there! If you are nervous, don’t worry, your dedicated ESL online tutor is there to help you. Also, I provide you with all the training, tools and support you need to help you become a confident and inspiring ESL teacher.
You can achieve your accredited TESOL certification in an accessible and affordable way, and you don’t need any previous teaching experience. If you speak English fluently, you have everything you need to get started with the course and teach English abroad or online from home.
In late 2018, the Chinese Ministry of Education announced they would be implementing tighter requirements for teachers. Especially for those teachers who teach Chinese to primary and/or to middle-school students.
These requirements are for bricks-and-mortar academies, as well as online platforms such as VIPKid, Gogokid, SayABC, Palfish, and iTutor Group.
As of November 2019, all major online English teaching companies require their teachers to have 120-hour teaching certificates.
TESL stands for Teaching English as a Second Language and refers to teaching English to non-native speakers in a native-speaking country.
TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language and refers to teaching English to non-native speakers in a country where English is NOT an official language.
TESOL is an umbrella term that stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages and refers to teaching English to non-native speakers in your home country, or abroad. TESOL certificates are generally more in-depth and deliver more learning material.
CELTA stands for Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults.
A few years ago in this industry, it was simply an asset.
As of November 2019, the Chinese Ministry of Education requires that all online English teachers that teach Chinese students have a 120-hour teaching certificate. The majority of companies in the online English teaching industry serve Chinese students.
VIPKid will actually train new recruits and give them a TESOL certificate before they start teaching on the VIPKid platform. However, if you already have one, you are more likely to be hired, and you can skip that part of the training process. On top of that, VIPKid’s TESOL certificate isn’t recognized by other online English teaching companies.
For anybody who is familiar with the English language or education in general, the course can take much less than 120 hours.
However if teaching English is totally new to you, you may need the full amount of time.
There is growing global access to TEFL/TESL/TESOL programs because of to the advent of distance learning.
Future English teachers can enroll in an online TEFL certificate program, most of which are affordable enough to fit almost any budget constraints. For those interested in more general information regarding distance learning, check out our ranking of the top online colleges.
Our courses are designed for those aged 16 and over. When it comes to finding work teaching English abroad, there can be age restrictions on some working visas.
Can I take a TEFL course if I have a disability?
Of course. If you require any special arrangements to take either the classroom or online course, please get in touch, and we will be happy to assist you.
There are several different courses, but a simple rule is that the more you learn, the more prepared and more confident you are. Also, your CV will look more competitive if you have a 140-hour course rather than a 20-hour course. However, some people have teaching experience and already have the confidence to take a class and therefore enrol in the online-only course. It depends on you. If you have any doubts, give us a call, and we can discuss which course would suit your needs.
Yes, but it can be more difficult to find work as an English teacher as some schools/recruiters stipulate native English speaking teacher (NEST) on job advertisements.
I am a qualified teacher. Do I need a TEFL certificate to teach English abroad?
Yes, language schools abroad will look for EFL teacher applicants to have a recognised TEFL qualification. We find that the majority of qualified teachers we train choose to opt for our 120-hour Premier Online TEFL Course.
Learn more: TEFL for Qualified Teachers
We believe that if you can speak English, you have the potential to teach it. Therefore, we only ask that you are a native-level speaker of English and that you have the enthusiasm to learn something new. No other qualifications or teaching experience necessary.
After reading “English Teaching Certificate Online”, you can check important issues for ESL teachers on the section PDFs. And visit my channel by YouTube.
English Teaching Overseas – Every year, tens of thousands of people go overseas and teach English. Young and old, they go for many reasons: to learn about a new culture, make some money to travel, seek adventure, or just experience something new.
The time I spent teaching English overseas in Asia was life-changing. In Thailand and Taiwan, I learned that I could make friends and start a life in a strange place, as well as adapt and thrive in a different culture. It gave me a confidence that nothing else before had ever done. It helped make me a better version of me.
Yet, with seemingly millions of places to teach, most people often wonder: where are the best places to teach English overseas? What countries provide the best experience, pay, or benefits? Here’s my list of where to score a fun, rewarding, and well-paying job teaching English overseas:
South Korea is one of the best places — if not the best — to teach English overseas. Jobs are abundant, the pay averages $1,600-2,600 USD per month, and you get awesome benefits, like a contract completion bonus, free housing, and airfare reimbursement.
A lot of recent college graduates are attracted to Korea because of the money, benefits, and the fact that Korea takes many first-time teachers. If you don’t have any experience, this country is one of the best options for you. As a place to live, Korea has plenty of things going for it: the food is delicious, the country is dirt cheap, and the people are friendly.
Plus you will find lots of other international young expats there. Since you earn so much money in a country with such a low cost of living, most people leave having paid off a substantial portion of their debts! You could easily walk away after a year of teaching with your loans (school or non-school) paid off AND money for travel!
Japan has a reputation for good jobs which means it also attracts as many people as South Korea. Though the years of easily teaching in Japan and making quick cash are long, long over, people willing to stay at least a year can generally save a substantial sum of money.
While the cost of living can eat up a lot of your salary, especially in Tokyo, there are a number of programs out there (including the government’s JET program) that reward long-term teachers with generous benefits and completion bonuses.
Additionally, the Japanese are incredibly friendly and polite, the food is endless gourmet heaven, and the culture is unique. It’s one of my favorite countries in the world.
The Middle East lures many teachers in for one reason: its salary packages. Middle Eastern countries offer incredibly large salaries (up to $70,000 USD per year for an experienced teacher), lots of benefits, and no taxes. A teacher can walk away with around $40,000 USD after one year.
However, this is no place for the recent college graduate. These countries want certified and experienced teachers. If you couldn’t teach at a public school in your home country, you have little chance of getting a job in this part of the world. As such, most of the teachers here are older and more settled and have families.
Dubai, Qatar, Abu Dhabi, and Saudi Arabia are the most popular destinations for teaching English in this region.
Thailand attracts lots of young and new teachers with its cheap cost of living, warm beautiful weather, tropical beaches, mouth-watering food, and party atmosphere.
Most of the language school teachers are ex-travelers looking to save for future travels…or travelers who thought they were doing that but ended up never leaving. The pay in Thailand isn’t that high ($1,000–1,500 USD per month), unless you teach in Bangkok or at an international school.
However, teaching English in Thailand isn’t about making lots of money — it’s about everything else: the ease of getting a job, the food, the fun-loving atmosphere, the weather, and everything in between. It’s one of the best destinations for young, new teachers, especially in a larger city, since you’ll fit right in.
As China rises in global stature, its need for English teacher grows as more and more citizens need to know the language for their job. Moreover, the culture puts an emphasis on learning it. As such, it is one of the easiest places to find work. No matter where you go, you can find work, even in saturated cities like Beijing and Shanghai.
You can earn a decent salary teaching English here (upward of $1,500-2,000 USD a month), and many jobs give completion bonuses, free housing, and airfare reimbursement.
China is the brave new world and a country in constant change. It’s a good location for teachers of all abilities — there’s something for everyone there!
Prague has a seemingly abundant supply of teaching jobs. The city has grown in size over the last few years, attracting a variety of tech start-ups and expats, which has created a lot more job opportunities for teachers.
While it’s very hard to get a job in the public school system or a university, there are plenty of language schools in the city to choose from. The pay isn’t as high as other countries in the world and there are few benefits (especially when compared to Asia or the Middle East), but you’re a stone’s throw away from everywhere in Europe.
The city is one of the most beautiful, vibrant, fun, and popular cities in Europe, which makes Prague an excellent central base from which to explore the continent.
Teaching in Spain is one of the best opportunities for anyone looking to work in Europe. There are plenty of jobs, the government has an active program for attracting teachers, and your visa means you can freely travel around Europe.
There are also many opportunities to teach private lessons on the side. You don’t get many benefits (or high pay compared to Asia or the Middle East), but the pay is still enough to live off of.
Taiwan is an excellent country to teach English in, thanks to lots of job opportunities (though they tend to be with young kids), high salaries, benefits similar to South Korea, and lots of other young teachers to share a social life with. The country places a high importance on learning English, and you’ll be able to find freelance tutor opportunities besides your regular, steady teaching job!
I loved my time in Taiwan, made some wonderful friends, and adapted to a completely new culture.
After reading “English Teaching Overseas”, you can check important issues for ESL teachers on the section PDFs. You can also visit my channel on YouTube.
I had a lot of fun teaching English overseas. It was on my favorite experiences on the road and it taught me so much about myself. You gain a lot of perspective on life by living in another culture.
While there is an opportunity to teach wherever English isn’t the native language, the destinations above draw the biggest crowds, offer the best pay, the best perks, and are the most fun.
If you are thinking about becoming an English teacher overseas, my advice is to head to one of these destinations and just do it!
Living in a foreign country, working as a teacher, and making money — teaching abroad sounds nice, doesn’t it?
It almost sounds too good to be true, but luckily it’s an opportunity available to people of various backgrounds, education levels, and experience. Teaching abroad is an incredible experience that gives you the chance to immerse yourself in a different culture, learn a new language, explore new frontiers, and forge wonderful new friendships.
There are over 1 billion people learning English as a second language worldwide, so the demand for English teachers is high. You don’t need a degree in English, prior teaching experience, or even a college degree at all to find a position. So what’s the catch? Well, it’s important to remember that hiring requirements are different in each country and school, so you need to find a job that works for your level of education and expertise. Here are some frequently asked questions about the requirements needed to teach abroad.
In some countries — especially in western Europe, the Persian Gulf, and parts of Asia — a college degree is officially (and sometimes unofficially) required to be hired as a teacher. Other times, individual schools may have their own requirements, depending on whether they are public, private, or follow a particular teaching methodology.
However, there are plenty of other countries where English speakers without a four-year degree can be paid to teach English, including most of Latin America, Eastern Europe, and certain countries in Asia, such as Cambodia and China.
There is plenty of information available online that compares the degree requirements for teaching English in over 50 countries around the world. You can also find additional information, such as salary expectations, hiring seasons, and visa requirements, that will help you decide where to go.
A TEFL certificate verifies that you’ve completed training to teach English as a foreign language (TEFL). Though it is possible to find a position without training or prior experience, a TEFL certificate will make the job search easier by opening the door to more opportunities in more countries; otherwise, you’ll have to restrict your search to certain areas. Without a TEFL certificate, you can also work as a volunteer.
Regardless of whether or not it’s required, a TEFL certificate is still recommended. There is rarely any training prior to getting started as a teacher, so the course will teach you the skills you need to provide a good English education to your students. Additionally, it is a requirement for many schools and it is even a legal requirement in some countries. As an added bonus, most TEFL courses will help you find and apply to jobs based on your interests and background.
Though teaching experience is useful and it’s what some schools are looking for, the only way to gain experience is to work! Luckily, having teaching experience is not required by most schools, and thousands of English speakers find work every year without prior experience.
However, having a TEFL certificate will make your application more attractive to potential employers and will give you an edge over other applicants. Countries as diverse as Turkey, Mexico, and Kazakhstan will hire teachers with a TEFL certificate but with no experience.
Countries with the most lucrative teaching positions, such as the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, require prior teaching experience, but those countries make up the minority.
Whether you need to be a native English speaker to teach abroad depends on where you want to go. Latin American countries do not usually care if you are a native English speaker or not, but the Gulf countries and many major Asian countries — such as China, Japan, South Korea, and Vietnam — prefer to hire native English speakers. For some programs, such as the Cultural Ambassador program in Spain, being a citizen of a native English-speaking country is a requirement.
For European citizens, you may have an easier time of finding positions if you’re not a native English speaker by working within the European Union, where there are many positions that are not open to non-Europeans.
If you want to teach English abroad but are not a native speaker, you must consider:
Some teaching programs are restricted to certain age groups — for example, the French TAPIF assistantship program is only open to people between the ages of 20-35. However, there are so many opportunities out there that people of all ages can teach abroad.
If you’re younger than 20, you may have trouble finding a full-time teaching job, but you can still gain experience in the meantime by volunteering overseas or working at summer camps. If you’re older and are looking to go overseas, you should be able to find work depending on your experience. Southeast Asian countries, such as Vietnam and Cambodia, as well as many Latin American countries have plenty of opportunities for older adults.
You certainly do not have to pay to teach. Just make sure that you have enough money to cover your flights and the first month of living expenses. Though there are some positions that will cover your flights and “startup costs,” in the Gulf countries, in particular, it’s better to have an emergency fund just in case. The specific amount you’ll need depends on the cost of living where you are teaching, but between $1,000-$2,000 would be a good idea.
Those participating in a volunteer program may have to pay tuition to cover housing and program costs. There are also organizations such as CIEE that will help you obtain a visa, find accommodation, and secure a position in exchange for a reasonable fee.
Teaching English abroad is an exciting way to immerse yourself in a new culture while building your resume. It’s not always easy, but it certainly can be very rewarding.
Though requirements may differ from country to country and school to school, what’s most important is to keep an open mind and a spirit of adventure. Having a TEFL certificate will certainly help expand your options as well. However, if you meet the requirements and you have the motivation and desire to go overseas and make a difference in both your and your students’ lives then you’re all set to begin this eye-opening journey!
After reading “English Teaching Overseas”, you can check important issues for ESL teachers on the section PDFs. And visit my channel by YouTube.
English Teaching Certificate
aaaa
aaaa
aaa
After reading “English Teaching Certificate”, you can check important issues for ESL teachers on the section PDFs. You can also visit my channel on YouTube.
“TEFL” is the acronym for Teaching English as a Foreign Language, or simply, English language instruction for non-native speakers. Also known as Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), English Language Teaching (ELT), and teaching ESL (English as a Second Language). The field of TEFL/TESOL represents one of the fastest growing educational fields in the world, and it presents thousands of excellent professional opportunities for teaching English abroad in all corners of the globe to native and fluent English speakers who earn their TEFL/TESOL certification.
In practical terms, in the field of teaching English abroad, there is little or no difference between “TEFL” and “TESOL.” They are both acronyms that essentially mean the same thing: teaching the English language to non-native speakers. Likewise, in the vast majority of cases, when it comes to ESL teaching certificates & teaching English abroad, a “TEFL certification” and a “TESOL certification” are the same and the terms are interchangeable.
On a more technical level, TESOL (Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages) is the term applied to the teaching of English to non-native speakers in native English speaking countries, so those who will earn degrees and work domestically in the field in the UK, Canada, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, and South Africa and US will typically use the term “TESOL.”
Click here to receive your TEFL & Teaching English Online Starter Kit
Learn how to get TEFL certified and begin your online teaching
career from the safety of your home!
To Teach English as a Foreign Language in a foreign country (non-native English speaking country), a TEFL Certification is typically required as schools and language institutes want to hire teachers who have received proper training. You don’t need to possess a degree in education, prior teaching experience, or even a college degree to get paid to teach English abroad. Private language schools abroad, online teaching companies and government programs that recruit native English speakers to teach abroad all seek to hire people who have received a certain degree of professional level training.
Accredited TEFL certification will provide instruction from a highly qualified instructor covering the skills and tools you will need to work as a professional English teacher. Professional-level TEFL courses must meet certain standards and include live practice teaching.
These standards include:
To learn more about what to consider when looking at TEFL certification courses, check out 7 Key Tips to Evaluate a TEFL / TESOL Training School on our TEFL Articles page.
Awards & Recognition:
All International TEFL Academy (ITA) courses are internationally accredited. In addition, International TEFL Academy has enjoyed an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) since 2012.
Since the beginning of 2019, ITA has been named the #1 TEFL school by GoOverseas.com & GoAbroad.com across a range of awards categories for TEFL certification:
Check out a full run-down of ITA’s awards, reviews and recognition in this article.
With the growing prevalence of online education, one question that frequently arises from those seeking to teach English abroad is: can I actually earn a valid TEFL certification online that employers will recognize when I apply for jobs to teach English overseas?
The answer is “Yes” – as long your online TEFL course is accredited and meets all of the standards outlined above. If you seek a truly professional-level certification that will provide you with the skills, resources and qualifications you need to get a top job, be mindful that many online TEFL courses – especially the cheaper ones – do not meet these standards. Online TEFL classes that do not include a practicum for example, are not recognized by many language schools and TEFL programs around the world.
To learn more, check out: Is International TEFL Academy’s Online TEFL Certification Course Valid & Accredited?
Yes it will! In addition to providing a recognized qualification for TEFL jobs overseas, TEFL certification will qualify you to teach English online, a fast growing market that provides opportunities to make money teaching English as a foreign language, whether you are living in the U.S., the U.K., or if you are teaching English abroad in a non-native English speaking country. Many English teachers abroad teach English online part-time as a way to supplement their income as an English teacher at a local school.
Others teach English online full-time, which gives them the chance to move more frequently from country to country while still earning income because they can teach English online from anywhere as long as they have a strong Internet connection. Most teachers are able to make at least $10-$20 (USD) per hour & work schedules are very flexible.
Teach English Online: Your Guide on
How to Make Money & Travel the World.
DOWNLOAD AS PDF FILE
Specialty Training Post Class Graduation:
To enhance their online teaching skills and make themselves more marketable for teaching English online, ITA students and alumni have the opportunity to enroll in an optional ESL teaching certificate: ITA’s exclusive 30-Hour Teaching English Online Specialty Course.
To learn more about teaching English Online, check out Teach English Online Your Guide on How to Make Money & Travel the World.
Posted In:TEFL Certification
Request a free brochure or call 773-634-9900 to speak with an expert advisor about all aspects of TEFL certification and teaching English abroad or online, including the hiring process, salaries, visas, TEFL class options, job placement assistance and more.
English Teaching Thailand
aaaa
aaaa
aaa
After reading “English Teaching Thailand”, you can check important issues for ESL teachers on the section PDFs. You can also visit my channel on YouTube.
Although not quite as popular as nearby South Korea and neighbor China for teaching English abroad, Thailand has nonetheless caught up in terms of being a great place to teach in Asia over the past decade.
A hot, tropical climate (which some people love…), friendly people, and a high but affordable quality of life have all added to the attractiveness of teaching English in Thailand.
If you’re interested in teaching abroad in Thailand, read on for the low-down on teacher salaries, visas, and how to find a job.
In order to teach English in Thailand, most teachers will require native proficiency and a bachelor’s degree. TEFL certification is not always required. The average salary for teaching in Thailand is $800 – $3,500 per month.
Posted: 2/15/2020 / February 15th, 2020
Thailand is an English teacher’s dream. With a low cost of living, incredible food, rich culture, plenty of partying, and a mai pen rai (no worries) attitude, the Land of Smiles is a very popular country for English teachers.
For Thais, English is considered a necessity to work in the global market, so there is always a need for teachers. With language schools, primary schools, universities, and other locations offering English classes, there are numerous avenues for employment.
So, how do you get a job teaching English in Thailand?
In order to do so, you need to be a native speaker from an English-speaking country (defined as the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand) or prove your fluency, and have a bachelor’s degree.
Because of the popularity of teaching English in Thailand, I’d recommend also having a 120-hour TEFL, TESOL, or CELTA certificate to make you more competitive.
With all teaching opportunities in Thailand, salaries vary greatly depending on the location and employer. In hot tourist destinations like Koh Samui, Phuket, and other spots, expect to earn less than what you would make in less exotic locales, because people will accept a lower salary in exchange for the beach lifestyle.
You will earn the most in Bangkok, followed by Chiang Mai.
Here’s a breakdown of the various ways to teach in the country and what to expect with each position:
Public schools are free from preschool through high school. The school year begins in May and ends in March and includes a three-week break in October.
As a public school teacher in Thailand, expect to work full-time, even if you’re not teaching every moment of the day. Responsibilities range from creating lesson plans and exams to grading papers (none of which you are compensated for if it’s on your own time), as well as keeping office hours at school.
Students range in their knowledge and understanding of English, and often there is little guidance in terms of the curriculum you need to create. You’re basically on your own here! Many teachers incorporate games, television shows, and movies into their classes.
In public schools, the student-to-teacher ratio is high, so expect large class sizes.
Salaries range from 25,000 to 40,000 THB ($827–1,317 USD) a month. Teaching in the cities will earn you the most money. You can expect lower salaries in the countryside, but cost of living is so cheap there, you’ll still end up having plenty of extra money!
There are very few differences between public schools and private and international schools, other than the lower student-to-teacher ratio and the fact that salaries are significantly higher since they are not free to attend.
International schools have the most coveted positions, but you’ll need to be an actual certified teacher to get one of them, as the curriculum follows the West’s. Private schools are a little less strict, but you’ll still want to have some experience. You’ll need to have not only a degree but also a TEFL, TESOL, or CELTA certificate and prior teaching experience, and be a native English speaker.
If you’ve never taught English before or have only a little experience, you’re unlikely to get a job at one of these schools.
Whereas the public schools follow the Thai system and come with little support, these institutions tend to be more like Western schools, so if you’re wondering what teaching is like there, just think back to what it was like when you went to school!
International schools pay the most, roughly 80,000–170,000 THB ($2,633–5,596 USD) a month (which is well above the typical Thai salary and allows for your lifestyle to be more lavish); private schools pay 60,000–80,000 THB ($1,975–2,633 USD).
These positions also come with a lot of perks: contract bonuses, lots of vacation days, health insurance, and sometimes airfare to and from Thailand.
Teaching at a university in Thailand can help give you an edge over the competition for other English teaching jobs in the country. But teaching at a university means teaching part-time and earning only 30,000–60,000 THB ($987–1,975 USD) a month.
The upside is that you can also teach at another school part-time, you get a few months of paid vacation, and you are compensated generously should you have to work overtime (about 1,000–1,500 THB, or $33–49 USD, an hour).
Depending on where you teach, your responsibilities will be different. All teachers must come up with lesson plans, but some may also have to teach faculty or have additional sessions outside of the classroom, among other duties.
You may or may not have textbooks to use for your curriculum. Class sizes at universities are notoriously large, about 50 students.
Teaching English at a language school in Thailand is different than at a public or private school. Classes are normally held in the morning before the workday starts to accommodate businesspeople, then again in the afternoon and into the evening for children and adults.
The workweek at language schools extends into the weekend.
At language schools, classes are small and range from four to ten students. As a teacher, it’s your responsibility to come up with lesson plans and activities.
There’s also the option at language schools to work full- or part-time. Full-time teachers make anywhere from 30,000 to 40,000 THB ($987-1,316 USD) per month; part-time teachers make 350–500 THB ($11.50–16.50 UD) per hour.
There are lots and lots of language schools in the country, and jobs are fairly easy to get. They don’t really care about previous experience or even if you have a TEFL certificate (though having both makes it easier to get a job).
You’ll also get very little support from the schools and will basically have to set up everything on your own. You’ll only get paid for actual classroom time.
I didn’t really love teaching at the language schools, but the work was easy even if it was not well paid.
As a corporate teacher, you teach from a company’s office, giving lessons to their staff. Classes tend to be large, so many employees can attend. Because these programs are quite expensive, the positions are only filled by teachers with experience.
Expect to work during the morning or late at night, as you have to teach people outside business hours.
Corporate teachers make anywhere from 45,000 to 60,000 THB ($1,481–1,974 USD) a month, and it’s normal for the school to cover travel expenses to the company.
Test preparation in Thailand is different than in other English positions. You must be knowledgeable in a variety of English tests, including SAT or GRE prep (and have finished in the 95th percentile or above), as well as IELTS and TOEIC, both of which are used to test students before they work or study abroad.
As a test prep teacher, classes are either groups or private and take place on both weekdays and weekends. It’s your job to not only teach the courses but also design and develop the course curriculum.
Test prep teachers average about 600 THB ($20 USD) an hour.
There are numerous sites to find jobs teaching English in Thailand. The best one for jobs is ajarn.com as it simply has the most listings and is specific to Thailand. It’s the oldest teaching in Thailand website too.
Other sites with job postings include the following:
It isn’t hard to apply for the Non-Immigrant B visa necessary to teach English in Thailand and your school will help you do, but there are quite a few steps to getting it and then starting teaching.
First, make sure your passport has validity beyond six months and have passport photos for applications, as well as your original bachelor’s degree, transcripts, and a certified criminal background check.
Next, you’ll need to apply for a visa from outside of Thailand and include a letter from your employer with the job offer. Once you have your visa, your employer steps in and handles the paperwork, completing the remainder of the application on your behalf.
After the visa is complete, you’ll need to have a physical exam and a medical certificate from a Thai doctor and then get your work permit. From there, it’s on to the Immigration Department in order to extend your visa in your passport for 12 months.
The last two steps are to get your tax card from the Tax Department and then your teaching license. Your employer should be able to assist you in all aspects of the process.
It’s important to note that if you choose to teach without these necessary items, you run the risk of getting kicked out of the country and fined.
To be completely honest, my expectations of what my life would be like in Thailand have changed since I first began the process of deciding to teach abroad. When I was back home in the States, I thought less about my actual teaching experience and more about the logistical side of getting all of my paperwork together, arriving in one piece, and finally getting settled.
During orientation is when I began to shape my actual expectations of what living and working would be like for the next year. Here are a few expectations I had about life as as an English teacher in Thailand, and what the reality has been since I have arrived.
My room in Thailand.
Expectations:
My main housing expectation before coming to Thailand is that it would be incredibly affordable. During orientation we were told to have low standards and just expect a room with four walls, a bed, and a basic bathroom.
Reality:
While housing costs significantly more than I expected, everything about my housing here in Thailand has exceeded my expectations. My agent picked me up when I arrived to town and took me to the apartment building where I live now.
I live in a very nice, furnished apartment with a king sized bed, a fridge, hot water, air conditioning and an incredible view. But this is not the case for everyone! I have friends who were completely on their own when it came to finding an apartment and friends who do not have hot water, a fridge or air conditioning.
My room in Thailand, from another angle.
Having low expectations definitely benefited me in the long run because I was bound to be pleasantly surprised wherever I ended up.
Advice:
One of my classrooms in Thailand.
Expectations:
On the management side of things, before starting at my school, I learned a lot about how the Thai schools are run differently from Western schools. There is a different communication structure and you aren’t necessarily given all of the details all of the time.
Basically, if you want information you have to ask for it. You also have an agent, who is your actual employer, who is there to help and manage the relationship between you and your school.
On the student side of things, I was expecting to walk into school and have kids greeting me with hugs and high fives excited to learn from their new teacher (naive, I know). I expected to meet all of the Thai staff and teachers and slowly get to know them and become friends.
Fellow teacher in Thailand.
Reality:
For management, the director of my school and the head of the English Department are both women, which is somewhat of a rarity here in Thailand. I was given a complete binder with all of the information that I would need for the year, including a calendar with days off, and my weekly lesson topics.
During my first week of teaching I felt like a rock star. I had the undivided attention of 45 ten year olds because I was new and they were so excited to hear what I had to say. I am very lucky in that I use PowerPoint in all of my classes and have access to every resource possible.
When I arrived at school I was surprised to learn that the foreign teacher’s office was separate from the Thai teachers and thus, I hardly interact with the Thai teachers. There are a few in my classes who are friendly and say hello, but I am still far from making friends like I had expected.
Advice:
My Thai Family (Doctor Daranee’s kids).
Expectation:
Being called the Land of Smiles, I had high expectations when it came to settling down and making friends here in Thailand. I expected to get to my new town and over time, easily be able to make friends with locals and other teachers. I did expect to experience culture shock, although you never know what form it will come in.
Reality:
Making new friends and settling down takes time. I arrived in the middle of the semester which meant that everyone had settled into their friend groups and routines. Thai people are super nervous to talk to native English speakers because they are shy about their English.
I have had people turn and run away after I accidentally greeted them in English instead of Thai. Once you make a Thai friend you will become a part of their family and they will forever hold a piece of your heart. Even after settling down and making new friends, I experience culture shock in ways I never have before.
Traveling in Chiang Mai with friends.
Recently, I have been getting so frustrated with the people who just stare at me as I walk down the street, workout, or eat in a restaurant. Sometimes I just want to scream “say something to me”. Other times I embrace these awkward moments and surprise them with a smile and wave (it’s especially funny when they are trying to sneak pictures of you). While I am still working on making Thai and Western friends, I am happy with the small little group that I have here.
Advice:
View point in Trang.
Expectations:
When you think of Thailand you think of the busy city life in Bangkok, the temples in Chiang Mai, and the beautiful beaches down south. Well, when I found out that I would be living in Southern Thailand I was thrilled to be able to visit the islands often. I also expected to have a decent amount of free time while at school.
I’m there about 45 hours a week and only teach 23 hours so that leaves a good amount of time unaccounted for outside the classroom.
Reality:
At school I have a few 45 minute breaks throughout the day and then a few hours at the end of the day. I try to plan and prepare for my lessons during the day so at the end I can read, blog, or watch Netflix for an hour before going home. I also use this time to research places to travel and things to do around town.
One big reality is that travel is exhausting and expensive. Even though everything here is relatively cheap, it is not free. And cheap still adds up quickly. There are so many things to see, and you probably don’t need to travel far from home to see them. In reality I can only afford big out of town trips once every few weeks.
A view point in my town in Thailand.
Advice:
As you prepare for your next travel adventure in Thailand, it is hard not to have certain expectations about what the teaching experience will offer. By keeping an open mind, you will be able to adjust to your new life a bit easier and potentially find that the reality is even better than what you had expected.
About the Author:
Hi! My name is Kelsey, I’m 23 years old, and I am a Colorado Native. I’m a sucker for cute dogs, margaritas, and anything outdoors. I am currently living in Hua Hin, Thailand and sharing my adventures from South East Asia!
Teaching English in Thailand is one of the best teaching opportunities in the world, thanks to the country’s cost of living, tropical environment, and laid-back lifestyle.
With so many options for teaching and the ease of getting a visa, it’s a perfect spot to start your English teaching career abroad.
English Teaching Abroad – Nowadays, it seems that we’ve all been bitten by the travel bug. If your Instagram feed is full of dreamy seascapes, epic mountain scenery and wanderlust-inducing food pics shared by travel bloggers the world over.
Most of us, given half a chance, would love to see the world and experience new cultures. But not all of us don’t know that this supposed pipe dream is more than attainable.
There is, in fact, an unmissable opportunity to work and travel abroad, well within your reach. One where you get to experience different countries around the world, meet new people, make new friends. And on top of that, make lots of money. So what is it?
Yep, you read that right. By teaching English abroad, you can live and travel in almost any country you’ve been dreaming of. From China, Japan, Mexico and Chile, to Spain or the Czech Republic, a job teaching English abroad – and a brand-new life adventure – are just on the horizon.
If you’re thinking about taking the plunge and teaching English abroad this year (or even at some point in the far-off future) this guide is a great place to kickstart your research.
We’ve got you covered with everything from figuring out whether teaching English abroad is even a good idea for you in the first place, to the qualifications you need, how to get a visa, advice on choosing the right program for you and the full scoop on the hottest English teaching destinations worldwide. In a nutshell, everything you need to know to find work as an English teacher abroad this year.
Along the way, we’ll provide plenty of resources for your researching pleasure. If this feels like info overload, don’t panic. You can choose to scroll through the entire guide in your own time or jump forward to the section you’re most intrigued by. And hey, if you like what you read, pay it forward by sharing this guide with a friend or coworker.
OK, granted, we don’t know a whole lot about you personally. But if you’ve got: A degree and you can speak English fluently there is a good chance this is for you.
We feel pretty confident you’re a good candidate for the job. The best part about teaching English abroad is that almost anyone with a degree of any kind can do it – so long as you can speak and write English fluently.
Fresh out of college and not sure what to do next? Whether you’re looking to move into teaching long term, or just keen to travel the world, learn something new and earn some cash in the process, it’s well worth considering teaching English abroad. That’s why new grads, career changers – even newly retired teachers – all look to teaching English abroad every year as their personal ticket to international travel and adventure.
While you do need a degree to teach English abroad (for the most part), you don’t have to major in English, education, or linguistics to qualify for teaching jobs abroad. Yes, that quirky astrobiology degree has a little-known second purpose. It also qualifies you to teach English abroad! There are literally thousands of great jobs open for bachelor’s degree holders of all types, all around the world.
You also don’t have to have a teaching degree to teach English abroad – take it from the hundreds of thousands of English teachers currently living and working abroad who don’t have one, either! And you don’t need to have teaching experience (although there are some incredible teaching jobs for those of you who do have experience and/or a degree in education.)
So, really, it’s not so much a question of whether you can get a job, but which job, in which country, is the best fit for you. More on this topic to come.
If the answer to any of these questions is “yes” and you are a fluent English speaker, then teaching English abroad could be right for you.
With English taking hold as the international language of commerce and culture, hundreds of millions of students across the globe are participating in English language classes each year.
From Seoul and Shanghai to Milan and Santiago, there is an unprecedented demand for English instructors. While many people worldwide confront the most challenging job market in generations, teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) provides both viable and accessible job opportunities as well as a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see the world while gaining invaluable work experience.
Founded in 2010, International TEFL Academy (ITA) is a world leader in TEFL certification for teaching English abroad and teaching English online. ITA offers accredited TEFL certification classes online and in 21 locations worldwide and has received multiple awards and widespread recognition as one of the best TEFL schools in the world. ITA provides all students and graduates with lifetime job search guidance and has certified more than 25,000 English teachers. Our graduates are currently teaching in 80 countries worldwide.
Teaching English Abroad: How Does It Work?
thank you deeply for the reality-checks, Kelsey. i realize that much may have changed since you posted 3 yrs ago.
I am over 60 yrs old, look younger but big deal, don’t have the stamina of people 1/2-1/3 my age!
Still really want to consider teaching english, small town preferred. So how’s the “ageism” index; do you see or hear of teachers over 50 doing OK, not having to prove that they are exceptional specimens, above being creative warm, and of course mature:)))
Hi, saw your comment and thought I would give my 2 cents. I’m 62, look younger and am sitting in a hotel in Bangkok awaiting release from quarantine. I applied for a job at the high school in the town where I live to supplement my pension. I retired early and have lived in Thailand for 4 years. The schools are pretty desperate for native speakers these days and if you can handle the culture shock you would be employable these days whereas before, the ageism here probably would have been a difficult obstacle to surmount.
Pay is sufficient for rent, food, and incidentals. Thailand is more civilized than a lot of people expect. Good luck!
Hi Kelsey,
Thank you for this very informative article. I am an aspiring TEFL teacher but I am not a native english speaker. Have you encountered any non native english teacher in thailand?
thanks
Hi, Kelsey. I have been looking for the opportunity to speak with someone about teaching abroad. I have been offered a teaching position in Bang Saen, Thailand. I also have been offered an interview for a position in Dubai. I will receive a better income and job package in Dubai, but I really feel that my heart is telling me Thailand is a better fit. What is your teaching job like in Thailand?
Hi Kelsey, im so inspired reading this. I am an aspiring English Teacher. Would you mind to share how did you get to work as English Teacher in Thailand? Thank you.
Hi Kelsey hope you are keeping well . Really enjoyed reading your blog . I am in the process of studying an online TEFL course and have been given a written assignment that involves the difference in Thai culture and education compared to that of my own which is South African . I have been looking for someone who lives in Thailand and would be able to help me with a few pointers and good advice. Hope you have a lovely day/evening and keep up the cool blog.
Hi Kelsey,
I have a few questions about your experience in Thailand. Do you still live there? You said you came in the middle of the semester. When is that? Did you find and go threw a program? If so, what program. Thank you for sharing your experience and expectations. I found it really helpful. Thank you!
Hi Kelsey – I really enjoyed reading this. You should be very proud of yourself; what an amazing experience. Can’t wait to hear more. Love from Colorado (Karen)