Ever dreamt of ditching the office and exploring the world? You’re not alone. For tons of people, the idea of funding their adventures by working online is the ultimate goal. And one of the most popular ways to do that? Teaching English online. It’s a win-win: you get to travel, and you help people learn a valuable skill. But how do you actually make it happen? What do you need to know? Let’s find out.
Why a TEFL qualification matters (and why you can’t skip it)
Back in the day, if you were a native English speaker, you could pretty much waltz into a teaching job abroad. Not anymore. These days, most language schools only hire teachers who hold a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate. It guides you through the challenging task of managing classrooms, explaining grammatical structures, and creating engaging lessons and materials. Furthermore, it shows potential employers you know your stuff and you are serious about teaching.
Now, not all TEFL courses are created equal. You want to look for a course that’s at least 120 hours long. That’s the industry standard, and most employers expect it. It’s important to choose a course that is accredited. Nowadays, no one can afford to waste time and money on a course that won’t get you anywhere. Do your homework, read reviews, check the trainers’ credentials, and compare courses – there are many to choose from!
Online teaching: your ticket to freedom
Digital nomads have already discovered that teaching English online is the gift that keeps on giving: it’s flexible, fun, and fulfilling – as long as there’s a stable internet connection. Beach in Bali? Check. Coffee shop in Paris? Absolutely. It’s the ideal solution for anyone who wants to earn extra cash while exploring the world.
You can choose to build your freelance business from scratch. It gives you plenty of freedom, but it’s an all-consuming affair, especially if you don’t have a business-y background. The advantage is to play the game on your own terms and set your own fees too!
On the other hand, there’s a way of keeping things simple. There are many online platforms out there that can connect you with students from anywhere in the world. Each of these platforms are established language schools that have their own specific requirements. Some might ask for a degree or for previous teaching experience, but the vast majority want a TEFL qualification. You’ll often need to guarantee a minimum number of hours per week/month and you might not be able to set your own fee, but there’s still a lot of flexibility. You can choose when and how often you want to work and the pay can be pretty good too, ranging from $10 to $30 an hour, or even more.
Equipment for teaching on the road
TEFL is as successful as you want to make it. If you want to turn your travels into a career with online teaching, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First and foremost, think about your equipment. It doesn’t need to be the latest model or super expensive, but it does need to be of good quality. If you’re just starting out, you probably already have everything you need: a laptop with a built-in camera and mic. You can always upgrade your hardware later down the line.
Another important factor is your teaching environment. Ideally, you should have a dedicated area for your screen time: a quiet and well-lit spot where there are no distractions and you can focus on your students.
Potential students want to give their money to someone they trust. For this reason, building a strong online presence is crucial. But a few pretty pictures aren’t going to be enough. It’s important to show that you are an expert in your field, so keeping up with your professional development will make you stand out from the rest.
Finally, you need to build rapport with your students. They join your lessons because they trust you, and you can’t let them down now. Your lessons should be well thought-out and engaging; your approach should be always welcoming and open-minded.
Teaching abroad: the real deal
Imagine this: you’re sipping coffee in a charming café in Lisbon, then hopping on a train to Barcelona for the weekend. That’s the beauty of teaching English online. You’re not tied down to one place. You can live your travel dreams while earning a steady income.
Of course, if you’re craving a deeper cultural immersion, teaching English in person is still a fantastic option. You can live and work in a foreign country, experience local life, and learn a new language. It’s a completely different kind of adventure.
If this is your first experience of teaching abroad, choosing your destination can be quite overwhelming. To give you a head start, here are a few places that are popular with English teachers:
- Lisbon, Portugal: Lisbon is a rising star in the TEFL world, and it’s easy to see why: historic neighbourhood, delicious food, and Mediterranean sun.
- Barcelona, Spain: Vibrant culture, stunning architecture, and lively atmosphere: Barcelona is a dream for teachers who love city life.
- Prague, Czechia: In the heart of Europe, Prague is the ideal base for your weekend trips within the country or around Europe.
- Istanbul, Turkey: Istanbul offers a unique cultural experience, merging the best of Eastern and Western cultures.
- Buenos Aires, Argentina: For a taste of Latin American passion, head to Buenos Aires. Tango, literature, and a vibrant street life won’t disappoint you.
- Kyoto, Japan: Experience the beauty of traditional Japan in Kyoto. Explore ancient temples and experience a rich cultural heritage without missing out on city life.
- Seoul, South Korea: A modern metropolis with a rich history, Seoul is a hub for English language learning. You’ll find plenty of opportunities here.
Travel and teach: the ideal combination
Are you looking for a new lifestyle? Leave the ordinary behind and get into TEFL for an extraordinary experience. You’ll start a new life that is all about freedom, adventure, and making a difference.
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