TEACHING ABROAD
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.
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
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.
“Theoretically, anyone can be an English language teacher”
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
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
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. n
Get started
• 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-scheme
• 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
Autumn 2011 |
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