Teaching English Abroad With A TESOL Certification

Are you looking for a way to work while traveling the world? Do you see yourself suitable for a career in teaching? Do you have an enthusiasm for education? Are you unwilling to let your dreams of traveling take a backseat while you pursue a career? A career in teaching English abroad is a way how you make it all happen!

Lots of people have the time of their lives teaching English abroad, but how exactly do they do it? In this article, I’ll discuss a few of the key things to consider so you can turn your plans into actions.

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How a TESOL certification enables you to travel the world

Qualifying for TESOL (Teach English as a Second Language) with a well-accredited provider will be the most important thing you do in taking the leap towards your new teaching English career.

How and where can I get a TESOL certification?

There are nowadays many providers who offer online TESOL courses. Your provider should be accredited by education or government bodies. The better accredited your provider, the more you’ll stand out to employers.

The ideal TESOL provider offers a variety of high-quality courses including the essential 120-hour TESOL course as well as more advanced ones covering topics such as teaching Business English or running online classes.

Where can I go with a TESOL certification?

When I say that you can travel the world with a TESOL certification, I’m not exaggerating. There is a diverse range of teaching opportunities spanning the globe. Your biggest decision will be deciding where to work first.

Besides teaching English online and working as a digital nomad, there are plenty of other options.

Options with set hours and working locations if you’d rather experience teaching in person, while also avoiding being your own boss (being your own boss is ideal for many but it’s not for everyone!).

There are a number of factors that’ll influence where you can teach, which is why it really is so important that you’re aware of the different country and employer specifications before you start applying and making any concrete plans.

If you are both a degree holder and a native English speaker, you’ll have the most options and ease when finding work.

Without a degree, some of the most popular TESOL destinations (of which are mostly in Asia), will not be an option as visa requirements are non-negotiable.

The only exceptions for non-degree ESL teachers who want to work in Asia are those who are willing to work short contracts, volunteer, or relocate to Cambodia.

However, don’t let any of the above specifications stop you from pursuing an exciting career as an ESL teacher.

Just because one requirement is set in stone for one country i.e. being a degree holder, that doesn’t mean you won’t find a great opportunity elsewhere.

Some people think they’re too old for TESOL but that shouldn’t stop you either. Yes, there are some countries or employers that only hire within a specific age range but if you’re willing to commit to the job search, you’ll find the right fit for you while traveling.

As mentioned, some of the most popular TESOL destinations are in Asia, including Thailand, China, and Vietnam.

Asia is popular for a number of reasons including a thriving industry for ESL teachers with no shortage of work, well-paid job opportunities, and the possibility of employment incentives such as paid for flights and/or accommodation, as well as diverse and vibrant cultures spanning the continent.

Outside of Asia, popular destinations include Spain, Italy, and Mexico but that’s just to name a few.

It’s best to explore a variety of options and destinations when looking for work. Be patient and persist. The process of sending off multiple applications can be very time-consuming as different employers have their own recruitment procedures.

Your research will be essential to ease the application process. You don’t want to invest time in an application for a job you aren’t actually eligible for. You’ll be grateful for your own preparedness further down the line.

Why is having a TESOL certification and teaching English abroad a perfect way to see the world?

ESL teachers have one of the rare opportunities to fully immerse themselves in a new culture. Visiting a destination on holiday, no matter how many things you do there and how blissful it is, simply can’t be matched with actually living, working, and experiencing the place on a daily basis.

English teachers abroad are typically paid well enough to lead a pretty comfortable lifestyle. As a result, travel shouldn’t be unaffordable while you work.

Use your weekends and time off to set off somewhere new. It doesn’t have to be far away for it to be an unforgettable travel experience.

If you do plan to visit as many different locations as possible while on a fixed teaching contract, you should consider teaching in a country well-connected to its neighbours, acting as a good base location to reach other destinations on your list.

This way you won’t find yourself stretching your funds too thin on various plane tickets.

Teaching English abroad is what you make of it. You could settle down permanently in your destination country or relocate upon completion of one teaching contract to the next.

You’re in control of where you go. Having a TESOL certification makes it possible to see the world and make money while traveling!