| So you're thinking about getting TEFL certified (or | | | | If forward planning isn't really your thing, then it is |
| maybe you already are!), but once you've | | | | possible to find a TEFL job in-country. It can be |
| completed your TEFL course, what are you going | | | | risky as you're not guaranteed to find a position |
| to do with that crisp new certificate? Get a job | | | | as soon as you step off the plane, but it depends |
| and sail off into the sunset, that's what! However, | | | | where you want to go. Schools in popular |
| with thousands of teaching jobs abroad all over | | | | countries such as China, Thailand and Japan offer |
| the world, choosing a good one can be tricky. So, | | | | good standards for English teachers and recruit |
| to help you in your job hunt, here are just a few | | | | locally due to their popularity as travel destinations. |
| ways to snaffle that dream TEFL job. | | | | Networking is still important though, as is |
| Planning ahead - going with a company | | | | establishing contact with the local schools: internet |
| You'll often find that your TEFL course provider | | | | forums are a good place to start, as they often |
| will offer a free TEFL job placement service on | | | | have plenty of experienced teachers as |
| completion. This is usually hassle-free, but | | | | members. Being in-country is a big advantage as |
| researching your employer is always a good idea. | | | | you meet with the school director and actually |
| You can use the internet to research the local | | | | visit your prospective work place and make a |
| area and culture, while travel guides such as | | | | decision based on your own impressions, rather |
| Lonely Planet also offer handy tips. The | | | | than those of someone else. |
| organization you opt for should be able to give | | | | You will, however, still need to have a good |
| you information about the school and may even | | | | resume, references and, of course, your TEFL |
| offer contact details for their in-country | | | | certificate (we're hoping you'll already have your |
| coordinators. If you can get hold of a phone | | | | passport!) You'll also need to carefully consider |
| number, ask to speak to any TEFL teachers | | | | your budget, especially if you're arriving in Europe. |
| currently in the school to get a true idea of what | | | | Make sure you arrive at the best time for |
| it's like to work there. | | | | recruitment, usually a month or so before the |
| Going it alone | | | | start of the academic year. This will be more |
| If you're arranging your own teaching job abroad | | | | important in popular destinations in Asia or Europe, |
| the most important thing is to network. Most | | | | but less so if you plan to teach in off the beaten |
| schools depend on local advertising and | | | | track. |
| word-of-mouth, long before considering using | | | | Checklist |
| online adverts. The TEFL community is vast, so | | | | A few things for to consider before setting off |
| the sooner you start making contact with both | | | | on your TEFL adventure: |
| schools and other teachers, the better. Employers | | | | What will living in my chosen country be like? |
| are looking for people who have a genuine | | | | Do my qualifications meet the standards of the |
| enthusiasm for teaching so make sure your | | | | country I'm going to? |
| bubbly personality and love of working with | | | | Do I have all the correct documentation: visas, |
| children come across in your application and your | | | | passport, TEFL certificate? |
| resume. Your resume itself should be packed full | | | | Where will I be living? |
| of TEFL-related skills, up to date references and | | | | What is the average pay in my chosen country? |
| lots of experience. | | | | What hours should I expect to work? |
| Be tenacious with your applications, get back to | | | | What sort of materials will be available? |
| schools you hear from and try to arrange phone | | | | What support will there be before and during the |
| interviews at schools that are far away. Large | | | | placement? |
| language schools will often have offices in several | | | | How big is the school I will be teaching in, in actual |
| countries, so you may be able to talk to | | | | size and class size? |
| someone in person without having to get on a | | | | What level of English will my students already |
| plane. Establishing contact with the school | | | | have? |
| beforehand will also help you to make a much | | | | What will my pupils' average age be? |
| more informed decision. | | | | What will my non-teaching duties be? |
| Travelling first | | | | |