How to Travel Teaching English and Make Money at the Same Time

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By parollins
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Article Rating: (4 Ratings)

There are many non-speaking English countries, that have citizens wanting to learn English. If yoou have wondered how people travel to countries like Korea, Japan, Bulgaria or anywhere else in the world. Many of them do it by teaching English.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Obtaining a CELTA, Trinity or other TEFL certificate.
In some countries having a BA in almost anything qualifies you.
In some countries you don't need anything except that you are a Native English speaker but this limits where you can travel.

Step 1

Consider where you would like to travel to and if English teachers would be needed. Most countries need them. You also have to determine if this will be your sole income or if you have other income as well. Some countries pay a lot more. The highest paying countries are in the Middle East.
Step 2

Think about your education. Many countries require you have a degree to obtain a teaching Visa if you are not in the country. If you are there in the country, although it is not "legal" and you go around to the schools and have a clear English (especially American accent) you can be hired easily. English teachers are working all over in Thailand, Korea, Japan, Europe and the Middle East without them. The only obstacle here is you have to be there to get the job. For example, If you were in Thailand, and decided to teach English. If you dressed professionally and began visiting the schools, chances are you could find a job the first day.
Step 3

There are three different English teaching certificates and they are the CELTA, Trinity or regular TEFL certificate. The last one you can do online.
Step 4

Decide where you want to teach and research. Some companies out there are scams. Research all the possibilities. Check out Dave's ESL Cafe (see resources)there is a lot of information including job listings everywhere.
Step 5

Search the different schools and online courses you can take.
Step 6

Decide which certificate you want to obtain (if you do not have a degree it is probable you can get hired by taking a TEFL course that is name brand like the Trinity or CELTA)
Step 7

Check into the countries that accept Native English Speakers with a CELTA or Trinity that do not require a degree if you do not have one (normally Eastern European countries).
Step 8

Decide if you want to go to the country without a job and get one once you get there, make sure you have at least 3 months living expenses (based on the cost of living in that country)
Step 9

Keep in mind, that although you don't have to be a young person (20-30). It is sometimes easier to get hired if you are. They don't view hiring by age as discriminatory. It can be an advantage or disadvantage. Some look at it like you will be more responsible others go entirely by looks. So if you are a woman and have light hair, you are young and attractive you will get hired by some in the Middle East, others you will not.
Step 10

Determine whether you want to take the CELTA or Trinity, many of them are offered in the states. But, many are offered right where you want to go. Look into and determine the cost (usually anywhere from 2000-2500) for the 4-5 week course which most always includes room and board of some type. Most also provide job placement.

Comments

parollins said

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on 3/1/2009 I probably could have done it if I had been a little more persistant with my husband while over there. Now I don't know if we ever will. Maybe in 10 years or so. I hear though that the older you get the harder it is to find jobs.

JanieWrites said

on 2/28/2009 I have always wanted to do this - but probably won't get the chance. My son lives in Germany and when he is between jobs he teaches English.