Traveling is an opportunity to see the world through fresh eyes, learning more about the planet by interacting with different people and their customs and traditions. Thus, travel is something that can really bring richness and depth to anybody’s view on life, no matter where that individual comes from or how they think.
However, tourism can get quite pricey, from ensuring that one has enough food and drink to get by to pay for the range of excursions or day trips that may come up over time. Therefore, it is prudent to think about jobs that provide a means of financial support to travel, as well as the flexibility to ensure that tourist chances can be taken advantage of to the fullest extent.
With that in mind, one great career choice is that of a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) teacher. Read on below to find out more about this profession, as well as some of the main reasons why TEFL is such an ideal location for both the short-term and long-term.
What is TEFL?
TEFL is the main way in which English can be taught as a foreign language to students around the world. Originally, TEFL was mainly studied in traditional classroom settings, with one teacher standing at the front of the class while the learners sat in their seats and absorbed the learning content.
However, as with many other areas of life, technology has dramatically changed the landscape in this sphere. Not only is it now possible to study TEFL online, but even the style of teaching inside a classroom has become much more interactive and technologically evolved in recent years.
This has created a niche for new TEFL teachers to come in, with their own knowledge of modern devices as well as an understanding of core educational approaches, and make their own mark in the field. As a result, the domain is full of a blend of older and newer TEFL teachers, all with their own unique style of teaching, ready to help TEFL learners master the English language.
What does a TEFL teacher need to get started?
The first thing any new TEFL teacher should do is get a verifiable TEFL certification, which this handy guide explains in lengthy and complete detail. From getting the latest information on prices and course duration, as well as a grasp on some of the key course components, the guide provides the lowdown on all of the major facts that should help a new TEFL teacher choose the right course for them.
These programs are designed to be flexible and anticipate the needs of any new TEFL teacher, from how to design an effective lesson plan all the way through to how to explain tricky grammar concepts to learners of any level.
What’s more, the courses are run by teams of experienced and helpful TEFL professionals, who have gained years of experience in the field, so they know pretty much all there is to know about the subject, as well as some of the more common issues that may arise in a typical class.
Beyond that, these qualifications are also the optimal way to ensure an application goes right to the top of a recruiter’s list. They are always on the lookout for candidates who are willing to go above and beyond in their skillset, and of course, many countries do require a form of TEFL certification as part of their visa process as well.
Where are some good places for a TEFL teacher to work right now?
Naturally, everybody is different in what they are looking for when it comes to where they would like to work. These factors can range from the cost of living, salary, and tourism opportunities as well to chances for growth in the TEFL sphere.
Having said that, one place that ticks a lot of boxes at this moment in time in South Korea. From big city life in the capital city of Seoul to a more relaxed and tranquil pace of life elsewhere, there really is something for every taste in South Korea.
For instance, with companies such as Samsung being headquartered in this country, cutting edge of technology is never far away from modern life. This includes aspects such as mobile phones, computers, or even those wishing to set up their own website.
However, for those who prefer to get away from the hustle and bustle of metro location living, there are lots of small towns and villages across South Korea where TEFL teachers are in high demand. This is partly because of the large numbers of learners who are in need of high-quality TEFL education but also due to the importance of English for South Koreans of any age, from kindergarten through to adult business English students.
What are some of the benefits of teaching TEFL in another country?
For one thing, being able to help others who are willing and able to acquire another language is a huge blessing, especially when those individuals can be taught alongside their own friends or family members. Classes with students in their own native environment are often a great way to encourage learners to open up about the world around them, from the daily routines they have where they live to any national holidays or celebrations they have throughout the year.
Additionally, teaching TEFL in another country is a wonderful way to see life from a local viewpoint. This is partly because many TEFL students enjoy inviting their teachers to special events in the region, such as sporting events or even local parades. For example, many nations celebrate Mardi Gras around this time of year, and in a country such as Brazil, Carnaval is a major component of the calendar.
On top of that, memories can be made that last a lifetime. From dressing up in local costume for a school theme day, all the way through to diving more deeply into the art and literature of a country via a specific research project, teaching TEFL can really provide a range of fresh glimpses into the world around us.