Get a job teaching English - TEFL jobs

Teaching your native language in a foreign country isn’t easy, but it is hugely rewarding. Becoming part of a native community allows you to get to know the country in a way hopping from hostel to hostel never can. You’ll learn as much from your students as they will from you. But before you grab a dictionary, a tube of sunscreen and a suitcase, hold on… there’s a lot more to this teaching lark than there may seem. Thought it was easy? Just wait ‘til they ask you to explain the difference between present and continuous tense…

Do you need a TEFL certificate?
As you’d expect, teaching English is a wildly popular option for gap students. So certificates are now requisite for most positions – in fact, you don’t really want to work in a school where they’re not. Don’t despair: you can obtain a TEFL certificate in a month, so it shouldn’t hold up your plans for too long.

When you start looking for a TEFL course, look out for the two most recognised qualifications: the Cambridge Celta and the Trinity CertTesol, which will stand you in good stead with potential employers. Both require you to have completed 100 hours of study, including 6 hours of teaching; you can build this up abroad, or at home.

There’s a wide choice of TEFL courses on igapyear, from a month’s study in Prague to on-site training and placement in Thailand; you can even gain your qualification long-distance before departure. And don’t see your TEFL certificate solely in terms of gap opportunities – it’s a practical skill that you could return to at any time in the future, so this is a qualification that’s definitely worth taking.

Where can you teach English?
Have you ever struggled to find an English-speaker when you’ve been on holiday? Probably not, and the reason for this is that English is one of the world’s most important languages; employees of the financial, tourist, service, and retail industries almost always have a basic grasp of the language. So it’s no surprise that teaching English is one of the most widespread opportunities available.

Which countries are the most popular choices? Thailand has oodles of flip-flop appeal, and there’s a school on the picturesque island of Phuket where you can learn to teach with hands-on experience as part of the course. If you’re looking for a more sophisticated lifestyle, how about Prague? Learn to teach, shop, and socialise in this shopping capital of Europe – after a month you’ll have your certificate, ready to take you anywhere in the world.

For those who have already qualified, teachers are in high demand throughout China and Thailand. In return for your teaching skills, you’ll discover where to buy the best bok choi, how to haggle with a rickshaw driver, and how to celebrate the Chinese New Year in style! Korea, Japan and Vietnam are becoming increasingly popular. And if you’re looking for something a little different, South America is the hottest destination for teaching English. Head for tropical Ecuador, Brazil or Honduras, and you’re in a perfect spot to continue your travels.

Where to start
You’ll find a number of TEFL agencies on igapyear. These companies coordinate your trip for you, allowing you to choose the length and destination of your teaching position. You will receive a salary for teaching but this varies from country to country – check out the costs of living to see how much you might need! First, decide whether you’d like to train before you leave or on-site, then make a list of destinations and contact the agencies to find out what they can offer you.

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The Guardian’s TEFL section is a great source of views from teachers in the field: http://education.guardian.co.uk/tefl/