Many gap-year students find travelling around the world and partying with friends to be satisfying; however, increasing numbers of young people are seeking a more meaningful experience through volunteering or working during their gap year. Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) is a rewarding way to give back to your host country as well as a good way to make some money.
It's relatively easy to find a TEFL position in Asia, South America or sometimes even the Middle East. Most young people from the UK end up teaching English in Asia, with countries like Thailand, Korea, Japan and Malaysia providing ample opportunities. Student insurance ensures that your family back home can rest easy while you're enjoying your gap year abroad.
While teaching English abroad does not present any high risks to your safety most of the time, it's helpful to be aware of your surroundings. Fully investigate the country where you will be spending your gap year. Do your research on the schools you are applying to and ask plenty of questions during interviews. You'll want to know how many hours you will be required to teach as well as the location of the school and its safety regulations. You should also gain some insight into the types of students you will be teaching. Ask if the school provides security and if you will be required to teach night classes.
If the school provides accommodation, ask them how safe the quarters are and if you will be required to share them with other teachers. If you have to find your own room, request assistance in locating a safe apartment that suits your budget and make sure that secure transportation is available. It's best to find out if there are any dangerous parts of town and the crime levels in the areas surrounding the school, so you can best gauge your travel insurance needs. Avoid walking alone, especially at night in unfamiliar areas.
It might take time to adjust to the food of your host country and you should watch what you eat so as not to risk getting ill at the same time you start your new job. Only drink bottled water and make sure all the food you eat is well-cooked and served hot. You may choose to keep some medicine handy in case you get food poisoning, while it's also useful to know where the nearest pharmacy is to your place of employment. Good student insurance will take care of any hospital stays, if required.
Even if you are cautious and attentive to your surroundings, it's still possible you might run into some trouble or become ill. It's during these times that you'll be grateful that you purchased travel insurance before leaving home. Travel insurance can assist you with hospital bills, reimburse you if you have items stolen, or in extreme cases, evacuate you if necessary. You won't want to be stuck in a foreign country without good travel insurance, and if you're concerned that student insurance is not within your budget, you can visit travel insurance discounts for discounted rates.
TEFL jobs can be rewarding and give you insight into the people of your host country which you could not otherwise get by just holidaying there. It's no doubt you'll return home with lots of fun stories and memories to last you a lifetime. Student insurance will help put your mind at ease so you can enjoy your travel experience even more. Don't risk being caught in a bad situation without a safety net while spending a year in a foreign country.
English is the common denominator in the world of commerce and education. If English is your native language, you have a definite edge in finding work overseas. Moreover, as a native speaker teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL" is a great way to learn about other cultures. If you are someone who enjoys preparing stimulating lessons and standing in front of a class, then TEFL may be the job for you.
Although there are many jobs available, competition for TEFL jobs has also strengthened over the last several years. Thus, getting solid training in TEFL before heading overseas is highly recommended. Having a Bachelor's degree and a certificate in TEFL will give you an advantage in terms of placement and pay. A TEFL course will also boost your confidence level while honing your classroom technique.
There are several options for obtaining skills for teaching English abroad. You can take a short, intensive course or a part time course. Regardless which path you take, make sure that your school is an accredited member of an English language center.
The Japanese government is one of the largest recruiters for English teachers and its JET program (Japan Exchange and Teaching) advertises teaching positions throughout the year. Most people hired by JET work as Assistant Language Teachers (ALT) at junior high and high schools throughout Japan. If you have a University degree and good language skills, you can apply at a Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country. JET is considered one of the most reliable for teaching placement, offering up to a three-year contract in some cases.
If you are looking for a job teaching English once you have arrived in Japan, the best time to find work is in March, just before the school year begins. You can also find jobs around the holidays, such as in the beginning of May, in late July or August, and at the end of December through New Years when new positions become available.
When securing a TEFL job in Japan, or anywhere else around the globe, there are elements you need to know before you leave your home country. Find out the specifics of your contract. Ask if your contract includes procurement of a visa (some employers will sponsor you for a work visa and pay the costs, some will sponsor, but not pay the costs, etc.), housing, meals, and training. Ask about the total weekly teaching schedule.
Usually a TEFL teacher teaches 20 to 25 classes per week, with each class lasting from 50 minutes to 2 hours. Classes can be in the mornings, afternoons or evenings. Ask if you will be teaching children or adults and what the size of the class will be so you know how to prepare. Ask if you will be traveling from one school branch to another or if you will be based in single location. Ask about holiday policies. Find out about tax payments by contacting your income tax agency as well as the Japanese authorities.
Once you have decided that a TEFL job in Japan is for you, there are many helpful resources to make your life easier. Many guides cover everything from etiquette to accommodations to immigration as well as valuable advice, helpful phone numbers, and addresses.
If you haven't procured a job once you are in Japan, check the newsletters with job listings such as O-Hayo Sensei and Gaiijin Pot. Other resources include Heri, AEON and Amity Teachers.
As with any type of job, there are good and bad TEFL schools. Make sure you do your research and that the TEFL schools you are applying to have the appropriate credentials.
Breaking the ice on your first day of class is the way to set up a personal relationship with your students for the rest of the year. Put the TEFL tools and tactics you have to work immediately. Try to learn everyone's name by making nametags and creating an amiable tone right from the start. Play a game by arranging the class in a circle to make introductions to each other in English. Make your first TEFL day playful, interactive, and informal. From there TEFL will become easier and easier.
Both Andy Burrows & Charles Benninghoff are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Andy Burrows has sinced written about articles on various topics from Finances, Insurance and Travel and Leisure. Former English teacher Andy Burrows has travelled the world, working as he goes. He never leaves home without Another option: