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Teaching English Abroad: What you Need to Know Before You Go

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    Sea food served on the cruise ship in Bangkok

    So, You Want to Teach English Abroad

    Thinking of teaching English abroad? Dreaming of exploring exotic destinations, indulging in the exquisite cuisine and dressing in the finest apparel from around the globe? If so, you are in the right place because in this article you will discover how you can transform your dream into reality. In this article, I will walk you through what you need know before you pack your bags and board that plane to the destination of your choice. But first!

    Separating Myths from Realities

    A very ripe durian fruit


    You have probably heard both amazing and frightening tales about teaching English abroad. But before you abandon one of your bucket list items, or you jump onto the plane, let let me separate facts from fiction. In this article, I will answer some of the most common questions about teaching abroad.

    Can Non-Native English Speakers (NNES) Teach English Abroad?

    One of the common questions people ask about teaching English abroad is whether non-native English speakers can teach English abroad or not. A quick answer to that question is yes! However, there is more to it as you shall discover in this article. It is important to note that there are some countries that accept NNES as teachers of  English, while others have laws that forbid NNESs to teach English. So, it is important for you to establish this before splashing your precious savings relocating, leaving your country and loved ones behind , or resigning from your current job in the hope of finding greener pastures only to have a rude awakening when you discover that greener pastures are nothing but an illusion.

    A Bhudist Temple in Northen Thailand

    Qualifications: What Do you Need to teach English Abroad?

    Every country has different minimum requirements for teaching English. While it is possible to teach English without a degree in some countries, most countries require at least a bachelor's degree in any subject. Some specifically state that your degree must be in English or English-related field such as Communication or Journalism. In addition, some countries take it a step further by requiring a teaching qualification in addition to a subject-related degree, especially if your bachelor's degree is a non-teaching qualification. These qualifications may include:

    • TEFL(Teaching English as a Foreign Language)
    • CertEd (Certificate of Education)
    • DipED (Diploma in Education)
    • PGCE (Post graduate certificates)
    • PGDipED (Post graduate diplomas in education)
    • TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)
    • CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults)
    • DELTA (Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)
    Having a clear picture of the minimum qualifications required in your target country is important in order to avoid surprises and perhaps disappointments when job-hunting abroad. 

    Authenticating Your Qualifications 

    The other aspect to consider is the legalisation of your qualifications. Due to cases of fraud, many countries have implemented strict measures to ensure that all the teachers they hire are genuinely qualified. This prevents use of fake certificates which can lead to shortchanging students. Unfortunately, this process comes with additional costs. The services of law experts such as notaries or commissioners of oaths are needed. These experts will verify your certificates, often at a fee. Find out in your home country how much these services are. 

    Criminal Background Checks

    Before you leave your home country, you should first undergo background check done by relevant departments. You must get a clear criminal record certificate.  So, it is important that you follow all the ethical and legal practices to avoid any complications in this area. In many countries, this service is offered by the police. Check with your local police department. In some cases, they require you to state your country of destination as they issue country-specific certificates. 

    Health and Fitness Requirement 

    Different countries have specific health and fitness requirements for teaching. Find out about what health conditions may prevent you from working as a teacher in your target country. In some cases, you may have to undergo some tests or get vaccinations before you leave your home country. Some countries, for instance still require proof of  Covid 19 vaccination. If you are coming from a yellow fever zone, it is also wise to get vaccinated against it. To be sure, contact your prospective school about it.

    Salary Considerations and Cost of Living

    Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel and Tower in Bangkok
    One of the most important factors to consider is the salary. To have a clear picture, you need to look at the cost of living in your target country. Consider the cost of rentals, groceries and utilities. If making a lot of money is your main motivation for teaching abroad, some countries might not be ideal for you. However, it is important to consider these things so that you don't become a destitute abroad. For instance, a salary of USD$4,000 might provide a comfortable lifestyle in one country but could be very little in another country depending on the costs of living in the that country.
    The Golden Toilet at The White Temple in Chiang Rai

    Stay tuned for the upcoming posts in this
    series where I will explore specific countries and their teaching requirements, living conditions and salary ranges.

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