5 Steps: How To Teach English Abroad

Step 1. Obtain a University degree

Some would argue that a bachelor’s degree is not needed for every teaching job abroad, but it will greatly widen your opportunities and raise your base salary anywhere you go. My school in Thailand only hired native speakers with both a BA degree and a TEFL/TESOL certificate. Also, it doesn’t have to be a teaching degree. Get that piece of paper and you are ready to go.

Step 2. Book Your One-way Ticket

Skyscanner, Google Flights, Skiplagged, Kayak. I usually search flights in this order. From past trips, it seems cheapest to fly internationally on a Wednesday. 

Tip: Avoid Booking from 3rd parties (Travelocity, Priceline, Etc). Trust me, don't do it. 

Step 3. Obtain A TEFL or TESOL Certificate

Getting one of these is very useful when trying to get a legitimate teaching job in another country. I took one 3-week course in Phuket, Thailand. They not only prepared me to teach English to non-native speakers, but it also gave me a chance to practice being in front of a classroom with local Thai people. They also provided me with a list of contacts for schools in the area, which led me to my first job as a foreign teacher at an International school. To learn more about the certification program I used in Thailand, check out: https://www.teflcampus.com/

Although I found taking a TEFL course in person to be a great learning opportunity, you can also obtain a certificate at home or online. There are even some cheap courses you can buy on Groupon for around $60 USD!

Step 4: Network and Land a Job!

Coming from the states, I know that most people feel safer landing a job before they leave home. But, I would have to disagree. It’s easier to see every opportunity available when you are in the actual city you want to teach at. If you go through an agency online, you may be placed somewhere rural or not quite somewhere you had in mind for yourself. Just get there, and I guarantee that job opportunities will show themselves to you. Join Facebook groups, forums, and talk to other foreign teachers in the area. There is always someone willing to help you.

The same goes for finding housing and work permits. Once you are hired at a school in Thailand, the employer will begin the process for your work permit. In the mean time, you might have to go on a couple visa runs (these are pretty easy and affordable to do in Southeast Asia). Housing and food is also very cheap and easy to find once you get to the area you want to be based in.

Step 5: Explore What's Around You

The best part about being an expat is the easy access to so many new and exotic destinations. While I taught in Thailand, I used my holidays and time off to travel much of SE Asia. When I taught in Italy, I traveled all through Europe. During my WorkAway in Spain, I hopped on a ferry to Africa!

For me, starting from scratch in a new country has turned into an addiction. Letting go of my familiar comforts creates space to love everything else the world has to offer.