Alternative Teaching Jobs

ESL teaching jobs can be found in almost every part of the world, but what is the best way to find a job to suit you? As the approach to recruitment varies from one region to the next, there is no simple answer to this question. Below we outline the main job hunting strategies that TESOL qualified teachers can use to find their dream job. Online job hunting is increasingly common, particularly if you are looking for a position outside of the country where you are currently residing. A quick online search will reveal several job boards that post vacant teaching positions from all over the world. In many cases, these jobs will be in areas where the demand for teachers is so high that employers choose to hire foreign teachers without actually meeting them in person. Jobs in this...  [Read more]

As the UK is an English speaking country it does supply a large number of TESOL qualified teachers to work in countries all over the world. However, due to the high cost of living, many of these complete their training through an online TESOL course or at a training center located overseas where the overheads are less and the demand for qualified teachers is particularly high. The truth is that the vast majority of first-time teachers from the UK head abroad to find teaching jobs initially as positions within the UK itself will normally be snapped up by experienced teachers who are returning from teaching overseas. Due to economic factors there are less in-class TESOL courses available within the UK as there were a few years ago. However, there are still plenty of different options...  [Read more]

There are many different locations available to anyone who is looking to teach English abroad. Some people make their decision based on the potential salaries on offer, while others might be more focused on cultural aspects or lifestyle. There are pros and cons to be considered for every region and individual country, so below we have outlined the most popular options to help you towards your final decision. In terms of job numbers, Asia is by far the most popular region for ESL teachers. This huge continent offers a wide variety of opportunities across all kinds of environments. Jobs are plentiful in major modern cities such as Tokyo, Seoul and Beijing, while those looking for a slower pace of life are equally spoilt for choice in parts of Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam, to mention...  [Read more]

Although online English teaching has been around for several years its popularity has really gone through the roof since the COVID-19 pandemic turned most people’s lives upside down. With international travel restrictions in place across the world, many teachers who would otherwise be living and working overseas have had to seek alternative employment via online teaching platforms. Now that things are slowly returning to normal, many TESOL qualified teachers will start to head off to far flung corners of the world. However, many others will choose to stay working online as it is easy to get used to the convenience and stability that this type of work can bring. Because of the pandemic most online TESOL teachers have been working from their own homes in recent times, either from a...  [Read more]

Due to an extremely high demand right across the world it is not only possible to teach English online without any previous experience, it is actually very common. As long as you have completed a good quality TESOL certification course, having no previous classroom experience is generally not a barrier to starting a new career as an online English language teacher. If you work as an online English teacher you could potentially be teaching students from countries all over the world, but luckily you do not need to be familiar with all their native languages. This is possible by using the common teaching method known as total immersion. The simple premise of this method is that English is the only language used by both the teacher and the student for the duration of the lesson. The...  [Read more]

If you have finished a training course and are now TESOL qualified, you are probably ready to start sending out job applications to all the vacant positions you like the look of. For each application you will need to send your CV/resume and an all important cover letter to go with it. The purpose of the cover letter is to introduce yourself, to demonstrate your enthusiasm, and to outline why you think you are the best candidate for the job on offer. So when it comes to writing a cover letter for your TESOL job applications, what points do you need to consider? It is typical human nature to take the quick and easy route of using the same cover letter for every job application. However, you are likely to have better results if you tailor your letters to suit each individual job. The...  [Read more]

If you have had enough of the usual day-to-day work schedule and are keen to see as much of the world as possible, then maybe you should think about teaching English online. This form of ESL teaching allows you to teach from anywhere with a good internet connection, which means you have no obligation to stay in one place for more than the time it takes to teach your lessons for that day. It will also give you a decent income which you can use to fund your transport, accommodation, and other expenses involved when traveling. This is not that easy to answer as every online teaching platform has its own set of criteria that teachers have to meet. Some companies will require one or more of the following, while some require none of them: If you don’t have a degree, don’t panic, as...  [Read more]

Once you have completed your TESOL certification you will be ready to start applying for jobs all over the world, or just those close to home. However, while most course graduates end up in mainstream classroom teaching jobs, many others find themselves in less common positions. Below we look at some of the more common options beyond standard classroom teaching. Once you have gained some experience you may consider moving to a managerial role. Examples would be Head of English or Director of Studies. Your teaching time would often be minimal in these roles as you will be overseeing the whole department. If your TESOL course involved a tutor then you may have been able to ask them about their experience. Typically an online TESOL trainer will, depending upon the company they are...  [Read more]

Among the many benefits of teaching English abroad is the ability to select not only the region in which you want to work, but also the specific country or city. Some teachers are drawn to the history and culture of Europe, while others are drawn to exotic destinations in Asia or Latin America. However, before you book your plane ticket, keep in mind that the requirements for foreign teachers differ wildly between countries, which may limit your options. You should conduct extensive research to determine whether any of the following issues apply to your preferred destination. In some countries, language schools can only hire teachers who are citizens of a native English-speaking country due to visa restrictions. These are generally the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom,...  [Read more]

As it is the largest country in Latin America, it is no surprise that Brazil offers plenty of potential for TESOL qualified teachers. Due to a fast growing tourist industry and a booming economy, Brazil has a strong demand for ESL teachers in many areas. For teachers, the country has many attractions including a warm climate, stunning landscapes, exotic wildlife, a colorful social scene, and some of the best beaches in the world. The relaxed way of life is more likely to attract foreign teachers to Brazil than the average monthly salary of around $800 to $1,500. Although you are not likely to be able to save a great deal of your income, teachers should still earn enough to live a comfortable life away from the classroom. In general, teachers in Brazil are more often paid by the hour...  [Read more]

Although there are several countries around the world that require teachers to have a degree in order to qualify for a work permit or visa, there are still many other great destinations where employers are happy to take on teachers without one. Often the key is to be flexible about your destination and to go where the demand for your services is high. Whether you have a degree or not, completing an internationally accredited TESOL certification course before you start applying for jobs will undoubtedly help you in your job search. The vast majority of employers worldwide now expect their potential teachers to have undergone some form of formal teacher training before they set foot in the classroom. Unfortunately, the regulations have been tightened in China in recent times,...  [Read more]

Around the world there are several countries that are particularly popular with ESL teachers and Thailand is certainly one of them. First-time teachers and those with previous experience choose Thailand for a number of different reasons, whether it is the warm tropical climate, world-class cuisine, low cost of living, or the lively nightlife. Whatever your reasons for wanting to teach in this corner of Southeast Asia, one decision you will need to make is which part of this beautiful country you want to live and work in. Thailand is a relatively large country with a wide choice of locations where teaching jobs can be found, which is why we have put together this quick guide to the best places to work as an ESL teacher. Thailand's capital is an obvious choice for this list as teaching...  [Read more]

With a population of 1.4 billion people spread throughout a huge geographic area, China always has a vast amount of opportunities for foreign ESL teachers. However, there is one question that teachers continue to ask: The answer to this question would have been yes until quite recently. Although individual schools are still not concerned with whether their teachers have a degree or not, it is government restrictions that have made the difference. It is now an official requirement for teachers to have a degree in order to be eligible for a Z (work) visa. As every teacher needs this visa to work legally, the answer is no, you cannot teach legally in China without a degree. If you don?t qualify for a Z (work) visa, you can visit China on another type of visa such as an L (tourist) visa...  [Read more]

ITTT is dedicated to assisting you throughout your TESOL training and to providing you with a means of support during your ensuing teaching career. If you have any questions regarding our courses, please see our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section below. Our TESOL FAQs should be able to answer most of your questions, but if you have any other queries do not hesitate to contact us by submitting them using the form at the bottom of this page. What does TESOL mean?   The acronym TESOL stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. The term is commonly used when referring to certification courses that provide the skills necessary to teach the English language to non-native speakers in your own country or abroad. Read more What is the difference between TESOL...  [Read more]

France receives more foreign visitors than any other nation in the world and many of these come to teach English. Thousands of ESL teachers come to France each year to experience the history, culture, fashion, and cuisine. If you want to join them, have a read through the following guide to teaching English in France. As you will find in most of Western Europe, employers of foreign teachers in France generally expect their employees to have completed a TESOL certification course. Anyone who arrives without one is likely to struggle in what is a very competitive job market, where the majority of those applying will be TESOL certified. If you are successful in applying for the government-run teaching assistant recruitment program known as TAPIF, you will have everything arranged...  [Read more]

  Japan has been a popular destination amongst English language teachers for many years due to its widespread job opportunities, good salaries and fascinating culture. Whilst there are other countries in the region where the cost of living may be lower and the wages a little higher, nowhere provides such an incredible mix of modern development and ancient traditions as you will find in this extraordinary country. If you are looking for excitement and adventure, look no further than Japan. In order to work legally you will need to be eligible for a work visa. The good news is the criteria is not as tough as many other countries as you simply need to possess a degree in any subject. The only other qualifications you need are a fluency in the English language, a professional approach...  [Read more]

As there is no specific standardization when it comes to TESOL qualifications, it is up to each individual provider to decide how much to charge for each of their courses. If you go online and search for TESOL courses you will find there are many short-format options that are available for as little as US$50 or even less. However, before you sign up for a course you should ask yourself two very important questions. Will the certification you receive be seen as sufficient by employers in the country or region where you want to teach? Will the course provide you with enough preparation for everything you will face once you step into your first real classroom? The best advice here is to never choose a TESOL course based on its price alone. The course content and its reputation with...  [Read more]

It is probably a little known fact among many native English speakers that the Philippines has two official languages and one of them is English. English is taught in mainstream schools throughout the country and is widely used in government, the media, business, and education. As English is spoken by so many Filipinos across the country, it is no surprise to find that Filipino teachers currently occupy a large number of the ESL teaching jobs available in the Philippines and several other countries throughout Asia. Despite this, many ESL teachers from elsewhere also end up teaching English in the Philippines as it is a popular destination with plenty to offer its visitors. As the capital city, Manila is home to many language centers offering TESOL courses to local English speakers...  [Read more]

When it comes to teaching English overseas it is typical for schools to look for a commitment of 10 to 12 months from their potential teachers. However, if you only want a short-term position that fits into your summer break, there are certainly opportunities that might work for you. In some cases you will find schools or language centers that are happy to hire teachers on a short-term contract, but in reality most teachers looking for a short deal are better off looking at English summer camps or volunteer positions. During the summer months English language camps pop up in a number of different countries throughout Asia, Europe and Latin America. Working in one of these camps typically involves around one to two months of teaching students that could be aged anywhere from...  [Read more]

  This is a TESOL review video by ITTT course graduate Andreea. Andreea was unable to attend onsite classes and found that the online TESOL course was an ideal alternative. ITTT offers both online and in-class courses ensuring that there is a course to suit your schedule. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can quickly get to grips with each section before moving onto the next. This unit was about the Past tense forms of sentences, it was a great refresher since I haven’t taken an English course in a whil. I...  [Read more]