Jobs For Teachers Outside Of The Classroom

Before we go any further with this question, we first need to make an important distinction. Your number of teaching hours (known as contact hours) will not be the same as the number of hours you will be expected to actually be in school (known as contract hours). Most teaching jobs include admin duties on top of the actual teaching time. We also need to make it clear that different types of ESL teaching jobs have different typical classroom hours. Here we look at the three most common types of jobs available. In the majority of cases, overseas schools work normal office hours. This means that you should expect to be in school, Monday to Friday, from around 7:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. This rough timetable adds up to around 40 hours per week. Of course, not all those hours will be...  [Read more]

Due to its widespread job market, high salaries and unique culture, Japan has long been one of the most popular teaching destinations in Asia. Although there might be a few other countries in the region with a better balance of high wages and a low cost of living, nowhere else can quite match the incredible mix of modern development and ancient traditions that Japan is so famous for. The requirements for gaining a work visa in Japan are not quite as stringent as some other countries as you simply need to possess a degree in any subject. The other essential qualities you need are to be fluent in English, to have a very professional approach, and a clear passion and desire for teaching in the classroom. Although a TESOL certification is not an official requirement, it is still...  [Read more]

With a great location right in the heart of Central Europe, Slovakia is an up-and-coming destination for TESOL certified teachers. Although it is not yet on the radar of many teachers coming to work in Europe, this rapidly modernising country will not be overlooked for much longer. Despite recent leaps forward, Slovakia has a long history which has left its mark in the form of ancient castles, medieval fortresses, and a rich cultural heritage that is evident throughout the country. The demand for foreign teachers has soared since joining the EU, so if you want plenty of jobs to choose from in a safe and peaceful country, Slovakia might be for you. Although teaching jobs are widespread, the average salary is not large by European standards. However, as long as you have a TESOL...  [Read more]

Thailand is one of the undisputed top destinations in Southeast Asia for ESL teachers. Jobs are relatively easy to find in many areas of the country, although the average salary is not as high as in several other countries across Asia. However, many teachers still flock to Thailand to enjoy the laid back lifestyle, vibrant culture, and extensive entertainment options. In years gone by it was common for teachers to work in Thailand without an official work permit, however, things have moved on and you will now need to meet the set requirements if you want to earn a good income. The main requirement for gaining a work permit is a university degree in any subject. A TESOL qualification is not officially required, although without one you may struggle to find a job with a reputable...  [Read more]

While English is commonly taught in schools across Russia, the standard of teaching is generally quite low. Due to this poor standard, many Russians choose to learn English once they have left school as a way to improve their job prospects. Many parents also send their children for private lessons outside of school hours. This high demand means there are job opportunities in most parts of the country, although the biggest markets are found in Moscow and St. Petersburg. As Russia is so vast in size, salaries can be very different in different parts of the country. Private language schools offer the majority of teaching jobs and these usually pay an hourly rate which typically equates to around $650 per month for a newly qualified teacher. If you have previous experience you can expect...  [Read more]

Singapore is a very attractive destination for teaching English as it is both modern and safe, as well as exotic and exciting. Although this island city-state is one of the smallest countries in Asia, it still has plenty to offer including a year-round warm climate, high quality cuisine, world-class shopping, and a culture that is inspired by countless countries around the world. Singapore?s rapid development has been nothing short of miraculous and it is now one of the wealthiest nations in the world. Compared to most of its regional neighbors, salaries for ESL teachers in Singapore are very high at around $2,700 to $3,500 per month, depending on previous experience and teaching qualifications. A standard week in most jobs would involve around 20 to 25 teaching hours, with...  [Read more]

Greece has traditionally been one of the top destinations for teaching English abroad in Europe. Unfortunately, after the global financial crisis in 2008 the country suffered a severe economic downturn that had an adverse effect on all sectors including ESL teaching. Despite this, many people still head to Greece due to its reputation for having a warm Mediterranean climate, amazing beaches and islands, and a relaxed way of life. The biggest market for teachers is in the capital Athens, although other cities such as Thessaloniki, Larissa, Heraklion, and Corfu are also worth looking at. Teacher?s salaries have not really changed much in the last decade, although the average monthly salary for a first-time teacher of around 800 to 1,000 euro per month should still be sufficient to get...  [Read more]

The simple and straightforward answer to this question is: No, you do not need a degree to take a TESOL course or to land a teaching position abroad. While it is true that having a degree means you will have a wider choice of job options, those without one still have plenty of great options available in a wide range of countries across the world. Whatever your academic background, teaching English in your home country, overseas, or online is still a very realistic option. Whether a degree is required to teach English is usually determined by the authorities of each individual country. Some countries where ESL teaching is very popular have imposed restrictions on foreign teachers that insist they have a degree in order to qualify for an official work permit. In these situations,...  [Read more]

Like several other countries in Central and Eastern Europe, Bulgaria has drastically improved its infrastructure since joining the EU. In that time, the market for foreign ESL teachers has also grown considerably to meet the demand from local people who need to improve their English skills in order to move up the career ladder in many different fields. The country has plenty of attractions to offer teachers, including the famous Black Sea coastline, ski resorts at a fraction of the price of most others in Europe, and stunning natural scenery. Bulgaria is certainly not somewhere to teach English if you want to save a large amount of money or live a lavish lifestyle, but that doesn?t stop people from coming here to enjoy the country?s culture, history and natural environment. The...  [Read more]

An interview for an ESL position is much the same as any other interview situation. It can be a scary prospect for many people, but if you have prepared for the most likely questions you should have little to worry about. Although it is impossible to predict exactly how an interview will unfold, most will be based on a similar range of questions that are designed to assess whether you would fit into the existing workforce. One of the main purposes of any job interview is to get some understanding of you as an individual person, so you should expect questions such as: What do you like to do in your spare time? What are your strengths and weaknesses? Where do you see yourself in five years? If, like many ESL teachers, you are applying for jobs outside of your home country you should...  [Read more]

Details such as the age, background, and general motivation of your ESL students will vary considerably depending on the location and type of school that you work for. Your class could be full of university students, businessmen, or hotel workers, all of whom will be looking for a different type of lesson. Alternatively, teachers in government run schools will have a class full of children whose could be aged anywhere from five to sixteen. Whatever the individual group, they will have distinct characteristics which may or may not appeal to different teachers. It is worth remembering that by completing a TESOL certification course before you start teaching, you will learn all the skills you need to be successful in any classroom environment you are likely to come across. Many people...  [Read more]

With a job market that is booming, a widely popular culture, a diverse and stunning landscape, and great food, Mexico is unsurprisingly popular as a teaching destination. The country?s close ties with it northern neighbor the USA ensures that the current demand for the English language is only set to rise in the coming years. The average salary for ESL teachers in Mexico varies considerably depending on the type of job you have and where you choose to live. However, most teachers can expect to earn between $500 and $1,000 per month. While this might not sound like much, the low cost of living ensures it will go much further than the same figure earned in many other countries. When job hunting in Mexico it really pays to shop around as the hourly rate offered by schools can vary...  [Read more]

The Czech Republic has been at the forefront of ESL teaching in Europe for several years and its popularity continues to grow. The country has many attractions for foreign teachers, including a unique culture, a relatively low cost of living, and a strong job market in all its main towns and cities. Prague is at the center of the country?s job market where you will find as many teaching opportunities as almost anywhere else on the continent. Other cities with good potential for jobs are Brno, Ostrava, Liberec, and Plzen, which is famous throughout the beer drinking world as the birthplace of Pilsner lager. As the country has such as diverse range of employers in many different areas, the average salary can vary considerably from 18,000 to 30,000 CZK (currently US$700 to $1,200) per...  [Read more]

With over 300 million people studying English and a rapidly growing economy, China is unsurprisingly the top employer of ESL teachers in the world. As demand is so high in many areas of the country, schools offer high salaries in order to fill their vacant positions. Salaries vary considerably in different areas of this vast nation, but wherever you choose to live and work in China you should be able to save a good amount of your salary each month. Teachers with no previous experience can expect to earn anywhere from 6000 RMB to 12000 RMB per month ($1000 to $2000 US dollars). As well as a healthy basic salary, many ESL jobs in China also include extras such as free housing and paid airfares in and out of the country. Thanks to these extra perks and a low cost of living, many...  [Read more]

Some people see Saudi Arabia as the ideal destination for teaching English abroad as potential salaries and other benefits are as good as anywhere in the world. Cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah have a strong and continuous demand for qualified teachers, with universities, colleges, international schools, and private language academies all looking to fill vacant positions. Although salaries are very high across the country, Saudi Arabia has a unique cultural environment that you also need to be aware of before getting on the plane. The country has very conservative laws and traditions that might make it unsuitable for some teachers. Drinking alcohol is completely forbidden and close interaction between unmarried couples is not allowed. It can be particularly challenging for female...  [Read more]

If you have researched teaching English abroad, you might have found stories suggesting that it is impossible for US citizens to find ESL teaching jobs in Europe. However, this is not the case as a high demand for foreign teachers in many countries means there are plenty of great opportunities for American teachers in Europe. Language schools in many areas are always on the lookout for native English speaking Americans with a TESOL qualification to fill their vacant positions. At anytime you will find thousands of US citizens teaching in major European cities such as Rome, Madrid, Berlin, Moscow, and Prague. In many Western European countries there is a preference for British English in some schools and excessive bureaucracy can also be responsible for restrictions on US born...  [Read more]

Hungary has seen a rapid increase in demand for ESL teachers in recent years as more and more local people see English language proficiency as a way to step up the job ladder. With a great location in the heart of Europe, a low cost of living, and a laid-back approach to life, Hungary also has much to offer TESOL qualified teachers. Due to a very high demand, it is possible to get a teaching position in Hungary without any qualifications or previous classroom experience. However, the more you have to offer, the better your chances of securing the highest paying positions. A TESOL certificate is certainly a real advantage as most good employers expect it, particularly a course that also included teaching practice. Native English speakers are also sought after, although non-native...  [Read more]

Whatever your long-term career plans, adding a TESOL qualification and some teaching experience to your CV/resume can bring a range of different benefits. If your teaching experience also includes some time spent living and working overseas, then you will add even further weight to your resume, regardless of the type of jobs you are applying for. These days it seems like every vacant job has a large number of applicants and every one of those applying can boast a degree or other high-end qualifications. In this tough work environment, having overseas classroom experience can often be the difference between getting that all important interview and being put to the bottom of the pile of applications. So what are the major benefits that teaching English abroad adds to your CV/resume?...  [Read more]

As a TEFL teacher, effective time management is crucial for ensuring productivity in lesson planning, grading, and professional development. One key strategy is to create a detailed schedule or to-do list to prioritize tasks based on their importance and deadlines. Utilizing tools such as digital calendars or time management apps can help in organizing daily, weekly, and monthly responsibilities. Additionally, breaking down larger tasks into smaller, manageable chunks can prevent feeling overwhelmed and increase efficiency. Balancing various responsibilities as a TEFL teacher involves juggling lesson preparation, classroom instruction, student assessment, and personal commitments. To achieve this balance, it is essential to set boundaries and allocate specific time slots for different...  [Read more]

If you conduct some simple online research about teaching English abroad you might well come across teachers talking about bad experiences they have had with employers. Although the vast majority of schools worldwide treat their teachers well, there are always going to be a few badly run establishments that you will want to avoid. One of the best ways to do this is to ensure you ask the right questions during your job interview. So what are the right questions to ask the employer during an interview? Every school has its own expectations when it comes to the amount of extra work that is required outside of normal classroom hours. You might have to write regular reports on your students, attend staff meetings, meet with parents to discuss progress, present lesson plans to management...  [Read more]