Teach In Switzerland

Due to the ever-increasing popularity of English as a second language, there are dozens of great options when it comes to picking a destination for teaching abroad. There are popular destinations on every continent (maybe not Antartica), where jobs are widespread and the quality of life you can expect as a teacher is above the local average. However, there are some places that are easier to get set up in than others. We have looked at a wide range of criteria such as job availability, the visa process, average income compared to average outgoings, how welcome you will feel on arrival, and even the local cuisine, to come up with the following list of great destinations for teaching English abroad. To provide a range of options we have limited it to one country per region. There are...  [Read more]

Teaching new vocabulary takes up a large proportion of an ESL teacher's time, particularly when teaching beginners and other lower-level students. Many lessons will be devoted to learning new words, so it is vital that the teacher is aware of the best methods for achieving good results. By using these tried and tested techniques the teacher can ensure that their students will have the best chance of retaining the new language and the confidence to use it both in and out of the classroom. Probably the most effective thing you can do to help your students retain new language is to teach it in context. If you write up a list of new words on the board and expect the class to pick them up immediately then you are most likely going to be disappointed. When introducing new vocabulary it...  [Read more]

TESOL stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages and is to almost all purposes the same as TEFL, Teaching English as a Foreign Language. As they are basically the same we will refer to just one from here on: TESOL Most TESOL teaching positions require a minimum qualification of a 120-hour certification. Throughout the industry there are three generally accepted routes to obtaining this qualification. These are through in-class courses, online courses or a combination of both, known as combined (or hybrid) courses. Here the trainee will travel to a location where the course is offered. There are training centers in most countries throughout the world where English is being taught to speakers of other languages. The main advantage of an onsite course is the possibility...  [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]

The basic answer to this question is No, it is not necessarily easier to teach English to any particular age group. Anyone who has spent time in different types of classrooms will know that there are many clear differences between teaching adults and teaching young learners. Different age groups have different reasons for being in the classroom, levels of motivation and discipline can vary considerably, and learning styles can also differ. Due to these differences, each age group will require a teaching style that is tailored to their needs. Below we look at some of the main differences between teaching young learners and teaching adults. One of the most important factors when teaching young learners is to keep them interested and motivated in whatever the day’s lesson is focused...  [Read more]

Yes, it is safe for women to teach English abroad. Not only is it safe, it is also extremely popular as around 150,000 women work as ESL teachers in countries all over the world at any one time. Of this number, most will live and work in modern, cosmopolitan cities that have a similar level of infrastructure and amenities as they would find in their home countries. Whether in Europe, Asia or Latin America, first time teachers will usually be able to find an expat community of English speakers who are able to provide local knowledge and information that will help them to settle into their new community. It is impossible to say that any particular place will be 100% safe all of the time, but by employing some simple precautions single women can confidently head overseas to teach...  [Read more]

Every year thousands of foreign ESL teachers head to Japan as jobs are widespread in towns and cities across the country. The average salary is enough to live well and still save and the cultural and social aspects of the country are unlike anywhere else on Earth. If you have already decided that Japan is for you, it might not be quite so easy to decide on exactly which part of it to call home. Every city will have plenty of potential options and quieter areas will also offer a change from the normal hectic pace of city life. Although it would be hard to make a bad choice of destination in Japan, we recommend the following options based on the local job market and the experiences of our previous course graduates. It is no surprise that Japan’s largest urban area is at the top of...  [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]

Whether you are planning a gap year abroad or looking for something more permanent, teaching English in Europe is certainly an idea that is well worth exploring. Every year thousands of ordinary people just like you pack their bags and head off to this extraordinary continent in search of fun, adventure, and a cultural experience that will stay with them for life. As long as you have a solid understanding of the English language you are eligible, although most employers will expect you to also complete a TESOL certification course before you start teaching. Across the continent there are many countries to choose from, all which have their own benefits to offer. However, to give you a head start we have put together the following list of countries that we think are the best for...  [Read more]

Although there was a time when it was not uncommon for people to teach the English language without any relevant training or qualifications, it is now largely a thing of the past as most employers realize that being able to speak a language fluently is not the same thing as being able to teach it effectively. This move towards suitable training has led to the development of TESOL certification courses that have been designed to provide native and non-native English speakers with the skills and knowledge required by anyone who wants to earn a good living in the classroom. Here we take a look at what a TESOL course actually teaches you? For many people the thought of understanding and trying to explain the different areas of English grammar is somewhat daunting. The average native...  [Read more]

The USA has long been a destination of choice for immigrants, migrant workers, business professionals, and international students from every imaginable corner of the world. While all these different groups have their own reasons for choosing the U.S., one thing is generally the same among them all, i.e, the need to improve their English. Whether it is just a short-term visit or something more permanent, the countless numbers of new arrivals means there are always plenty of opportunities for TESOL qualified teachers in cities and towns across the country. One thing it is important to know is that a university degree is typically required if you want to teach English in the USA. If you want to teach within the public school system, you will most likely also require a state teaching...  [Read more]

The wonderful continent of Africa covers a wide and diverse range of regions, from the Mediterranean beach resorts of North Africa to the vineyards and wildlife parks in the south. Despite the fact that jobs for ESL teachers are not as numerous or as widespread as you will find in many other parts of the world, there are opportunities waiting for those who wish to find them. The key to finding the right position for you might well be a degree of flexibility regarding your destination. A little patience might also be required. The best region for finding paid teaching jobs in Africa is the north of the continent. North African countries such as Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia all have a strong demand for ESL teachers, particularly in private language academies. Another option is private...  [Read more]

You are prepared to start teaching ESL online, but is a TESOL certification necessary to get a successful online teaching job? In general, a TESOL certificate is required if you want to earn good money teaching online. Even if it might not be necessary for all online teaching platforms, having TESOL certification will increase your salary and attract more students. The confidence and skills required to teach someone a foreign language, which is no easy task, come from completing a TESOL course. We will go over a few other prerequisites for teaching English online, other than a TESOL certificate. To teach English online, you will often need to fulfill the following requirements: Even without a university degree, there are various platforms where you can work as an English instructor....  [Read more]

It is not uncommon to find friends or couples enjoying the shared experience of living and working abroad as ESL teachers. Despite this, there are still a few things that you will both need to consider before you jump on the next plane. The most important thing to consider if you plan to head overseas to teach with a friend or partner, is that you need to choose a destination where you both have a realistic chance of securing a suitable job. Many people dream of relaxing in a hammock under the palm trees between lessons, but the limited number of jobs in these locations might make it difficult for both of you to earn a good income. In contrast, big cities in most parts of the world generally have a high demand for ESL teachers, which means that finding good jobs should be relatively...  [Read more]

This is one of the most common questions asked by our TESOL course trainees and the answer is quite simple. Yes, you can teach ESL without a bachelor’s degree. Anyone who is TESOL qualified will have a wide array of destinations to choose from all over the world, regardless of their previous educational record. If you have a degree in any subject you will certainly have a few more options, but non-degree holders are in no way excluded from ESL teaching in many parts of the world. In recent years some countries have made it compulsory for foreign teachers to have a degree if they want to obtain a work visa that allows them to work legally as an ESL teacher. This is most noticeable in Asia where some of the biggest markets for teachers such as China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan...  [Read more]

Latin America is a large and diverse region that covers over 20 million square kilometers and around 20 countries. It also provides a huge number of opportunities for ESL teachers in large bustling cities, popular tourist resorts, small country towns, and everywhere else in between. Due to its wide choice of destinations there are countless options for adventure, exploration, entertainment, and relaxation, and the development of lifelong memories is almost guaranteed. However, as this is such a big region, how do you know which countries are the best for teaching ESL? We highly recommend you complete your own research to ensure you cover all the things that are important to you, but we can also offer the following list of destinations that we think offer the best opportunities right...  [Read more]

In many cases, people complete a TESOL certification course in order to head overseas to live and work. However, for many others the ability to teach online without having to leave home is a great opportunity. If you have no previous experience of teaching it can be a good way to build your skills and to earn some money before setting off abroad. For some people it can also be a very convenient way to top up what they earn from their main job, no matter where they are in the world. Starting out as an online English teacher is relatively easy and inexpensive. The main expense is likely to be the cost of completing a TESOL certification course. Although this initial outlay will require a significant investment of your time and money, it should prove to be more than worth it once you...  [Read more]

If you want to teach English in any country outside of your own, you are certain to need a valid passport. In most cases, you will need at least six months left on your passport to gain entry to a foreign country so it is essential that you check it before you plan to leave. To make sure you have no hassles while overseas, we highly recommend that you have a passport with at least two years validity. If you have any doubts regarding entry regulations you should contact the relevant embassy or visit the immigrartion website of your host country. From within the U.S. you can apply via the State Department's web page. From outside the country, you should contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. British citizens should visit the U.K. Government's Services website for full details...  [Read more]

Spain is popular with foreign ESL teachers for many reasons including the consistently booming job market, the easy going culture, the warm climate, and the great food. Jobs can be found all year-round in many areas, but are you eligible to work there legally? The simple answer is no, you do not require a degree in order to legally teach English in Spain. There are no government requirements for teachers to have any kind of academic background and the demand is so high in many areas that employers are equally unconcerned about your degree status. Generally speaking, schools in Spain prefer native English speakers in their classrooms as this is what most local students are looking for. However, they will not simply hire you on that basis without having completed some form of teacher...  [Read more]

In the vast majority of cases, ESL teachers will need to obtain some form of visa to enter their destination country. What specific visa you need is wholly dependent on the rules and regulations of your host country, so you should contact the relevant embassy or take a look at their website to make sure you have all the correct information. Below we outline the most common forms of visa you are likely to come across. Tourist visas are typically issued to people who only plan on a short visit and do not intend to work or study. This type of visa comes in many different forms depending on the host country and your own country of origin. The 'upon entry' tourist visa is the most common and this is issued upon arrival at the airport immigration desk. For example, US citizens arriving in...  [Read more]