Frequently Asked Questions FAQ

1.Do I need a University Degree to teach English abroad?

NO- You do not need a University degree to teach English abroad. In most cases, a good understanding of English is all that is required. China is a market where a degree is NOT an Immigration requirement for working as a ESL teacher.

However, there are some locations where a University degree IS required- Korea, Japan, and there are some places where it is highly desirable- Vietnam for example, and some where it is not necessary, but of course having a University degree will get you a better job in most cases.

2. Maybe I am too old:

UNLIKELY- We have ESL teachers who began their "new" career at 72 years of age, and are still going strong at 79.

3. Too young:

Usually if you are over 18 years of age, and have a High School education, you can get a job abroad as an English teacher.

Older people sometimes do NOT have a High School education, but are still employable because of their practical experience.

4. Can I get a job as an English teacher WITHOUT A TESOL or TEFL certificate?

Its possible, but not probable- An internationally recognized TEFL or TESOL certificate guarantees to the employer that you know what to do when you are confronted with a class-Also the employer knows that you have learnt how to cope with class-room challenges, and that you know the theories behind the activities that you will need to use to teach English.

5. What is the level of pay I can expect from being an English teacher abroad?

This depends on the country of choice- In a lot of developing countries, the pay will of course be less than you would expect at home, however, it will be considerable compared to local standards. A commonly used comparison is that of a lawyer or a doctor in the local community.

Teachers in most countries where English is sought after, enjoy a high degree of respect from their students and their parents, and are usually considered to be "high status" members of the community.

Some countries supply accommodation as well, and this means that your salary goes a long way considering the lower costs of living.

6. Do I need to speak the local language?

NO -you do not need to speak the local language as all instruction is given in English. During your course you will learn how to use techniques that ensure your students can understand your instruction, and in fact, in most English class-rooms, the use of the local language is forbidden.

However, on a personal satisfaction level, when you know your destination country, it is a good idea to learn a few practical phrases in the local language- The locals will really appreciate your efforts in learning some of their language, and they will give you greater respect.

7. What sort of students will I teach?

Your students could be kids, or they could be teenagers, or they could be adults.

They could be Lawyers, doctors, air line pilots, naughty little boys and girls, kindergarten kids, taxi drivers, shop assistants, Company Directors- It depends on your wishes and the requirements of the school, college or university where you will teach.

8. How many hours will I be expected to work?

Usually, in English teaching abroad, 20 hours per week is considered a full-time work load. The rest of the time you are usually free to travel, sight-see and go to the numerous social events your students and your school or college will organize for you.

You may also have to devote a few hours each week to preparing your lessons, and researching them. During your course you will learn where to find class-room ready resources on almost every topic you could imagine.

9. What are the teaching facilities like?

This depends on the location- usually most class-rooms are equipped with a white board, a computer and projector, desks, a cd player, and occassionally a TV and DVD player, and of course air conditioning.

10. What are the class sizes?

Depends on the location-In China up to 100 in a class is possible but not often likely- In other places it may be down to 2 or 3 students in a class.

11. Will I be alone in the class-room with the students?

For lower level students, usually no- You will be assigned a local Teacher aide who will take care of discipline and translations for you, and assist you in your teaching.

For higher levels, you may be alone, but the students at these levels can understand you quite well, so there is no problem.