Teaching English overseas is an exciting and rewarding
opportunity that allows you to travel, immerse yourself in a new culture, and
gain valuable work experience. However, before you can teach abroad, you need
to be qualified to teach English as a foreign language. In this blog post,
we'll cover the steps you need to take to get qualified for Teach English Abroad.
1. Research Different Qualifications
The first step in getting qualified for teaching English
overseas is to research the different qualifications available. The most widely
recognized qualifications are the CELTA (Certificate in English Language
Teaching to Adults) and the TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language)
certificate. Both qualifications are offered by a variety of institutions and
vary in cost, length, and focus. However, both qualifications will give you the
skills and confidence you need to teach English to non-native speakers.
Research and compare different qualifications to find the one that best suits
your needs and goals.
2. Choose an Accredited Institution
Once you have decided on a qualification, you need to choose
an accredited institution to complete your training. It's important to note
that not all TEFL or CELTA courses are created equal, and completing a course
from an unaccredited institution may not be recognized by potential employers.
Research institutions carefully and ensure that they are accredited by
reputable organizations such as TESOL (Teachers of English to Speakers of Other
Languages).
3. Complete Your Training
The next step is to complete your training. Most TEFL and
CELTA courses consist of a combination of classroom-based and online training,
and include practical teaching experience with real students. The length of
courses vary, but typically they range from 4-12 weeks, with the CELTA
qualification being the more intensive of the two. It's important to commit
yourself fully to your training and take advantage of all the resources
available to you.
4. Gain Practical Experience
Once you have completed your training, gaining practical
teaching experience is invaluable for future employment opportunities. You may
be able to gain experience through volunteer teaching opportunities or by
taking on a paid teaching position in a language school overseas. Practical
experience will enable you to apply the skills you have learned and develop
your teaching style and techniques.
5. Keep Your Skills up to Date
Finally, keeping your skills up to date is important as
teaching English as a foreign language is continually evolving. Attend
workshops, conferences, and continue your professional development by taking
additional courses or obtaining further qualifications.
In conclusion, getting qualified for teaching English
overseas isn't rocket science. It requires a bit of research, practical
training, networking, and marketing of oneself to stand out from the
competition. The greater the effort you put into these steps, the more likely
you are to find the right teaching position in your desired destination.
Remember that this is a rewarding career and it all starts with obtaining the
necessary qualifications.
