Want to get into TEFL in 2010? Been in the game for a while and thinking of heading back? Here are 12 things to push you in the right direction
1. Job security – there’s not much of it in most sectors right now. TEFL seems to be rising above the recession in many ways, though, and teaching contracts are being renewed. There are still many vacancies out there too, not only in Japan but also in China, the Middle East and Europe.
2. Pay – English teachers are infamous for complaining about pay, but in reality it’s not all that bad. The average salary for an English teacher in most countries is easily enough to maintain a healthy lifestyle, especially if supplemented by a bit of private work. Besides, you could hardly expect to become a millionaire even if you were a school teacher in your home country.
3. Lifestyle – maybe it’s a Japan thing, but TEFL has improved my lifestyle in many ways. Living in another country can do much good for you as a person if you choose your location wisely – weather, food and safety all being prime factors.
4. Professional development – if you’ve been teaching for a while and you’re not sure about whether to pack it in, you might want to take another qualification, or just try to improve on your weaker areas of teaching. Professional development makes your job more worthwhile and can improve your CV if you are pushing for a promotion.
5. Friends in your new country – since you’ve been here you’ve made some great friends (surely?!). What better reason is there to live somewhere?
6. Enemies in your home country – maybe there are a few assassins on your trail back in your home country – TEFL is a great way to escape their clutches… or is that just me?
7. Variety of work – teaching isn’t monotonous for some reason. Whether it’s the variety of students, or the variety of lesson plans, TEFL always has some surprises up its greasy sleeves.
8. Variety of experience – living in another country provides a wealth of experiences that you couldn’t hope for elsewhere. Become a foreigner! It has some interesting perks!
9. Learn a new language – it’s got to be done. As much as I try to keep it on the down low from my students (otherwise they would all desert me), it really is so much easier to learn a language by going to a country that speaks it. Don’t let your Englishness hold you back – pick up those study books.
10. Now’s the time to look for a job – with jobs starting in April, winter is a good time to apply for a vacancies. Scour the net and send your CV. See you here in Spring!
11. Escape the creditors! – My TEFL Journey would never seriously advocate skipping England and changing your name to live in Asia and teach English to avoid credit card companies and loan sharks… or would it?
12. The World Cup – let’s face it 2010 is all about the World Cup. It had to be mentioned. Watching football in Japan is fun because everyone assumes you know what you’re talking about – which is better than being laughed at for your lack of insight back home in England.
Add your reasons to the comments below.
Is it possible and a realistic ambition to find a job as a TESOL teacher without a degree, and just the TESOL certificate.
I cant do it at a college because all the courses are full until the next academic year, so i was thinking of doind the i-to-i online course and weekend practical, which supposedly totals 140 hours, would this be enough to secure employment ?
Regards
Martin