One of many opportunities English Teachers can have is the option to teach English in another country. As English is considered the universal language, many English non-speaking countries do hire native or non-native English teachers to teach the language. Personally and professionally this endeavor is beneficial to teachers, for it allows us to gain more growth in the teaching industry and have the opportunity to travel; which teachers are not given a chance to do so.
I aspire to teach abroad as well, I have been researching and learning how the process of hiring occurs in these countries. I hope to share some details with my fellow teachers; who aspire to do the same dream as I am.
Disclaimer: This blog post is purely based on personal research; I am not saying it is easy to enter these countries. But as an aspirant overseas English teacher, I base my research on other teachers' stories and credible website that offers consultation for teaching overseas. Please do not come for me.
1. South Korea
Okay! Minus my love for Korean pop music and Korean drama. South Korea is one of the largest English teaching markets in the world. Mainly because even their own government promotes learning English; every month many ESL companies and schools open their doors for English teaching opportunities. Many corporations and companies preferred applicants that are well verse both written and verbally in English. As I have conducted my research there are many perks available for teachers, seeking teaching employment in South Korea. From housing arrangements, paid leaves, bonuses, and vacations. Many accommodations are available. The only thing you need to be mindful of is that South Korea opens its door to "native English speakers". As I have personally inquired, their qualification for the teaching role is high (for me at least). But maybe it will change in the future.
2. Japan
The next closes country I want to go to is Japan. Just like South Korea, the hiring of English teachers in this country is a big industry. Japan has the longest tradition of hiring foreign teachers to teach English. Their own government also mandates English language learning at an early age, ESL teaching jobs in Japan are open all year round. One of the many requirements to go to Japan are certified teacher and TESOL/TEYL/ESL certified, as long as you have a wide variety of experience in teaching English you can be considered for the teaching role. Many accommodations are also available, depending on the school or program. Housing accommodations, visa sponsorship, training, allowance, and more. If you are up to the busy and upbeat lifestyle of the Japanese culture. Consider applying for a teacher role.
3. Spain
It is no surprise that Spain is one of many countries in Europe that English teachers dreamt of going to. Just the first, two countries I mentioned. Spain's government does promote learning English in both public and private programs. There are four major English teaching jobs Spain has to offer: Be Language and Cultural Assistant, a full-time teacher in a private school or academy, or a personal/private English tutor. Many foreign English teachers are drawn to apply for the role of Language and Cultural Assistant, for it is run by the Spanish Ministry of Education. The application is open to all, you can be considered for the role as long as you have teaching experience and actively teaching. One thing I appreciate in the teaching programs Spain offers is that you do not literary require a TESOL/TEFL certificate to apply; Yes! having English certification can advance your application, but they prefer applicants that have longer teaching experience and is willing to adapt to the Spanish lifestyle.
4. The Czech Republic
It is very rare for Filipino teachers to consider the Czech Republic as a country to go teach overseas, but for me, it is a country of dream. The culture is rich, with the right touch of modern and traditional Europe. The Czech Republic has a high demand in terms of hiring English teachers. Its capital Prague has been the ideal place for foreigners to visit, which lead to the sudden demand for speaking English. Teacher hiring season in the Czech Republic is in September and January. Although a limited number of schools will conduct job interviews, it doesn't mean it is not worth trying. One basic requirement to be considered for the teaching role is having TEFL or CELTA certificate. Housing accommodation and leaves are available depending on the school or program you applied for.
5. France
Another European country I want to go to and teach in is France. The country is located between Spain, Germany, Monaco, and Switzerland. Ideally, France has a rich cultural influence from its neighboring countries, and of course who would not want to see the Effiel Tower. France as a country is patriotic and proud of their language, that is why it is rare for them to hire English teachers to learn the language. But as the years had passed, they have opened their doors in hiring foreign teachers to teach English. It is actually hard for a non-native English speaker to get hired as an English teacher in France. As much as possible both public and private schools hire American teachers to teach English. Having a TEFL certificate and a long teaching experience is important in getting hired as a teacher in France. At this point, I am actually dreaming I can go to France and teach, but alas! It will remain a dream. But if you are interested to try go for it.
Being an English Teacher is not literary for everyone, but if you have the heart and mind for it. Being one can be a wonderful thing; going overseas is not easy, to begin with. It is a long process, but as the saying goes "If there's a will, there's a way!" Dreaming is not enough, it is time to make it happen. So for aspirant overseas teachers there, go for it.
Posts
0 Comments