Thread: 'Teaching English – a good option for graduates'

'Teaching English – a good option for graduates'

For many students leaving university, there will be internships, temping and job interviews. Following her own experiences, Roxy Shah puts the case across for TEFL

I did a Trinity Certificate TEFL course in London and decided to relocate to Barcelona Photo: Cathy Topping / Alamy

By Roxy Shah


If it hasn't arrived already, the end of university for many third year students is just around the corner. As you finish your exams, a small fear of ‘what next?’ may begin to kick in.

For many, there will be internships, temping and job interviews. However, from personal experience, and from the multitude of opportunities out there, it might be worth looking into the world of TEFL.

TEFL (teaching English as a foreign language) is the choice that I made, having worked for 3 years after university.

With job opportunities scarce, it seemed like a good way to learn a new skill, with the added bonus of greater job security, as well as the prospect to travel. But is it really that simple?

I did the Trinity CertTESOL course (not for the faint hearted I can assure you) at a language school in London and decided to relocate to Barcelona immediately after qualifying.

Upon arriving in a new city, and setting up temporary home in a small hostel, I managed to find work fairly quickly and have been enjoying the fresh start ever since.
For anyone considering this path, here are some starter tips for both the work and social side of relocating.

Choose a country you feel comfortable in. TEFL is truly global and some of my fellow students are now teaching everywhere from the Middle East to Russia.
For me, being fairly close to home was important and, as I was familiar with the country already, Spain was a good choice, despite having to find work and housing independently.

However, in other countries, for example Japan, many schools will provide you with a residence upon arrival. In some places, a university degree is required. In others, a Visa may be necessary. Think carefully about what is important to you before choosing a place to settle.

Research schools before moving. While you might not secure work, it is good to introduce yourself via email to the directors of schools in the area.
In doing so, when you arrive, you'll be able to arrange a face to face introduction and the directors will be more likely to remember you, if and when teaching positions arise.

Likewise, think about the timing. As I was so eager to start teaching, I started looking for work midway through a term, which obviously affected my progress. It’s not impossible, but it is something to consider.

Accept private classes. The Internet is full of requests for native English speakers to teach at a variety of levels.

At first I was hesitant to accept private work as it seemed unstable, but it was a great way to meet people, and word of mouth travels far – and fast.

Soon I had a full timetable of private classes. Additionally, in most places you can charge more for these classes as opposed to regular school lessons.

Make friends with locals. Although it might seem easier to stick with native English speakers, the locals know the hidden gems in an area.

From advice on the best places to live, to the cheapest bars and restaurants, I was definitely helped by tips from the experts. The pain in not being able to order a sandwich in Catalan during my first week, was really helped by my Spanish friends.

Make the most of your time abroad. It’s easy to take for granted the amazing opportunities that TEFL offers. To live in another country, to learn another language and to make friends from all over the world, is not something everyone gets the opportunity to do.

Travelling to local villages, writing for the city’s music festivals and adapting to a new way of life, have been some of the greatest experiences of my life.

It takes time to feel at home in a new place, but when you start to settle in you can learn so much. I think the saying might have been incorrect: some people are able to do and teach.



Useful websites:
Trinity CertTESOL qualification trinitycollege.co.uk
Cambridge CELTA qualification cambridgeenglish.org
English teaching graduate scheme britishcouncil.org
Roxy Shah teaches English in Barcelona and graduated from King's College London. She tweets @roshambeau


http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/universityeducation/student-life/10860419/Teaching-English-a-good-option-for-graduates.html

Originally Posted by xanax

Teaching English abroad will always be for the virtually unemployable back home. I don't think anyone would stoop to it if they had more viable options.

I have a degree and a CELTA. I have worked in both the UK and Thailand as a teacher of the English language and thoroughly enjoyed it. Your comment is stupid beyond belief.

It's a growth business, but against that 'blue sky' scenario you have to offset-

shit wages
often shit schools
dodgy dealers
visa issue's
& (here) TIT

I know two guys that actually share a teaching job, plus private tuition, in Sth Korea. When one is in Thailand, the other is in Korea- they whoop it up in Thailand on the wages thus afforded to them, and work assiduously while in Korea (or so they say). They reckon it pays a lot better that way. Conversely, I know a farang Englih teacher that accepted an English teaching job at a private school in Isaan for 15K per month, with vague unspecified assurances of more to come later. But he had/ has absolutely no teaching qualifications- some talk he should do the TEFL course, but haven't seen him for over a year. I think, from a dispassionate business perspective, those that accept lower level TEFLing type jobs in Thailand are doing it for luv, not money.

Originally Posted by sabang

those that accept lower level TEFLing type jobs in Thailand are doing it for luv, not money.

love of what ? Not the teaching, I am willing to wager.

I started as a TEFL teacher, realized I loved teaching, though not English language. As I kept working, I finished a teaching license and a masters degree from a real university. Also learned three foreign languages in the process. Now am an international school economics teacher making a very comfortable living, enjoying life and providing excellent benefits for my wife and kids.

I'm such a loser!

Xanax, What is your real problem with English language teachers? So much hate, chill out man.

Started teaching English in 2005 when I went to test the water in Latin America; had a blast so decided to turn it into a career. Spent 3.5 years in Thailand on a decent salary (enough to pay for most of my M.Ed) before returning home to study. Coming back to Thailand in September and will probably drift onto the Middle East in a couple of years. For me it’s been a great decision and I would not even consider another career at this stage.

Originally Posted by Breny

Xanax, What is your real problem with English language teachers? So much hate, chill out man.

Thinks it makes him better?

Originally Posted by kingwilly

Originally Posted by Breny

Xanax, What is your real problem with English language teachers? So much hate, chill out man.

Thinks it makes him better?

He cannot do it himself because he lacks the necessary qualifications and experience. He is just jealous of those, like myself, who have.

Smeg did OK, no? Set him up in a career for life.