TEFL changed my life.
Over a decade ago, I quit my job and moved abroad to teach English. It was the best decision I could have made! I’ve spent the last 10 years teaching and travelling my way across multiple countries around the world, all while managing to save money and pay off my debts back home.
Throughout my career as an English teacher, I have had the opportunity to teach in various countries such as Thailand, South Korea, and Vietnam.
I have also taught English online, with teaching experiences spanning across different cities, including Marrakech, Budapest, London, Ho Chi Minh and Vienna. On top of that, I’ve created a university curriculum, designed educational video games, as well as participated in numerous marketing campaigns for different educational companies.
In this eBook, I define TEFL (teaching English as a foreign language) and the various terminologies associated with the ESL industry. I also list the benefits of teaching English abroad, the best countries to move to in 2024 (including salary estimates), detail the numerous certifications available, provide helpful information on job searches, applications, and interviews, and provide you with tips on how you can excel as a travelling English teacher!
There are no affiliate links or hidden motives in this book. I’ve simply put all the information you need to teach English abroad in one place! As I mentioned, it was a life-changing decision for me, and I encourage others to do the same if they have the chance.
My TEFL Journey
Before we start, a little more about me..
My TEFL journey started back in 2013. Not long into a 9 – 5 office job and fresh out of university, I knew I needed to explore the world before jumping further into the adulting rat race. Little did I know that I would still be on the road 10 years later!
Leaving the United Kingdom, armed with a TEFL certificate, I embarked on a one-way flight to Thailand, igniting the flames of wanderlust. The vibrant tapestry of cultures I encountered in Thailand, not only fascinated me but also sowed the seeds of a potential new lifestyle centered around travel.
In between teaching contracts, I would spend months at a time backpacking a country or region before moving on to the next.
After almost 2 years of living in Thailand and backpacking Southeast Asia, my gaze turned to South Korea as my next destination! I knew it was a place to make more money, experience a different culture, learn another language, and act as a central base to explore the East Asia.
Following a couple of incredible years in South Korea, I ventured into the world of freelance English teaching in Vietnam. The flexibility of working freelance allowed me to work on multiple projects at the same time, which further expanded my opportunities.
From then until now, I’ve been teaching English online in Europe, Asia and Africa. It’s a lifestyle the old me could only have dreamed of!
It’s important to note at this stage that unfortunately, teaching English abroad is not an option for everyone. Many countries only offer visas to native speakers, others require at least a bachelor’s degree, and some even have age limitations. For example, anyone over the age of 45 cannot teach English in China. But, for those lucky enough to have the opportunity, I would advise you to take it! Your life (your job, your partner, your home etc.) will be back waiting for you when you’re done. Life is short, take advantage of the possibilities open to you.
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This is an extract from my book: So, You Want to Teach English Abroad?
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