Hey class of 2020! Senior year is here, and we couldn’t be more excited for all the fun you have in store.
One last hoorah at a football game. Your final college papers, EVER. A few dozen late night pizzas, and probably too many pre-game beverages to count. And amidst all of the fun—hanging out with friends, nailing your exams, planning a senior trip—that life deadline looms.
GRADUATION.
You’re toying with the idea of grad school. Or maybe want to hike the PCT. Or do you need to start earning a *real salary* so you can pay back all of your (gulp) student loans?
Or maybe you should set your sights on life abroad? Teaching English abroad is a fabulous way to jumpstart life after college. Not only can it be financially beneficial, it has the added bonus of giving you the gift of adventure.
Read on to learn our best advice on teaching English abroad after you graduate from college.
What to know about teaching English abroad as a college grad
Who can teach English abroad after graduation?
Citizens of native English speaking countries are qualified for the most opportunities to teach abroad with a bachelor’s degree. So that means if you’re Irish, British, Australian, American, Canadian. Kiwi, or South African, the job hunt is in your favor.
Students of English themselves, i.e. citizens of nations where English is not the first language, are also eligible to work as teachers abroad. Keep in mind, however, that some countries have higher qualification standards than others, and teaching positions can be limited.
Teachers who have earned a TEFL certificate open the doors to even more and better teaching opportunities abroad. Not only are you trained in the proper skills for passing on the good word of English grammar, but you’re also well-versed in classroom management skills, improvisation, lesson planning, and more.
Most importantly, a lover of languages who is committed to imparting future-proof skills (like English) to students are a perfect fit for the job. (Psst—that’s YOU!).
What is “teaching abroad,” anyway?
Do you speak English? Good.
Can you teach English? Even better. (← PSST, for this, you probably need a TEFL certificate)
Do you want to find jobs abroad in schools, language institutes, or other one-on-one language training centers?
Then you’re already halfway to living your best life and teaching abroad after college graduation.
Finding English teaching jobs abroad (or paid teaching internships abroad) is a cinch when you work with an organization like Premier TEFL, who guides you every step of the way, including connecting you to vetted and legit jobs abroad—no scams here!
With your TEFL certificate in tow, you’ll be well on your way to a well-traveled chapter of life.
When can you teach abroad?
Unsurprisingly, there are often age requirements for teaching jobs abroad. Typically, your chances of hire improve if you’re between the ages of 21 and 60 (AKA peak health).
You can teach abroad for varied durations—whatever floats your boat! From four months in Thailand to two-three months in China, there’s a destination and a timeframe that can work for your schedule.
Thanks to rolling admission dates, you can start teaching English abroad after graduation immediately, a few months later, or even years later. It’s your call.
Where can you find teaching English jobs abroad after college?
THE WORLD OVER!
At Premier TEFL alone, you can find English teaching jobs for college graduates in six destinations across Asia, not to mention plenty of fun options in Europe and Latin America. If you’ve always dreamed of the Bund at sunrise or riding bicycles amidst the rice paddies of the Mekong, now’s your chance.
Want to practice your Spanish while sharing your English skills? Argentina or Chile will treat you juuuuust right. Or choose wild Romania for an unconventional teaching English abroad experience.
Why teach English abroad after you graduate?
There are dozens of reasons to consider this wild, unknown path rather than sticking with the normal, boring routine stuff. Here are some big ones that made us personally take the leap and move abroad:
- You ain’t getting any younger. If there was ever a time to travel, the time is now! You’re young, hungry for adventure, and willing to rough it on 30+ hour train rides (because yes, those are likely in your future).
- It’s easy to get TEFL certified. Your best route for teaching English abroad is to earn a “Teaching English as a Foreign Language” (TEFL) certificate. You can earn these online, in person, or in a combo program, and while they will cost some money upfront, you’ll quickly earn back the investment!
- The skills are transferable. Problem solving, time management, planning. Thinking on your feet. Cultural etiquette and sensitivity. Independence. Resilience. There are hoards of life lessons born of travel. Which will help YOU land that future dream career?
- You get PAID to TRAVEL. Hulllllo?! Need we say more?!
Start laying the groundwork to teach English abroad after you graduate
With a few simple steps—and your trusty Premier TEFL advisor by your side—you’ll be well on your way to a passport glittering with border crossings and a lit Insta feed. While your friends fret about which 9-5 to pursue, you’ll be setting your sights on weekend trips to Thai beaches or late night flamenco concerts in hidden, colorful barrios.
You have plenty of life to dress smart and wear that power shirt / skirt. Live a little as you ease into the “real world” and teach English abroad after college!
The post TEFL Advice for Soon to be College Grads appeared first on Premier TEFL.
