TEFL certificate 
Valid passport
Can-do attitude
If you’ve got all of the above, then it’s time to hustle!
Now that you’ve got your TEFL certificate and you know the ins and outs of teaching English as a Foreign Language, you’re probably itching to get started in a classroom of your own. And the first step is to find yourself the job you’ve always wanted.
Yes, the job you want.
As soon as you start looking for a job teaching English as a Foreign Language abroad, you’ll realise there are loads of jobs just waiting for you. But don’t just take the first job you see. Make sure you are applying to jobs you really want – in places you’d be happy to live in – or else you may end up in a tricky situation. Even if you’re living on a tropical island in Thailand, you still need to be happy in your job to be truly happy.
Let’s start from the beginning:
How to find a TEFL job abroad
1. Do a TEFL course and get a (120-hour) TEFL certificate
2. Write your CV – be sure to include any and all teaching experience
3. Look online for suitable job adverts or pound the pavement in your local area looking for jobs
4. Do your due diligence on EFL employers and identify jobs you want to apply for
5. Fill in an application form and send in your CV and cover letter
6. Go through the interview process
7. Review and sign the contract
8. Apply for your visa and any other necessary paperwork
9. Buy your ticket
10. Pack and your bags and off you go!
Well that sounds simple, doesn’t it?!
Read more: 5 Questions to Ask before Accepting a TEFL Job
Good things take time!
But sadly, as with most things in life, while it might look simple and straightforward on paper, it will take a bit of effort in real life. To be fair, this is always the case when it comes to looking for jobs. How long did it take you to find your last job? How many people do you know who found a job in the same week they started looking? Or even in the same month?
No, finding a TEFL job takes time, but that’s okay because we can plan for it and make time for it. This is not a decision you want to take lightly. And it’s okay because we are going to make your life (and job search) a little bit easier by helping you out with the best websites for finding a TEFL job abroad.
Read more: FAQs for Finding a Jobs Teaching English Abroad
Here they are, in no particular order:
TEFL.com should be the first stop online regardless of what job you are looking for, it is a jobs board for TEFL jobs all over the world. You can use the search function to narrow your search so you can pinpoint your perfect job, whether it is teaching English in Iceland, teaching at a summer camp, or teaching online.
And, of course, we have our very own jobs board with new TEFL jobs posted daily. With over 1 200 jobs, you are sure to find a job that suits you. Use the filters to find jobs in the country you’d like to work in. Don’t forget to download our 2021 TEFL World Factbook which will give you the lowdown on teaching English in any country around the world. It tells you not only about the working conditions in a particular place but also about the weather, lifestyle, accommodation, transport options and lots more. Basically, it’s the world in a book!
Dave’s ESL Café may be as old as the hills (sorry, Dave!) but it’s always been a goodie. Not only is it a jobs board for TEFL jobs all over the world, but it’s also a massive resource of information – from classroom ideas, advice forums, and English reference guides, it’s all here.
Another good all-round website is ESL Job Feed. Here you can find job adverts from schools from all corners of the globe, as well as teaching resources and resources. There is a very handy TEFL Scams section that allows teachers to post about any bad experiences they may have had with schools. This is very useful when you are thinking of accepting a TEFL job and you are trying to find online information about your prospective employer.
Read more: 3 Ways to Safeguard Yourself Against EFL Scams
If you have already decided which country you would like to teach in, you can also look for jobs on country-specific websites.
Country-specific websites:
For those who want to teach in Thailand (and who wouldn’t?!) head on over to ajarn.com. It’s a fabulous website with articles relating to teaching in the Land of Smiles, as well as job adverts and accommodation listings.
ESLRok is the website you need for all things TEFL in South Korea. You can upload your resume or browse job listings. There is a very nifty search function to make your search much easier.
GaijinPot offers a wealth of information on living and working in Japan. It has useful information on learning Japanese, accommodation, and culture.
Taiwan is fast becoming a TEFL hotspot and if you’re interested, check out Tealit. It has a jobs board, language exchange opportunities, and information on schools around Taiwan. You are also able to advertise yourself as a teacher.
Lingobongo is the site to go to if you are looking for a job in Madrid, Barcelona or Berlin (yes, we know those cities are not all in the same country but we didn’t set up the website!). It has job adverts, accommodation listings, and language exchange opportunities as well. If you’re interested in Madrid you can also check out Madrid Teacher.
If you know that you would like to teach in a language school, then you can check out their own websites to see the vacancies in their schools around the world.
Here are some of the biggest language schools you could find work in:
English First (EF)
IH (International House)
EC
British Council
Wall Street English
Read more: 10 EFL Language Schools You Should Know
With all of this information at your fingertips, you’re ready to find the TEFL job you have been waiting for. Good luck!
The post The Best Websites for Finding a TEFL Job Abroad appeared first on The TEFL Academy Blog.
