FACTORS TO CONSIDER
JOB REQUIREMENTS
Teaching English abroad is a great way for you to see the world and earn while you travel. Not to mention the opportunity to have different experiences and encounter vibrant cultures. There are however job requirements to consider.
When contemplating a possible move to teaching English abroad, keep in mind that there are job requirements and factors that will influence where you are legally able to teach English. It is therefore important that you be aware of these factors when considering where you wish to teach. Take a look at some of these factors below.
Your nationality and passport will have an impact on where you are able to teach English. Job advertisements will often specifically state that you must be a passport holder from the US, UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand or South Africa. This does not mean that if you don´t have a passport from one of these countries that you cannot teach abroad. It just means that you may have to choose a country where having a particular passport is not an issue. Always stay positive and keep an open mind. There are opportunities to be found almost everywhere!
If you come accross a job advertisement where the employer is looking for a native English speaker, then this means that you must be a passport holder from the US, UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand or South Africa. In most cases, this is because the immigration authorities will not issue a work permit or visa to someone who is not a national of one of these countries. If you are not a national of one of these countries, there are still jobs out there that you may apply for – so expand the list of countries where you would consider teaching.
Many employers will want you to have a Bachelor´s degree. This is usually required by the immigration authorities for issuing work visas or permits. Some countries may of course not require that you have a Bachelor´s degree to teach English.
Almost all employers will want you to have a TEFL or TESOL certificate. In many instances, this is also required if you wish to receive a work permit or visa. Also, employers want to know that you have received a certain level of training before you enter the classroon for the first time.
As you may be working with children, some countries may want you to provide a clean police or criminal record from your country. Without this, you may not be issued with a work permit or visa.
Some countries may want you to undergo a health check before they will issue you with a work permit or visa. Some health conditions may exclude you from working in some countries. If you do have a health condition that does not exclude you from working in a particular country, be sure to check that you will be able to access any medication that you may need when making the move abroad.
It is not uncommon for employers to advertise for teachers with previous teaching experience or of a particular gender or age range.