Have you considered the different ways you can travel?

Sure there’s tours and volunteer work to enjoy, but there’s another way you can give back while discovering a new place – you could teach English abroad.

People of all ages are teaching English in foreign countries and exploring new places in their free time. Work during the week, play on the weekend. After all, the best way to get to know a place is by spending more than a day or two there.

Here’s how to get started teaching English abroad.

Fluent in English? You can teach it, abroad.

The only requirement to teach English abroad is to be able to speak it fluently. After all, English is one of the most difficult languages due to its rules and exceptions.

Two acronyms you need to know: ESL and TEFL.

ESL stands for English as a Second Language, this is used to describe the courses and students. Their second language is English! ESL courses are offered all over the world, from the United States to Thailand!

TEFL is Teaching English as a Foreign Language. A teaching degree is not required. You do not have to have a Ph.D. or even a Bachelor’s degree in order to teach an ESL course abroad.

A TEFL Certification course is not required for all positions, but it is highly recommended.

The TEFL Certification allows you to teach English abroad and be compensated for it.  There are many benefits to obtaining the TEFL Certificate.

Not only will you be practicing and polishing your teaching skills, but you will be sure that you can teach an effective and high–quality class to your future students.

Additionally, having the certification will make you a more desirable candidate. Which means – more countries to consider! With the certification you will have more opportunities than without.

Many places offer TEFL Certifications online and prices may vary.

Through the International TEFL Academy, tuition for the online TEFL course is currently $1395. But the website also offers courses held in different destinations, so prices vary among those. For instance, the TEFL Course held in Istanbul, Turkey is $1545 while the Buenos Aires, Argentina Course is $2,140.

Be mindful of the courses you choose. The International TEFL Academy reminds us of 3 Reasons It’s Impossible For a Legitimate TEFL Class to Cost Under $1,000.

The courses offered on foreign soil are intended to teach about the learning environment and area before you teach there. Rather than learning through a computer screen, you would be immersed in a new environment – which would benefit both you and your students.

Online courses are flexible with scheduling and allow you to go at your own pace. If a TEFL course doesn’t fit into your personal agenda, take advantage of working online.

When looking for where you want to teach, utilize the International TEFL Academy country chart.

The TEFL country chart is an excellent resource when determining how to move forward with your English-teaching experience. The chart allows you to compare degree requirements, salaries, hiring seasons, start-up costs, and visa practices.

Similar to planning a trip, researching your options goes a long way. Give yourself some time to look at programs and whether or not you want a TEFL Certification.

You can request the country chart here.

Consider a new place, don’t be stuck on any certain destination.

Countries require different qualifications of their ESL teachers. Generally, English speakers can find jobs in Latin America, a few European countries, and some Asian countries.

If you choose not to become TEFL certified and your dream destination is not the right fit, don’t be discouraged! There are SO many places that need ESL teachers, just keep looking.

If a TEFL Certification isn’t for you, you can still teach!

The challenge without a certificate or a degree is that many programs require some sort of certification. There are recruitment companies that will guide you through the process to help you find the right fit. A few other options include volunteer work and language exchange homestays.

Go Overseas has a great collection of volunteer programs, check them out here.

Check out Greenheart travel for a list of homestay exchanges, as well as Workaway. Workaway allows you to search places, dates, and add in keywords as well. Many families want to practice their English in exchange for room and board, and maybe some help around the house.

For practicing English with a family for 15-20 hours a week, you can stay in a new place and live with locals – the best way to see any destination. While this is a more relaxed setting – this might be perfect for you to start teaching English abroad.

Whether you have a degree, a certificate, or neither, there are options for you to teach English abroad. Some programs provide classrooms, while others will stray away from desks and a chalkboard. In either situation, with English and a little bit of wanderlust – you’re on your way!

Where in the world would you like to teach? Leave us a comment below!