Training as an English language teacher can be a rewarding experience in many ways. As an entry point into the industry, an initial qualification in TESOL can enable you to travel, work and live in almost any country in the world. This can be a reward in itself, but there are many other benefits that a career in language education brings with it. An internationally recognised qualification in TESOL is like a second passport - it can enable you to travel and work overseas within a couple of months of an application to a teaching position.
International teaching positions - benefits for teachers
International employers make a commitment when they hire teachers form overseas, so the terms of employment contracts are typically very favourable for travelling teachers. Compared to other careers, the contractual benefits can be surprising
When looking at international positions, find out what relocation and residential packages are offered by the school you are applying to. A good position will often include flight allowances, relocation support for shipping household items, and an accommodation allowance for the time that you are there. Larger schools and universities may also offer educational allowances for the children of teachers who work with them, another benefit to look out for. These benefits can take the weight off a big move overseas, and make the transition into the new country smoother.
The chance to see other cultures from the inside
In addition to the financial incentive to travel and teach, living and working overseas gives you the chance to immerse yourself into a culture in a way that is not possible as a tourist or temporary visitor. Working and living in a local community gives you a real understanding of the culture of where you live, and you will find yourself doing and seeing things that you would never have thought you would get the chance to access. Taking time over weekends to explore a new city, go out into the mountains or to the coast can help you to discover places that are off the map and not in any guidebook.
Perhaps the biggest insights about the culture and country where you live will come from your students. Language education is not just book learning - the discussions, debates and activities that you lead will help you to form a real bond with your learners, and this brings a level of understanding that can break down cultural barriers.
Helping people succeed
By supporting students with their English language, you may be helping them in many different ways. English is a compulsory aspect of education in many countries, and is used as the shared language of business worldwide, so success in your classes can mean greater successes for your students in their study and their future lives. The reward of seeing learners succeed after working with you is a valuable aspect of the job.
Building to a career in TESOL
With experience and further development qualifications such as the Trinity College London Level 6 Certificate for Practising Teachers, which is available to teachers with 6 months or more of experience, or the Level 7 Diploma in TESOL, which requires two years of experience, your job prospects can increase significantly.
Common career pathways in the industry include specialisms in business english, curriculum design, educational management, teacher training or English for Academic Purposes at university level. These types of position offer higher pay and more specialised service, which can bring even higher rewards as you gain experience.
Whichever initial training course you choose, and however you end up working, a career in International English Language Teaching can be an experience where the rewards keep growing as you develop in the industry.
Tom Garside is Director of Language Point Teacher Education. Language Point delivers the internationally recognised RQF level 5 Trinity CertTESOL in an entirely online mode of study, and level 6 Trinity College Certificate for Practising Teachers, a contextually-informed teacher development qualification with specific courses which focus on online language education or online methodology.
If you are interested to know more about these qualifications, or you want take your teaching to a new level with our teacher development courses, contact us or see our course dates and fees for details.
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