Almost everyone I know had a story of their sister, friend, roommate from college, etc who had decided to travel abroad and teach English. When I started considering doing this as well, I felt very comforted knowing that so many people have done it but also that everyone told me that their whoever loved it. These were just stories though so when I actually started my job search, I learned a lot VERY quickly – some that I wished I had known ahead of time.
Helpful websites to start your adventure
Asia:
teachtaiwan.com
teachingnomad.com
tealit.com
phoenixgroup.asia (This is the recruiter I went with!)
shaneschools.com/en/
Other Areas:
totalesl.com
teflworldwideprague.com
goabroad.com
gooverseas.com/teach-abroad/africa
internationalteflacademy.com
What do you need (ahead of time)
For me, the job search when pretty smoothly because I am a licensed English as a Second Language and Early Childhood Educator. When applying, most recruiters and websites ask you for your passport, diploma, FBI criminal background check (which you can find here: https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/identity-history-summary-checks), teaching license or TEFL certification (if you have it), and a video of you teaching in the past or simply your experience and why you want to teach abroad. Different areas require different things. For me, I knew I wanted to teach in Taiwan and I wanted to teach at a public school which required me to prove my degree and my state license given to me from the Department of Education in Wisconsin. For some countries, a TEFL will be helpful and sufficient to getting your abroad career started. Some programs help you gain your certification. Honestly, it depends on your experience and desires but you learn pretty quickly which ones will work best for you.
If you do not have a passport: get it sooner than later! I got mine at my local Post Office that offered the service where I was able to get my picture taken, fill out all the forms, and pay all fees necessary. It went very smoothly and I got it 6 weeks after applying for it, but it can take up to 8-10. You will need your original birth certificate, driver’s license or other form of identification when you apply. They will keep your birth certificate when you send in everything – don’t worry, you get it about a week after you get your passport.
My biggest piece of advice
If you want to do this, do it. It seems like a giant leap but there is a great big world to see and many experiences to be had, BUT know why you want to do it. Write it down, recite it in your head, make it a part of you because recruiters and companies (and everyone you talk to ever) will be asking. For me, I wanted to gain the cultural responsiveness so critical for the growing diversity in American classrooms and I felt that growing up and getting an education in Wisconsin wasn’t allowing me to be the best educator I could be for my students, especially the ones coming from other countries. I know that some are scared and confused when they enter the classroom and I felt I should experience that as well. I am also motivated and ready to start this crazy life adventure which was the most important thing and I hope you are too!
Stay tuned because there is much more to come!
Until next time, this has been,
Emma Eiden, An ESL Teacher Abroad
An ESL Teacher Abroad 