Did you know you can teach English abroad without certification? Teaching has become one of the most sought after jobs especially for recent graduates and travellers who do not wish to stay idle during their trip. Not all countries require a TEFL certification to teach, although, those who have certification stand a higher chance of getting hired and earning more income. There are various opportunities to teach English abroad without a certification especially if you are a native English speaker. Proficiency in the local language is rarely a requirement for obtaining this job type rather your native speaking credential and bachelor’s degree is all you might need to secure a teaching job. As a foreign guest, a work permit is also required for you to be able to teach especially in countries like Asia and Eastern Europe.
Options Available To Teach English Abroad Without Certification
When it comes to getting certified, most people have not gone down that lane either because of the expensive cost and how long it will take to get certified. There are various options for those who want to teach English Abroad without certification.
Volunteer Teaching: This is a great way of starting off your teaching career abroad. As a volunteer, you may be teaching in a rural area with a small group of students, comprising of people in different age ranges and English-speaking/writing abilities. You will not receive any salary or stipend but you will get to interact extensively with the students more often and also have a very flexible schedule that will enable you to do other things.
Language Exchange Homestays: This is a great choice for undergraduates or graduates who are seeking for short term jobs. As a new teacher who is not too confident of his/ her teaching abilities, this is a great option for you. These positions do not require TEFL qualification. In exchange for accommodation and board, you are obligated to teach your English to your host family for about 20 hours each week.
Paid English as a Second Language via recruitment companies: The pressure of finding and securing a place to teach is more difficult than when you have support from an organization. It is getting much harder to find work in ESL, and governments are becoming more restrictive in their visa requirements, and these factors give a strong edge to someone who is credentialed over someone who is not. However, for a fee, there are several companies that will help you secure teaching positions abroad before you depart, guide you through the departure and pre-departure process and provide on-site support for the duration of your stay. You just have to hit the ESL job boards and see what employers want and what governments require.
Freelancing: If you do not to work by partnering with organizations, you can search for a teaching position of your own. You could do a google search for websites that have what you are looking for. Securing the job for yourself is very cheap as you do not have to pay for program fees to get set up. However, there is no guaranteed placements, visa support or any other incentives that come with being supported by an organization.
While making plans to teach english abroad without certification, you need to:
Decide what you want to accomplish teaching English abroad. You might want to gain more teaching experience, a cross-cultural experience, trying to raise money or to learn a new language. Perhaps, you are undecided about teaching and want a try-out before committing to an academic career. Whichever reason it is, just be sure to choose job openings that will help you achieve your purpose.
Choose a host country. You should make a choice according to your priorities, preferences, cultural experience or whatever important criteria there is on your list. Narrow your selection to a geographical area. If money is a priority, South Korea will be a great choice for you. If you are simply interested in imparting knowledge, you could choose a third world country.
Get the credentials you need. Credentials give you an edge in getting into programs, especially in competitive locations such as Eastern Europe. Requirements vary from country to country. Some programs may require only a degree while others may require you to enroll in TESL courses. Take English-as-a-second-language [TESL] courses. You can also enroll in an ESL program as a literacy volunteer through a college, university or religious organization. Getting certified in ESL will give more edge than someone who is just a mere degree holder no matter how much skill you think you possess. Volunteer organizations offering opportunities to teach English abroad, such as the Peace Corps and Teachers for Africa, look for candidates who also have business, science, math or health backgrounds.
Apply to a U.S.-based organization. These organizations usually arrange for your placement abroad, housing accommodations and work permits. Writing to them is a great idea but you stand a better chance of getting accepted if you visit the country, apply in person and get interviewed. Before applying, it is important to consider the transportation cost and lodging fee as well; you may have to pay for lodging in advance. Find out if a program requires an application or program fee. Be sure to ask all the right and important questions so you won’t be misinformed.
Experience in teaching is often more valued than certificates. It is a plus for you if you do have experience. If you don’t, it is important you use this beginning phase of your career to get acquainted with the classroom and the way things should be.
While some employers require certification, some others do not require it. It all differs from country to country. A Master’s degree in education or a related major and sometimes a teaching license in your home country could be accepted as a substitute for the certification. Whatever the requirements are, do not settle for less. There are many organizations and countries you can teach English abroad without certification. Happy Job Hunting!
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