Home | About us | Why ATI | Accreditation | Job Placement | FAQ | Apply

Teaching English Abroad

The best way to talk about teaching English is to deal with some frequently asked questions. Here are a few:

Teaching English China
The best way to talk about teaching English is to deal with some frequently asked questions. Here are a few:

1. Do I need to have a college degree to get a teaching position overseas? 

2. Is it necessary that I speak a foreign language to teach English abroad?
3. Can I teach abroad with an online certificate?

4. Do you offer job placement assistance?
5. Will I save money while working overseas?

6. What kind of benefits/assistance can I expect from schools abroad?

7. Will I be able to support myself working for only one school?

8. Will I need to sign a contract, and if so, what are the general obligations?

1. Do I need to have a college degree to get a teaching position overseas?
The majority of schools around the world prefer that you have a college degree; many will not hire a teacher without one. In most locations in Asia—as well as in some other countries—it is a requirement in order to receive a work visa. However, in some places, teachers without degrees can qualify to teach English. If you do not have a college degree, it is best to ask about the specific location in which you are interested.
 

Top

2. Is it necessary that I speak a foreign language to teach English abroad?
No. Some schools do appreciate it if you know the native language, if for no other reason than to be able to handle yourself more comfortably in the environment. In some cases, you may even be offered more money. However, if you've completed the TESOL course you should be able to teach English successfully in any country in the world, whether you know the language or not. Furthermore, many schools offer language classes and social activities to help familiarize their teachers with the local culture.

Top

3. Can I teach abroad with an online certificate?
Yes. TEFL Online qualifies you for many of the thousands of teaching positions overseas. While some schools in some countries prefer teachers with on-site experience, the most important thing for many language centers is that you be certified. TEFL Online gives you a solid foundation in classroom management, grammar awareness, and teaching the basic language skills so that upon completion you are ready to teach overseas. For more information, please visit : http://www.justtefl.com/online.shtml

Top

4. Do you offer job placement assistance?
Yes. ATI includes a comprehensive module on professional development and employment. You will receive a job database with specific contact information for organizations that hire English teachers, a list of the best Internet sites for researching TEFL, and job search advice. For more information, please visit www.esl-teachers.net .If you would like us to find you a guaranteed job abroad, please visit www.esl-teachers.net.
 

Top

5. Will I save money while working overseas?
A lot depends on the location you choose, the cost of living, and how you budget. The higher paying jobs are generally in Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. However, the cost of living is generally higher in these locations as well. Some schools in Korea provide housing for teachers, allowing you to save extra money.
 

Top

6. What kind of benefits/assistance can I expect from schools abroad?
Most schools offer housing assistance for their teachers. Some actively place teachers in subsidized housing where they live with other foreign teachers. Other schools have a staff member dedicated to helping teachers find accommodation. In many locations, you will be expected to pay for your own transportation to the country, as well as health insurance. However, some schools and programs in Asia provide insurance and reimburse you for your airfare upon completion of a long-term (6-month to 2-year) contract.
 

Top

7. Will I be able to support myself working for only one school?
Again, this depends greatly on the location in which you are teaching. In Asia, or elsewhere if you work full-time for a public school, you are likely to sign a contract with a guaranteed salary. You should be able to live comfortably on this salary, and maybe even save some money, especially if the organization subsidizes housing. However, in many situations it is difficult to support yourself working for just one school. Teachers usually compensate for this by teaching private classes on the side, working for several schools (if permitted by local visa/contract laws), or having some money saved up before they venture abroad.
 

Top

8. Will I need to sign a contract, and if so, what are the general obligations?
Contracts vary depending upon the organization and on the labor laws of each country. The points covered by a contract may include the minimum number of guaranteed hours, amount and frequency of pay, length of service, hours the teachers must be available to teach, whether teachers can teach classes outside of the school, and conditions under which the contract can be broken. Be aware that schools in certain countries will ask you to teach on the basis of a verbal contract only. If this is the case, be sure that you and the administration are clear on the conditions of your employment, so there are no surprises later on.

Top