HOW TO START TEACHING ENGLISH ABROAD EVEN IF YOU HAVE ZERO EXPERIENCE

Have you ever wondered how you could start teaching English abroad, even though you have little to no experience in a classroom? You might be surprised to know that many English teachers begin their careers this way, and simply learn on the job. However, if you are not ready to dive straight into the deep end, here are some steps to learn how to doggie paddle.

Getting a teaching qualification is not as difficult as it might seem. Not only that, it will give you the knowledge and resources to jumpstart your TEFL career. Most English schools abroad require a minimum of a TEFL or TESOL certificate, both of which can be obtained online. Costs range depending on their type, length, and region obtained, but most are reasonably priced and all certifications stay valid for your lifetime. Consider it an investment. Even better, some teaching organizations will actually sponsor you to get your TESOL. English First (EF) is one of them. Most TEFL/TESOL courses will teach a range of abilities, such as lesson planning, how to teach the four components necessary for language learning, and an understanding of classroom management through practicum. Search social media and video sharing sites for teaching examples and you will be a pro in no time. Speaking of being a pro, have a look at different games, songs and activities you can play with your future students. Much of these are unfortunately left out in English learning and having a few up your sleeve can make you stand out amongst your TEFL teacher colleagues (and make you a favorite among the students, too!)

Once you have the background and a certificate in hand, it's time to choose a destination. Doing work abroad is exceptionally rewarding, and choosing a country to begin your TEFL career should be just as exciting. Asia is the most popular place to start, and countries such as China, Indonesia, Korea and Japan boast the highest salaries. Brainstorm what type of place you want to live in for a year. Do you think you would miss four seasons? Perhaps it would be better to go with Korea or China, places with similar temperatures to North America and parts of Europe. Love the city, but want to have a bit of adventure in nature, too? China is the third-biggest country in the world, which means you will have a never-ending list of places to go and visit. Not to mention, it could be a fabulous middle-ground to use as a base for traveling to surrounding countries. Consider the language as well. Over a billion people speak Chinese; how do you think that would look if you had it on your resume? At English First, you can learn Chinese face-to-face in their free classes. Convenience and a chance to make new friends- that's winning!