Preparing Yourself To Teach A Language Abroad

Lexa Pennington's picture
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Are you the type of individual who would love to be able to travel for work? You’re not the only one. Every year, thousands of people travel to other countries to begin working abroad, while getting paid for their efforts. Believe it or not, there are enormous possibilities out there for those that want to make money, while traveling  and living abroad. One of the most popular ways to make money while traveling is by teaching a language. If you’re interested in teaching a language abroad, you should read the guide below.

Preparing Yourself To Teach A Language Abroad

The First Step

Many people are completely unaware of the process of getting into teaching a language abroad. The good news is that it isn’t all that complicated. First and foremost, you’ll need to obtain a certificate, which states that you are indeed eligible to teach a language. For those that intend to teach English, it would be essential to obtain your TEFL certification. In general, this requires the individual to obtain at least 120 hours of training, and 6 hours need to be spent observing a real teacher. Just remember that some courses are better than others. Therefore, you should always be cautious and make sure you choose a legitimate source that is indeed accredited.

Choose A Country

Next, you will need to find out precisely where you will be able to teach English. What countries have a market for your abilities? The truth of the matter is that there are numerous countries in the world with residents that want to learn the English language. Costa Rica, Peru, and Guatemala are all excellent choices. Each country is safe, beautiful and the locals will be willing to pay you a substantial amount for your efforts. Depending on the situation, you may also receive additional benefits, such as free health insurance and even furnished housing. It is also possible to obtain student loan debt assistance for teaching abroad.

Learn The Corresponding Language

While you’re at it, you’ll want to make sure you’re well aware of the national language of the country you intend to visit. It can be very difficult to communicate with others that are can't speak the English language. Therefore, you should make your trip as easy as possible by learning the country’s language. This will give you the ability to speak outside of the school environment and gain access to the necessities needed to survive. You'll also be a better teacher!

Prepare For Culture Shock

Before booking your flight, you should familiarize yourself with the culture of the country you’re about to visit. If you do not, you’ll land in the country and can be surprised by cultural differences. In some countries, it is essential for women to wear short skirts and blouses. Female teachers are not typically allowed to wear pants in a few select countries. Also, dark tends to provide the wearer with authority in Korea. Learn about the country’s culture, so you can make the right choices and avoid insulting someone’s cultural beliefs. As well, know that culture shock is real, and that cultural adjustment takes time and growth.

 

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Preparing Yourself To Teach A Language Abroad