5 answers
Madalyn
Student
Adams, Massachusetts
2
Questions
Asked
977 views
How stable is being a TEFL teacher?
Another career I'm considering is TEFL.
#education #travel #english #teaching #tefl
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5 answers
Suddhasattwa Das
Career Coach, Friend, Guide
38
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Suddhasattwa’s Answer
Hi Madalyn,
In recent years, the rise of Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) careers has been increasing rapidly with a demand to match it.
A TEFL certificate makes you stand out when applying for jobs. ... So, get that certificate if having a good teaching job is one of your goals.
Whether you decide to immediately go into teaching abroad, whether you’re planning on teaching English abroad as your whole career, or as just, maybe, a little sabbatical or break, it’s only going to ensure that you have a successful time. Its certainly a stable job but in terms of pay its not a very high/well paid jobs though. But good to have that certification.
Good luck.
In recent years, the rise of Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) careers has been increasing rapidly with a demand to match it.
A TEFL certificate makes you stand out when applying for jobs. ... So, get that certificate if having a good teaching job is one of your goals.
Whether you decide to immediately go into teaching abroad, whether you’re planning on teaching English abroad as your whole career, or as just, maybe, a little sabbatical or break, it’s only going to ensure that you have a successful time. Its certainly a stable job but in terms of pay its not a very high/well paid jobs though. But good to have that certification.
Good luck.
Christina Wong
Virtual Assistant | Living locally, globally minded citizen 🌎
3
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Christina’s Answer
Hi Madelyn,
From my experience as someone, who majored in International Studies, studied abroad🌎 and has many friends who are teachers (ELL (English Language Learners) teachers too!), it depends on what you want. On a whole, there's usually demand for this kind of work ranging from tutors, teachers, program development and accent reduction counselors. I'd argue that usually the pay isn't so great TBH. But, if you develop your own tutoring/ speech counseling business, skies the limit! Some other thoughts:
-Yes, agreed with previous comments, get a TEFL certificate (You don't need to major in teaching or English! In fact, if you major in STEM I think that's more valuable too.)
-There are plenty of teach English online apps and programs now, like: VIP Kid, QKid, and more: https://www.goatsontheroad.com/teach-english-online/ (all of them paid)
(also, now in post-covid world, a lot of classes and instructions are going online--so you have more options)
-I have traveled a lot (mostly hostels in Europe), and you know what many of them do? Teach English online! (Consider these programs: https://www.workaway.info/ https://wwoof.net/ https://www.aupairworld.com/en PeaceCorps) (keep up to date with post-covid options)
Agreed with previous comments, my consensus would be that it's a good way for 'earning a living' while traveling/ taking a year break (like many do). In terms of a long term career, the only way I see this being a more stable 'middle class job' is if you started your own business.
Typical employers: education, government, non-profits, self-employment
Happy (Virtual) Travels~
Christina
Try having an informational (phone/online) interview with an ELL teacher
Try sitting in a virtual classroom for about a month (see if it peaks your interest)
Try 'fun' peer tutoring on language apps: ex, HelloTalk (https://www.goatsontheroad.com/teach-english-online/) (see if you like your experiences)
Regardless, consider virtual study abroad for fun! (https://www.aeastudyabroad.com/virtualexperiences/)
From my experience as someone, who majored in International Studies, studied abroad🌎 and has many friends who are teachers (ELL (English Language Learners) teachers too!), it depends on what you want. On a whole, there's usually demand for this kind of work ranging from tutors, teachers, program development and accent reduction counselors. I'd argue that usually the pay isn't so great TBH. But, if you develop your own tutoring/ speech counseling business, skies the limit! Some other thoughts:
-Yes, agreed with previous comments, get a TEFL certificate (You don't need to major in teaching or English! In fact, if you major in STEM I think that's more valuable too.)
-There are plenty of teach English online apps and programs now, like: VIP Kid, QKid, and more: https://www.goatsontheroad.com/teach-english-online/ (all of them paid)
(also, now in post-covid world, a lot of classes and instructions are going online--so you have more options)
-I have traveled a lot (mostly hostels in Europe), and you know what many of them do? Teach English online! (Consider these programs: https://www.workaway.info/ https://wwoof.net/ https://www.aupairworld.com/en PeaceCorps) (keep up to date with post-covid options)
Agreed with previous comments, my consensus would be that it's a good way for 'earning a living' while traveling/ taking a year break (like many do). In terms of a long term career, the only way I see this being a more stable 'middle class job' is if you started your own business.
Typical employers: education, government, non-profits, self-employment
Happy (Virtual) Travels~
Christina
Christina recommends the following next steps:
Joseph Ferrerosa
Instructor
4
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
A TEFL degree is great for first time teachers and people trying to get something beyond their BA degree.
However, due to co-vid 19, ESL teachers are going to have it difficult for awhile. One good thing though is that there will be a lot of online, part time opportunities. If you combine two different jobs together, you might really start something!
Consider teaching online during the pandemic.
Work for more than one company if you can.
However, due to co-vid 19, ESL teachers are going to have it difficult for awhile. One good thing though is that there will be a lot of online, part time opportunities. If you combine two different jobs together, you might really start something!
Joseph recommends the following next steps:
Felipe Ommundsen
Sales Manager
2
Answers
São Paulo, Brazil
Updated
Felipe’s Answer
Hello Madalyn,
sometimes it can be a life long journey to find out what you love to work with. Even if we tell you it is the most stable choice today this can suddenly change. Pursue what you think is best for you today and know that you always did the best you could with the resources you had. if it turns out teaching (TELF ) is something you love, you will become good at it and there will always be work for you. best of luck, Felipe
sometimes it can be a life long journey to find out what you love to work with. Even if we tell you it is the most stable choice today this can suddenly change. Pursue what you think is best for you today and know that you always did the best you could with the resources you had. if it turns out teaching (TELF ) is something you love, you will become good at it and there will always be work for you. best of luck, Felipe
Ashley Ebersberger, PHR
Talent Acquisition Recruiter
4
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Ashley Ebersberger,’s Answer
I have looked into obtaining my TEFL as well (more as a career break and to travel). I would recommend looking into this company below - they have advisors that can guide you through the whole process. They also offer webinars to answer questions pertaining to the process, stability, etc. They offer in-person classes (which I am sure those are on hold due to COVID) but also online classes. Link below. Good Luck!
https://www.internationalteflacademy.com/chicago-tefl-certification-chicago-tesol-classes
https://www.internationalteflacademy.com/chicago-tefl-certification-chicago-tesol-classes