Learning English teaching skills can open international career opportunities by offering prospective TEFL professionals the chance to live and work overseas working in a variety of roles including working in schools, language colleges, tutoring, or even delivering business English classes for companies.

With relocation overseas high on the agenda of many workers today, becoming a TEFL (teaching English as a foreign language) professional is an excellent choice of career path. With this in mind, studying for a TEFL qualification with a reputable organisation like The TEFL Org will equip you with the essentials skills for teaching internationally that you will need to unlock the potential of an overseas role.

Why Choose An International Career?

Choosing an international career path is rapidly becoming a top option for workers of all ages as they wish to immerse themselves in different ways of life, see the world and experience other cultures.

Recent surveys have shown that one in four Millennials and Gen-Z workers is eager to relocate overseas to work, and even older employees are now expressing an interest in branching out and heading abroad to take up a more rewarding career. Living and working in a different country allows for a level of discovery that is simply impossible on a holiday, allowing for deeper connections with communities and a stronger understanding of their culture and way of life. Not only that, but overseas working is an excellent addition to any CV, boosting future job prospects and unlocking even more opportunities to come.

Why Choose To Learn English Teaching Skills If You Want To Work Abroad?

Choosing to learn English teaching skills if you're eager to work overseas unlocks the potential to work as an English teacher anywhere around the globe. There is always strong demand for English language teachers in non-English-speaking countries since English remains the language of business. Armed with a TEFL qualification, you will be best placed to take up a teaching post in the destination of your choice.

Although there are other jobs that enable overseas working, not all are easily accessible. Often, many years of study are required, with higher-level qualifications mandatory to take up these positions. One of the best things about teaching English abroad is that there are very low barriers to entry onto this career path.

You can take a TEFL course through a reputable provider such as The TEFL Org without having a degree. The only requirement is that you speak a native level of English and that you are enthusiastic about imparting your skills and knowledge to your students. The 120-hour certification course is also both affordable and flexible, with in-person and remote study options available to fit around your circumstances.

Once you have achieved your TEFL qualification, you will have everything you need to obtain the international job that you desire and, even better, many of those roles will offer you inclusive housing, health insurance and flights to simplify your overseas relocation.

Do I Need A TEFL Certificate To Teach English Overseas?

Although a TEFL certificate is not always a strict requirement to secure an overseas English teaching post, it certainly unlocks the best opportunities and the most lucrative salaries.

Many countries have strict regulations as to who can take up an English teaching position in their schools and colleges, and a TEFL qualification from an accredited provider is a key requirement. Even in countries where this certificate is not mandated, being TEFL-certified ensures that you can access the best paid and most desirable positions with the most attractive working conditions in the destination of your choice.

There are also other benefits to taking a TEFL course. It's always important to identify the skills you need for career success in order to achieve your employment goals and your TEFL training will ensure that you have an in-depth knowledge of those key skills, including essential elements such as classroom management, lesson planning and student assessment. Equipped with this knowledge, you will feel confident and capable of excelling in your first international teaching role.

Why Teach English Overseas?

Compared to other potential overseas career paths, teaching English abroad offers widespread employment opportunities, the potential for flexible working, possible inclusive perks and the chance to experience another culture in the most immersive way possible.

Teaching is a job that puts you at the heart of the community and this is perfect for anyone who is eager to truly experience the realities of life abroad. While teaching is about helping your students to learn, it also opens up opportunities to learn from them too.

As an overseas English teacher, you can benefit from a wealth of flexible working options. Of course there are full-time teaching roles in schools and colleges, but for those who are seeking more versatility, there are positions in language colleges where most classes are held in the evenings or at weekends, freeing up your days for exploration and adventure. There is also the opportunity to work remotely, teaching at an online language school at times and locations to suit your requirements.

Can Teaching English Overseas Be A Long-Term Career?

Although some people choose to teach English overseas as a short-term option, a TEFL qualification certainly open up opportunities for long-term careers too, with senior positions available as well as the option to pivot into another industry.

If you're interested in living and working overseas long-term or even permanently, teaching English as a foreign language can become a lifelong and lucrative career choice. Over time, it's possible to take up a senior teaching role, become a course coordinator or studies director.

As TEFL professionals develop a host of soft skills like public speaking, leadership, empathy and cross-cultural communication, it's also possible to transfer into a different industry overseas. For those looking to continue travelling, there are also plenty of ways to earn money while traveling while building international experience. Human resources, corporate training, ELT (English language teaching) publishing and translation are just some of the career pathways that could be open to you in the future, and the first step is simply obtaining a TEFL qualification from an organisation like The TEFL Org!