Are you seeking an opportunity to travel abroad for an extended period of time? Would you like to have the once-in-a-lifetime experience of being a part of another culture as if it were your own? Teaching English abroad is popular choice for those looking to enhance their travel experience, immerse themselves in the local culture and engage in travel with a purpose. “Teaching English as a Foreign Language” (TEFL) or “English as a Second Language” (ESL)are two common terms that are essentially the same thing. They are both certifications that while not always required, will certainly make you a more desireable candidate especially when choosing a work abroad versus a volunteer abroad program. It also prepares you for the job that you’ll ultimately be doing. Most of these certificaton courses are easily affordable, can be taken online, and can even assist with placement.
Volunteer Organizations such as WorldTeach offer placements in a variety of countries including Bangladesh, Guyana, Ecuador, and South Africa. WorldTeach has no age limit (other than for China placements, for which you must be under 65), and encourages retirees and professionals to volunteer. Be aware that there is a program fee associated with your placement. This fee covers the costs of preparing, training, and supporting a teacher in a developing country. It also covers your international airfare and overseas medical coverage, as well as your housing and stipend for food and living expenses. These fees range from just a few hundred to several thousand dollars. However, when you think about it, this is what you are paying to LIVE abroad – typically for a year! It is an incredible bargain and a way to really make a difference in your host community.
Continue Reading…
Related posts
As it has been said, teaching abroad isn’t for everybody. Each program you will encounter will require some prerequisites and the proper attitude, but will offer unique challenges and personal incentives to the right individual. Here is an impartial analysis of opportunities confronting both sides of the arguments you need to consider before deciding to teach abroad. Beyond the opportunities for those able to teach within specialized disciplines, there is an incredible demand for TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) or ESL (English as a Second Language) teachers in non-English speaking nations. This demand coupled with job placement opportunities offered by TEFL certificate programs and school groups makes finding a foreign teaching job easier than you think. On the other hand, you must consider that many of the fulltime teaching jobs require Bachelor’s degrees and TEFL certificates are a must if you are serious about making a career of teaching in foreign countries. The qualifications will obviously depend upon the employer, but a college degree and relevant experience will help you land the right job for you.
Most exciting for some when considering teaching abroad is the opportunity to educate one’s self. Being able to live in foreign country, learn the language, study the culture firsthand and travel on days off is something that many dream of, but few are able to realize. You will be exposed to new food, music and customs but still have e-mail to relay your astonishing experiences back home. Yet, if you have difficulty leaving the comforts of your home or can’t live without a particular American item, this sense of awe could easily become an unbearable sense of culture shock. You must also realize that teaching is a fulltime job that requires incredible patience and commitment. While most positions don’t represent permanent employment, they also aren’t vacations. Though the right surroundings can make your experience worthwhile, you shouldn’t select your travel location based on sightseeing aspirations.
Continue Reading…
Related posts
There’s just something about Egypt that makes it one of the most interesting study abroad locations on Earth. Maybe it’s the ancient atmosphere, or maybe it’s the long list of natural wonders students get to see during their visit. Maybe it’s everything!
o Study in Egypt for an entire semester abroad and be sure to visit the Valley of the Kings. If you’re a history buff or you just like to uncover hidden treasures, this valley is the perfect place to find mummies of ancient Egyptian pharaohs.
Continue Reading…
Related posts