Alright, you’ve completed your TESOL course, received a freshly ‘minted’ certificate, and you’re ready to conquer the world of teaching English abroad. Hold your horses! Is a TESOL certificate enough to land that dream job in a foreign country? The answer is a resounding “Yes!” with a few caveats. It’s taken for granted that your sparkling new TESOL certificate is from a government-regulated programme, specifically, that it’s a valid ESL teaching qualification. Moreover, it’s assumed you also hold a university degree (any discipline), a ‘clear’ background check, the ability to adapt to new environments, and a cheerful disposition.
Succinctly, in most instances TESOL is enough, and there’s no need for a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) or Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) to teach English abroad. Let’s dive into where your government-regulated TESOL certificate can take you and what you need to watch out for.
Teaching in Public Schools, Language Centres, and Private Schools
First, let’s talk about the bread and butter of the English as a Second Language (ESL) Industry: public schools, language centers, and private schools. These institutions are always on the lookout for qualified ESL teachers. TESOL / TEFL certification is your golden ticket to teaching jobs in these settings.
Public Schools: Many countries, especially in Asia and the Middle East, have a high demand for English teachers in their public school systems. With your TESOL certificate, you’ll be more than qualified to teach in these schools, where you do important work helping people build English language skills. Notably, some public schools offer great benefits like a housing allowance, paid holidays, and sometimes even airfare reimbursement.
Language Centres: Privately owned English language centres can be found in almost every country where English is not the predominant language. Why? English is seen as the ‘international language’; therefore, it’s important to have English language skills. Language centres cater to many students, from young kids to adults looking to improve their English skills. Your TESOL certificate will open doors to language centers in the four corners of the world. Language centre teaching jobs often come with evening work (5.30pm to 9.30pm) and flexible hours, allowing you to enjoy a healthy work-life balance – a quintessential expat lifestyle. Picture this:
- Exploring the local culture in the daytime.
- Teaching for a few hours in the evening.
- Enjoying a leisurely night out with friends after teaching.
- Not having to be up at 8.00am the following day.
Private Schools: Private schools, especially those that cater to the expatriate communities and wealthy local folks, are another fantastic option. These schools value well-qualified teachers, and your TESOL certificate and a decent degree will make you a strong candidate. The pay is usually competitive, and the working conditions are excellent. You might even find yourself teaching in small classes with highly motivated students—every teacher’s dream!
International Schools
To secure a teaching job at an international school, you’ll require more than decent TESOL / TEFL certification. International schools prefer employing people with a PGCE – or QTS (see above). Why are the requirements so stringent? In the main, international schools cater to the children of expats in highfalutin jobs and local elites – folks who can afford to pay exorbitant school fees – and expect the ‘cream of the (teaching) crop’.
Unwise to Cut Corners
Now, let’s get real for a moment. If you think you can dodge the need for a proper TESOL certificate and the other standard requirements for teaching jobs abroad, including a degree, a clear background check, the ability to adapt, and a cheerful disposition – think again! Teaching without the proper credentials is illegal in many countries. Among other problems, it puts you at risk of exploitation by unscrupulous employers – and you’d be short-changing fee-paying ESL students.
Legal Risks: Teaching without proper qualifications can lead to hefty fines, deportation, or even jail time. It’s not worth the risk. Always ensure your credentials ‘stack up’ before you start teaching abroad.
Exploitation: Employers who hire unqualified teachers operate ‘under the radar’ of local authorities and consequently are predisposed to exploiting their staff. You might find yourself working longer hours for less pay, with none of the protections that come with a legitimate ESL teaching job. Being overworked and underpaid in a foreign country is the polar opposite of what people expect when they leave their home country for a teaching abroad experience.
Short-changing fee-paying ESL students: Studying English as a second language is characterised by hard work and high school fees. Students are entitled to believe their foreign ESL teacher is qualified to do the job.
Conclusion
With government-regulated TESOL certification, a degree in any discipline, a ‘clear’ background check, and a ‘can do’ disposition, you’ll meet the core requirements to work as a foreign ESL teacher in most countries. Whether it’s public schools, language centers, or private schools, your TESOL certificate will open doors to a world of opportunities. If you’re eyeing a position at a prestigious international school, be prepared to invest in additional qualifications like a PGCE or QTS. Cutting corners with the core qualifications to teach English abroad is unwise. The repercussions can be devastating, including jail time.
Teaching English abroad is truly the adventure of a lifetime! What’s my advice. Jump to it.About the author: Sarah Tully is from Sydney, Australia. She has been working as an ESL teacher abroad since 2012. Sarah is currently teaching English in Ho Chi Minh City. She previously worked as an ESL teacher in the Czech Republic, Taiwan, and South Korea.
