The TEFL Times

By Will Pearson

First some context about the TEFL/ESL/TESOL labour market to think about. The market for English language learning in the world is booming. Compare the world now with that of twenty years ago. Communism in Russia and Eastern Europe is in its death throes, China is beginning the transition to capitalism, South America is emerging from a decade of turmoil and dictatorship, the EEC is deciding to become the European Union, the Internet and email is in its infancy, but expanding rapidly. All these global changes since then have unleashed the force of English as a global language and it is vital to understand that there are billions of dollars spent on learning it every year. It’s time to bring some of those dollars your way.

Yet why when there are billions of dollars spent on English learning every year, do jobs still advertise only a thousand US dollar salaries a month? Well, unfortunately the labour market for TEFL/ESL/TESOL attracts people from Western countries who, because of their desire to live abroad, are happy to live on nothing. The economic reality is that wages in TEFL/ESL/TESOL are dragged down as a result. The secret to high TEFL/ESL salaries are knowing the local English learning labour market. Just follow these eight techniques to land yourself a lucrative, highly paid job teaching English.

1. Get Qualified

In the supply of and demand for English teachers, teaching qualifications are becoming the rule, not the exception. To stand a chance of getting a job, let alone a high salary, you have to invest the time and money into getting qualified. Entry level TEFL/ESL qualifications comprise essentially of the Cambridge CELTA/CertTESOL. These are month-long training courses that cost around $1500-2000. By 2009, it is clear that the CELTA is becoming the industry norm. This course is worthy of investing in, not only because it will teach you how to teach, but employers now expect it.

To get a salary raise from CELTA/CertTESOL aim to achieve the top grade the course can offer. In CELTA this is a pass B, followed by a pass A, while the CertTESOL does not officially award grades. Achieving above a simple pass shows you’re a competent teacher and you are dedicated to the profession. This may be reflected in a company’s pay scales or can be used by you to negotiate a higher salary. Therefore it is vital to take these training courses seriously and prepare comprehensively for them.

Do not even consider doing an online or distance teaching course. These are a poor investment of your money and are run by unscrupulous organisations keen to manipulate people’s fears of investing a lot of money in an expensive course like CELTA/CertTESOL. But why throw $500-1000 at a course that no school will recognise, let a lone give you pay-related credit for? For CELTA/CertTESOL qualified teachers consider raising your salary through further qualifications. Once you have gained two years experience consider investing in the next level diplomas – these are the Cambridge DELTA/DipTESOL respectively. While both courses require an even larger investment in terms of course costs, you will be rewarded by being eligible for promotion to a role such as DOS/ADOS, with comprehensive pay benefits.

2. Choose Your Country Wisely

Study the market for English learning very carefully. While the sound of a brilliant-white sandy beach close to a school in Thailand does sound tempting, be aware that it is also tempting for thousands of other people and this will be reflected in a low salary. Consider the pros and cons of the following TEFL/ESL/TESOL countries;

Western Europe – offer high salaries with (usually) high costs of living. Some of the best TEFL salaries can be found in France, Germany, the UK (summer schools), offering €2000+ a month, while further south, salaries are drastically lower (only €1000+ a month).

Eastern Europe and Russia – currently experiencing a TEFL boom with supply of teachers significantly lower than demand. Salaries on par with southern Europe already, with people having a much more dedicated work ethic. The market for private students in Russia is particularly lucrative.

The Middle East - salaries are still riding high on the back of oil, with some of the best high salary/low tax deals. Cost of living is also very low, with many superb amenities provided in Saudi, UAE and Oman. Teacher freedom and happiness is a major issue, however.

Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore – high salaries combined with a reasonable standard of living. Long hours are the norm, but saving thousands of dollars a year is a realistic goal.

South East Asia and China – experiencing a TEFL/ESL boom finally, but this has not been matched with corresponding high salaries. The cities offer the best opportunities. Expect big increases in the future as markets mature.

South America – not a place to go if you want a high TEFL salary. Currency instabilities combined with market immaturities mean that this is a risky place to set yourself up. Brazil offers the best opportunities for serious money making.

3. The Job Search

Do not apply for jobs online through sites such as TEFL.com / Dave’s ESL Café if you are serious about making money. The best job deals are seldom online – it is far better to be proactive and travel to your preferred destination and conduct the job search on the ground. This is beneficial for several reasons. Firstly, you can apply to a range of employers and cherry pick the best deal. Secondly, you can negotiate yourself better terms and conditions by being instantly available. Thirdly, you can suss out the place and language schools to get an idea of whether you’ll really like it there. Forthly, you can scan the market for private students to see how lucrative it is. If you are afraid of travelling far because of the risk, consider this; most money making requires risk (stocks, shares, property etc). This is no different.

4. Choose a Language School Very Carefully

Do not be desperate and go running to large corporate language chains such as English First, International House, Language Link etc. Such schools offer meagre salaries relative to other local professions. How many times do you see big TEFL/ESL schools advertise salaries online? They don’t because they are so low. They have a high turnover of staff, and prefer teachers with no/little experience so salaries are kept at a minimum. Rather than surviving through academic quality, they choose to cash in on their logo/brand perceptions. Instead, scan the local TEFL/ESL market very carefully so you understand how it works and how you can make it work in your favour. While the big chains seem dominant, there are usually a myriad of smaller, better-run, more professional outfits that are looking for teachers. Often, they recruit locally from the expat community, hence their lack of presence online.

5. Get your own clique of private students

Once you have established yourself in a private language school in your country of choice, make an effort to get a few private students every week. Depending on the local supply and demand of teachers, you can charge what you want. Private student rates are nearly always significantly higher than school rates. If you are quality, word of mouth often spreads very quickly, and you may have more privates on your hands than you can handle. Keep the most profitable ones and expend with unreliable, poorly paying ones. You don’t always have to be well-established in a local school. If you have just arrived somewhere, simply get out there and advertise.

To make the most out of private students, consider running them as micro-classes with two to three students present. Not only will this be more interesting for you as the teacher, you can grade the prices so each student pays less individually, but as a whole contribute more than a single student. Also, consider teaching private in-company classes as they can be much better paying. Approach companies with your credentials and offer to teach them in their lunch break for several weeks. Make (achievable) promises to whoever is organising in-company English classes, so they can see how effective you are as a teacher.

6. Be Entrepreneurial

Do not think of your job being your sole source of revenue. Branch out so you have other means of bringing home money through TEFL/ESL. You have probably already made quite a few classroom handouts. Make them look professional and approach the big three publishers; Pearson Longman, Oxford University Press and Cambridge University Press. Even if they decline your ideas they may want you to do other lucrative work for them. Alternatively, if publishers are not your thing, consider selling your handouts online. Everywhere teachers need resources and the online market for TEFL/ESL supplementary handouts is in its infancy.

7. Get Promoted

Teachers of English are often astonished to hear the considerable pay gaps between themselves and their superiors, ADOSs and DOSs. If you are in TEFL/ESL for the long haul, gain more experience and qualifications to rise up the career ladder. The perks are often great; more money obviously, better working hours and conditions, a company car even. If you find yourself in a company with no apparent system for promotions; get out. Do not invest your precious time and energy in a company that isn’t going to reward you.

8. Expand your teaching experience through exam courses such as CAE, FCE, TOEFL, and IELTS

To many people, learning English is purely a matter of passing an exam so the next stage in their lives can be unlocked. The Cambridge exams, along with IELTS and TOEFL offer people a standardised level which they must achieve in order to work and study abroad. Gain experience teaching these areas primarily because students are highly motivated to pass such exams. This is reflected in how you will be remunerated. If you have sufficient experience apply to become an examiner for one of these exams. You will be remunerated well and be given an insight into the examinations process, which students will be willing to pay over the odds for.

In conclusion, a high salary teaching English is an economic reality and simply depends on your knowledge of the local TEFL/ESL labour market and how you can turn that knowledge in your favour. Follow the above advice, marketing yourself as an experienced teaching professional in it for the long haul. Strive to be the best you can be; both with your students and your company and you will be rewarded with a salary that makes teaching abroad a very profitable endeavour indeed.

About the Author

Having been an English teacher for three years in various destinations such as Russia, the UK and Singapore, Will has developed a keen interest in TEFL/ESL/TESOL resource development and management. He has established his own TEFL/ESL/TESOL supplementary handouts website handouthub.com, an Internet subscription database of over 1000 downloadable supplementary handouts.

By Creztor Tessel

If you are thinking of moving to Taiwan to teach English, you might be surprised at just what kind of qualifications are required. Teaching English doesn’t actually require any special kind of degree or papers. Many people make the assumption that TEFL or similar degrees are required to teach English. While this may be the case for some work, the majority of teaching work in Taiwan does not require a TEFL or similar degree. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider getting your any extra teaching qualifications, but there is no need to do this before you come make the move to being an English teacher overseas. There are two main requirements for teaching English in Taiwan. These are that you hold the correct kind of degree and you are a native English speaker from one of English speaking countries determined by the government.

The main requirement is that you hold a three or four year degree. Does this have to be an education or similar teaching degree? No, it doesn’t. Any standard Bachelor’s degree is acceptable. You do not have had to major in teaching or anything at all related to education. Provided you have a Bachelor’s degree in any field, you meet the first main requirement of being able to teach English. It is quite common to meet teachers who have psychology, engineering, arts and many other non-education related degrees. This basic requirement of a bachelor’s degree only applies to cram schools where the majority of foreign English teachers are employed.

Beyond having a three or four year degree, it is also required that English teachers are from South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United States or the United Kingdom and are a native English speaker. As long as you were born in any one of these countries then you meet this basic requirement before you are allowed to teach. With this requirement met, you are legally allowed to teach in cram schools throughout the island. However, if you plan on working in universities, you may find that your nationality is not important but you will be forced to provide extra educational certificates beyond that of a Bachelor’s degree.

Teaching English in Taiwan is very simple as long as you meet the above requirements. There are many foreign teachers who hold degrees in areas that are not related to education or teaching at all. Provided you hold a standard three or four year Bachelor’s degree, you will have no difficulty finding work in the thousands of cram schools throughout the island. In addition to holding a bachelor’s degree you will also need to be from South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United States or the United Kingdom. This ensures that you are a native English speaker and this satisfies one of the requirements to be a foreign teacher. With these two requirements met, you will have no difficulty finding work in cram schools. However, keep in mind that public schools and universities do have slightly stricter regulations for English teachers.

About the Author

If you want to know more teaching English in Taiwan, suggests Creztor, find out the truth about it from someone who has personally experienced it, so you can without making the common mistakes most people do.

By John Harley

TEFL is in all simplicity, Teaching English as a First Language. What this means is that if you are a native English speaker, your first language is of course English and as such, your teachers were in fact TEFL. On the other hand in the event that you are learning English as a second language, it is then known as ESL or English as a Second Language.

Knowing the difference is important especially if you plan on working overseas teaching English. While in most cases this can be done without any real credentials other than being a native English speaker, some places do require that you need to have a bit more qualifications under your belt. In most cases these qualifications will fall under the need for obtaining certification in a particular field of teaching English.

In contrast to teaching English as a second language, if you plan on teaching it as a first language even in a country where English would still technically be a second language, the approach and structured curriculum between the two is very different.

Taking a course is a simple process and when you are good in English, you may be able to make your way through this course with ease. Once you have fully completed the course and of course passed it as well, you will receive your TEFL certification which is good all over the world. This will allow you to obtain a job teaching English virtually anywhere in the world.

Having a TEFL certification is important because while you can still get a job without them, you can make substantially more income by having this certification as well as the many others that are available to English teachers who would like to teach English overseas.

Living life to the fullest is important and the adventures that await you out there teaching English to those who truly want to learn are many. Live a bit on the adventurous side and get your TEFL certification so that you can live in another country and still have a means of income irregardless of age or gender. The demand for certified native English speaking teachers is growing at an exponential rate and all that you need to do to help fill this fast growing demand is to become certified and then take the step to live over seas and teach English.

With years of experience in ESL (both teaching in schools and recruiting staff), our staff have a combined experience of over 14 years teaching English as a Second Language. Having taught all over the world including countries such as Kuwait, China, South Korea, Japan, England and Germany, we are very knowledgeable in the ESL field.

We started this site in 2002, trying to provide a resource where teachers could post their job offers, and native English teachers could post their resumes. We hoped to make a clear and easily read website that would succeed in bringing together teacher and jobs together in the ESL industry. Our website has continued to grow year after year, and we are proud to have one of the leading ESL job boards on the internet. Find your dream English teaching job, or find the perfect teacher to fill your vacant teacher position. All for free, on ESLJobs .biz.

About the Author

John is involved in ESLJobs.biz, one of the leading ESL job site, featuring jobs posted by English schools around the world. If you are looking for teaching ESL jobs or looking for English teachers, go to esljobs.biz

By Rosana Hart

If you are thinking of teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) in a non-English-speaking country, no doubt you have questions. What’s it really like to do this? Here are some of the common questions would-be teachers have, with answers.

[1] What will my students be like?

They are unlikely to be children, as whatever English the children learn is usually done within the country’s public school system. More likely, you will be teaching teenagers or adults. The adults will likely be very motivated, as they see English as a key to a better life. Some of the teenagers will have the same attitude, but some may be more casual.

[2] I only speak English. How will I communicate with the students?

Many methods of language instruction are based on using just the language the students are learning. So you will be fine. Once you get beyond the most basic levels of English, you can use English to explain things and most of the students will understand.

[3] I don’t remember much of the grammar I studied in school. Do I have to know it?

You do need to know some grammar, but you do not have to be a genius at it. This is one reason it is a good idea for you to take a TEFL class that gives you certification. Not only will it help you find work, it will also go over English grammar, from the point of view of what you will need to explain to your students.

[4] I speak fluent English, but it is my second language and I do have a slight accent. Can I still teach English as a Foreign Language?

It depends. Most language schools are understandably looking for people with native pronunciation of English. If you are looking for work in a country where there aren’t that many native English speakers who want to teach English, you are likely to be more successful. By the same token, people who are native speakers of English but have a strong regional accent may find it more difficult to get work than people who speak a more standard English. By the way, both American English and British English are acceptable.

[5] I graduated from high school but I don’t have a college degree. Can I still do this?

You may have fewer choices of positions, but you should be able to find work. Since you don’t have a formal degree, it would be a good idea for you to take one of the many TEFL courses that are available all over the world and online. Take one that provides at least 100 hours of instruction and gives you TEFL certification.

If you are traveling in foreign countries, particularly outside the US and Europe, you may be able to find work simply because you are there. The schools may be more lax in their requirements because they can talk to you on the spot, and you may also find smaller, more informal schools.

[6] I wonder if I would be good at this.

If you are friendly, outgoing, flexible, and genuinely interested in helping other people, it’s well worth a try! It also helps if you prepare your class lessons with care.

About the Author

Rosana Hart writes about Chinese language software at her website. She reviews a variety of programs for learning Chinese, and compares Fluent Mandarin, Rosetta Stone Chinese along with Rocket Chinese and Pimsleur Mandarin.

By Will Pearson

For too long Singapore has been dominated by its larger cousins in the global market for TEFL/ESL destinations. It is natural to head to Thailand and Vietnam, completing ignoring this inspiring compact island. No more should the Lion City just be a refuge to teachers from Thailand looking for some civilisation while on a holiday break. Lucrative TEFL/ESL opportunities exist that allow teachers to save and provide for a lifestyle teachers in Thailand and Vietnam can only dream of. Salaries are high, classes involve mostly adults, and schedules are usually done in blocks – all highly rated in any TEFL/ESL job.

Singapore has a lot to offer which other countries don’t. Firstly, in the region of South East Asia, TEFL/ESL salaries far outstrip those of neighbouring countries. Teachers can expect to start at USD 2500 a month, most likely beating the USD 3000 mark. While the cost of accommodation may seem high on this small island, other costs such as transport and food are incredibly cheap when compared to the Europe, and even the US. This provides for a very comfortable lifestyle indeed, where teachers can experience the world famous diverse cuisine, spend money travelling, and of course save.

The job search in Singapore is undeniably best done on the ground when you get there. This is convenient as Singapore is a major international flight hub, and visitors from native English speaking countries can enter freely for stays between 30 – 90 days. While arriving with nothing may worry some teachers on a shoe-string budget, it is important to remember that unlike Japan, costs are low, and the market isn’t already saturated by other English teachers in the same boat. Some jobs are advertised online, mainly on TEFL.com and ESL Cafe’s international job board. However, these may not necessarily be the best deals, and the on the ground job search allows you to negotiate an all round better deal.

Who will employ you when you get there? For an island with a population of around 4 million people, Singapore has a high density of Educational colleges and private institutes. There is a palpable feeling in the air of everyone trying to better themselves. This means business and money to the TEFL/ESL teacher. A CELTA/Trinity TESOL candidate’s best bet, like elsewhere in the world, is to contact the major private language chains; Berlitz, The British Council, Cambridge Institute, GEOS, Linguaphone, Shines Education, Wall Street Institute and many more that are dotted along Orchard Road. Job opportunities can also be had in the Straits Times online job classifieds at st701.com. The benefits of turning up on the spot are obvious; it will look like you’re in it for the long(ish) haul, you can impress with a professional appearance and demeanour, and more importantly, you can negotiate your salary with your future employer.

It will please many aspiring applicants to know that TEFL/ESL job seekers in Singapore don’t necessarily need certification in CELTA/Trinity TESOL, although it will drag down your salary. More important is having a recognised, three year degree, which the government requires for immigration purposes. Don’t let this worry you though. Obtaining the necessary Employment Pass is a very simple process, merely requiring some forms to be filled in. This can be done in Singapore and you don’t have to leave the country to complete the process at a High Commission of theirs. It may be of interest to note that if you earn above SGD 4000 a month, you don’t need to undergo a medical examination.

Who will you teach is an often underestimated question and it is very important to note that teachers are extremely unlikely to be actually teaching native Singaporeans. Having been a colony of the United Kingdom until 1963, and having English as the official language, means English is very well established there. This may not be reflected in standards of local English, but for the most part, this is dealt with by the government during a child’s education. You are far more likely to be teaching (in quantity order from my experience) mainland Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Malaysian, Filipino, Japanese, Thai, and even Burmese citizens. This provides for a very enjoyable experience because, more than likely, you’ll have multilingual classes to teach. Furthermore it may be exciting to note that Singapore has far less kids’ classes than the rest of Asia. Naturally, this is due to the fact that English is the language of class in state schools.

Moving on from just the aspect of work, Singapore as a destination for expats, offers a very comfortable tropical lifestyle. The weather is characterised by two distinct seasons; wet and dry, and every day is hot! The vast majority of schools will employ air conditioning though to make the teaching experience far more comfortable. Singapore is renowned for its multi-ethnic cuisine. The real joy of living there is being able to choose from Chinese, Malaysian, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese and European cuisine every day. Food is incredibly cheap, with amazing outdoor (but covered!) food courts providing for a fiesta of food to brighten any day. Fresh fruit juices and exotic cut fruits at rock bottom prices will make you feel great.

Accommodation on the island is where serious thought must be considered. Occupying a relatively small island with 4 million people naturally means rents are high – far higher than neighbouring countries. The vast majority of people occupy an apartment in a block of flats. These come in two levels of quality; HDB (a form of public housing provided by the government) and condominiums (high quality private apartments, usually but not always, with shared facilities like swimming pools, gyms etc). HDB flats are generally older and of lower quality (and sometimes without air con), but are of course cheaper. Condos can be anything from satisfactory to breathtaking. Rents for HDB flats start at around SGD 800 a month, with condominiums starting at around SGD 1500. Obviously, costs depend on a lot of factors, location being a major one. My own private recommendation would be to look for a refurbished HDB flat, rather than a cheaper, lower quality condo. I would also strongly dissuade anyone from seeking an apartment around the long Geylang Road, being the red light district, as it is extremely seedy.

In terms of cultural and leisure activities Singapore has somewhat to offer. Firstly, let’s deal with the common derisory remark that Singapore is one large shopping mall. This is true to an extent, and there are very many malls. This will obviously be music to the ears of those who like shopping, and potentially nightmarish for those who don’t. Sampling new food at food courts and restaurants is a very special Singapore experience, as is exploring the different quarters; Chinese, Indian, Malay, Korean, and Thai. The centre of the island is still virgin jungle and ideal for trekking, most notably Bukit Timah and Macritichie Reservoir Park being the most authentic jungle. Beaches are OK in Singapore, but the sheer amount of large boats out in the harbour may discourage you from swimming. An array of smaller islands around it are also great for exploring; particularly Kusu, Ubin, Lazarus and haunted Hantu. The island resort of Sentosa is usually very busy and a bit overrated in my opinion for leisure and entertainment.

In conclusion, for an aspiring teacher looking for a place to start, or for an experienced one seeking a fresh start, I would strongly recommend Singapore. Reasons of income, food, and climate make this a very attractive destination for TEFL/ESL. Flexible immigration makes this a good place to make your TEFL/ESL debut, while the above factors make the city a great place to linger for a few years. Singapore offers enough of the great things about Asia while low on the downsides that make other countries harder to live in such as crime, pollution, begging/touting. So, when considering Asia as an English teaching destination, don’t rule out the Lion City.

About the Author

Will Pearson taught in Singapore from 2007 to 2009 at Shines Education and the Cambridge Institute. After completing his stint there, he returned to the United Kingdom to devote his time to developing supplementary TEFL/ESL materials. In October 2009 he set up www.handouthub.com; a site where English teachers can subscribe to download photocopiable TEFL handouts and ESL worksheets for use in their classes. Will currently lives in Madrid, Spain.