8/28/2020 Finding Work
Finding Work
In this part of the section we give you practical tips and links to help you find that crucial first job.
Site: i-to-i Online Courses
Course: 120 Hour Online Course
Book: Finding Work
Printed by: Olivia Nadine Lamb
Date: Friday, 28 August 2020, 1:43 PM
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Table of contents
Finding Work
Applying for Jobs
Top Tips for Finding Work
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Finding Work
Where to work
In order to find a job that you will enjoy, you need to decide:
Where in the world you would like to work (and may have suitable jobs available)
What type of school you would ideally like to work in.
Choosing a location
Before starting your job search, it’s useful to have an idea of where you would like to work. The demand for
English teachers is huge, with an enormous number of teaching opportunities worldwide including in the UK.
It’s important to bear in mind that the majority of jobs are in countries and cities where the demand for English is
highest. This might sound obvious but you’d be surprised how many people do not take this into account when
looking for a job.
In practice this means that, whilst there are EFL jobs in English speaking countries, you are unlikely to get one
unless you are a highly qualified local teacher. For a first time teacher, this generally rules out the UK, Australia,
New Zealand, USA and Canada, as competition is so fierce and visa rules are strict.
However, this still leaves many opportunities in fantastic locations. Here is an overview of key destinations.
Where? What should I know? Job search rating
South East South East Asia is one of the most popular parts of the world in High
Asia which to teach English. It combines a high demand for English,
with a friendly, beautiful and fascinating location in which to
work.
The main demand for teachers is in the major cities – those in
scenic locations are highly prized! Bangkok (Thailand), Ho Chi
Minh City and Hanoi (Vietnam) and Phnom Penh (Cambodia)
offer great opportunities.
You often need a degree to work legally.
This is a great place to start your teaching experience. You won’t
get rich, but the lifestyle is fantastic, and the countries are
amazing.
Far East The Far East is another hub for teaching jobs, with a huge High
(China, demand for teachers.
Japan, Korea, Both pay and the cost of living are relatively high in Japan,
Taiwan) Korea and Taiwan. Pay (and cost of living) is usually lower in
China.
This region offers the opportunity to explore somewhere with a
completely different culture.
Be prepared to teach children, often as young as four or five, in
private English language schools.
South There are job opportunities all over the region, but most are High
America focused on the main cities.
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Brazil and Argentina are teaching hubs. However destinations
such as Quito, Lima, Santiago and even Colombia can make
fascinating alternatives.
South America often attracts longer term language teachers.
However, there are still opportunities for shorter term contracts if
you are willing to invest time in your search.
Western An EU passport permits you to work legally in most countries. High
Europe Spain, Greece, Italy and France are top destinations – but have
fierce competition for jobs. Consider destinations such as
Portugal, where it can be easier to find a job.
Employers often want to interview candidates before offering a
job.
If you put in some hard work, research and a good application,
you can find work across the region
Eastern There is usually less competition for jobs than in western Europe. High
Europe Lesser-visited countries such as Romania, Poland, Slovenia,
Slovakia and the Czech Republic can be really interesting
destinations.
The cost of living is comparatively low, allowing you to have a
relatively good standard of living on your teacher’s salary.
Students often want very detailed grammar lessons – think
carefully about whether this is something you can offer.
Russia and There is a high demand for teachers in Russia, with opportunities Medium
the “stans” also opening up in countries such as Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and
Turkmenistan.
This can be an incredible area in which to live and work. It
combines a strong demand for learning, with a high culture and
the advantage of being a relative pioneer.
The majority of posts are in the major cities.
The climate can be harsh, both in summer and winter.
Middle East There are some well-paid jobs in Saudi Arabia. However Medium
competition is strong, and you are likely to need higher-level
qualifications plus experience to be successful.
Other parts of the Middle East vary widely both in terms of
money on offer and the lifestyle you can lead. However, even
given the region’s instability, there can be incredible
opportunities for serious teachers.
Employers will sometimes provide schooling for children as well
as flights for a spouse.
The culture can be challenging, particularly for women.
Central There is a lot of competition for jobs, particularly from North Medium
America and Americans. However, do consider destinations such as
Mexico Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua. These can offer more
opportunities and are fascinating places to live and work.
Jobs are focused around the main cities, with Mexico City as a
major hub.
Salaries tend to be low. However the cost of living is equally
low, and so you should be able to afford a reasonable standard of
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living.
Speaking Spanish is a big advantage.
South Asia Widespread spoken English means lower demand for foreign Low
(India, Sri English teachers; most paid teaching roles are filled by local
Lanka, English speakers.
Nepal) There are lots of volunteer teaching positions, which can be a
great way to develop experience.
Teaching can be hugely rewarding; combining a strong drive to
learn from students plus a fascinating culture.
English is widely spoken throughout the area making it relatively
easy to enter into community life.
Africa There are few opportunities for paid work. Most paid jobs are in Low
northern Africa and South Africa.
Cairo has been a major TEFL hub, but the recent troubles have
put off many teachers.
Cape Town and Durban (both in South Africa) have a number of
language schools, but you will find a lot of competition from
qualified local teachers.
There are more opportunities for volunteer work, which can be a
useful way to develop your skills and experience.
Who to work for?
As well as deciding where you want to work, it is worth considering what sort of school you would like to work
for.
Here are the main options.
Type of School What is it?
International chain A number of schools in several countries around the world. Some
chains are truly global whilst others focus on a region, such as the
Far East.
National chain Several schools / locations based across one country.
Stand-alone language A single language school, often owner-operated.
school
Government schools Primary (elementary) and / or secondary (high) schools run by the
government. These often require English teachers, in a similar way
to state schools in the UK.
Private schools Privately owned, fee-paying primary and / or secondary schools.
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International schools Private schools aimed largely at expat children and affluent local
families seeking a UK / US standard of education / syllabus.
Universities Many universities and colleges, particularly in Asia, have excellent
English language departments to support students.
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Applying for Jobs
Searching for a job
There are two main approaches to finding a job.
Approach Points to consider
Travelling “on spec” to the Do your research before you go - especially around
country in which you want work permits.
to teach Use the local English language press to look for
work.
Find out where the schools are and pop in with a copy
of your CV.
Interview for a range of posts so you can (hopefully)
choose the right one for you.
Make sure you have enough money to cover you if
you are not able to find work.
Securing a job before you Getting a job before you travel may help when
travel applying for the relevant work permit / visa.
You can research the school before you start to teach.
You can research the area you will be living in and go
well prepared - maybe even learning some basic
expressions of the language.
Join forums of people teaching / living in the area so
you can make friends before you travel.
Job opportunities
If you decide to look for a job before you head off, there are a number of popular job search websites that can
help you identify opportunities. Here is a selection:
https://lovetefljobs.com/
http://www.eslemployment.com
http://jobs.guardian.co.uk/jobs/education/tefl/
You can also apply to schools direct. Here are listings for a number of the larger international chains of schools.
Berlitz
English First (EF)
Inlingua
International House
https://www.wallstreetenglish.com/careers/career-catalogue/
Bell International
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Saxoncourt
Applying for a job
Once you’ve identified an interesting job, you need to apply for it.
Here are some top tips to help your application be successful.
Your CV
Make sure your CV is well-presented and no more than two pages long.
Tailor your CV to the application: pull out points from your education and experience that are directly
relevant to the role.
Include your nationality, eligibility to work in the country, TEFL qualification, related experience and
references.
If this is your first teaching job, include relevant experience from other areas of your life. For example,
any experience you have of planning, presenting, mentoring or working with children / adults.
Use a clear font, such as Arial, Verdana or Times New Roman.
Use A4 paper in white or cream – CVs on coloured paper often go straight in the bin.
If you email your CV, make sure it is all in one document.
Your cover letter
Tailor your letter to the application – demonstrate you have done some research.
Refer to the school, country and / or age groups.
Try to include some personality in the letter, to give an idea of who you are.
Remember to spell and grammar check everything.
The interview
Be honest, open and friendly.
Think about questions you may be asked and prepare some answers for these in advance. For example,
you could be asked:
Which level do you prefer to teach?
Do you prefer teaching adults or children?
Which course books have you used?
How would you interest a group of teenagers?
How would you calm a class of over-excited students?
Think about questions you want to ask. For example, you might ask about:
The course books / material they use
The length of contract they are offering and holiday entitlement
The number of teachers that have taught there
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Top Tips for Finding Work
Don’t rule out smaller countries: they often offer better opportunities for finding work
Think about going off the beaten track. Whilst jobs can be harder to come by, the pace of life is usually
slower and you will have more opportunities to integrate into the local community.
Do as much research as possible before selecting a country. Remember to consider the climate, language
and how easily you can travel around.
Remember that teaching kids can be a lot of fun, but requires different skills to teaching adults.
If you are a UK national, explore seasonal work at summer schools in the UK.
Look for opportunities to teach one-to-one in your local town, or deliver voluntary teaching to help build
up your experience.
Check your contract. Look out for details on holidays / time off and professional development as well as
when / what you will get paid.
Choose your employer carefully. Research the school before you go and speak to other teachers.
Get the paperwork right. Make sure your passport is up to date, and you have the correct visa.
Get inoculated. Check what jabs you need well in advance of leaving.
Look at online versions of local English language papers for the country in which you want to work. This
can lead to job opportunities, and also gives you more insight about the country.
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