If you are considering teaching English as a second language (ESL), then it can be a great career move, even if it's not something you intend to continue with in the future.
Getting a job as an ESL teacher isn't as difficult as you might think, check out this article for all the details of how the process works.
Knowledge of other cultures
Working abroad and meeting a lot of people can show a future employer that you have a good knowledge of other cultures. This is very important in international businesses where you might be speaking regularly to people from all around the world.
It also makes you well placed to work abroad or in a place that strongly values culture. Perhaps a museum, art gallery or maybe even in the travel sector.
It shows an ability to communicate
Speaking to adults and children who don't speak the same language as you takes effort and skill. ESL teachers don't necessarily know the mother tongue of those they are teaching so great communication skills, across different languages is so important.
If you can get this across in your CV or cover letter when you apply for a job in the future, it shows how great your communication skills are. This is great for public relations jobs or even a career teaching in your home country.
Great language skills
To be able to teach English, you need an above average grasp of the language. If you aspire to be in a copywriting or public speaking role, an ESL career can really show employers that you have used your English skills to the max.
Experience in speaking in front of a crowd
Any teaching role shows that you are comfortable speaking in front of groups of people. This will set you up quite nicely for any role where giving presentations are important. It's also a fantastic skill to have if you want to go into the training sector. An ESL career shows that you already have experience in teaching and have the charisma to hold a group's attention too.
General work experience
Heading off on a gap year can often put a gap in your CV too. This isn't always looked upon favourably by employers. If you spend your time abroad teaching English, however, it shows employers that you are willing to work.
You won't end up with a gap in your CV and it's very impressive to see that someone has worked while they travel. Even if you've been using your ESL teaching skills to teach over Skype and not in the countries you visit, it's still something to put on your CV.
It shows your ability to work with others
Not only is communication important but your ability to work with others is also something you should show off on your CV. It's not just students you'll be working with but other teachers, teacher placement agencies and anyone else you meet during your career abroad.
ESL teaching experience is great for your CV but you never know, you may have just found your new career.
Getting a job as an ESL teacher isn't as difficult as you might think, check out this article for all the details of how the process works.
Knowledge of other cultures
Working abroad and meeting a lot of people can show a future employer that you have a good knowledge of other cultures. This is very important in international businesses where you might be speaking regularly to people from all around the world.
It also makes you well placed to work abroad or in a place that strongly values culture. Perhaps a museum, art gallery or maybe even in the travel sector.
It shows an ability to communicate
Speaking to adults and children who don't speak the same language as you takes effort and skill. ESL teachers don't necessarily know the mother tongue of those they are teaching so great communication skills, across different languages is so important.
If you can get this across in your CV or cover letter when you apply for a job in the future, it shows how great your communication skills are. This is great for public relations jobs or even a career teaching in your home country.
Great language skills
To be able to teach English, you need an above average grasp of the language. If you aspire to be in a copywriting or public speaking role, an ESL career can really show employers that you have used your English skills to the max.
Experience in speaking in front of a crowd
Any teaching role shows that you are comfortable speaking in front of groups of people. This will set you up quite nicely for any role where giving presentations are important. It's also a fantastic skill to have if you want to go into the training sector. An ESL career shows that you already have experience in teaching and have the charisma to hold a group's attention too.
General work experience
Heading off on a gap year can often put a gap in your CV too. This isn't always looked upon favourably by employers. If you spend your time abroad teaching English, however, it shows employers that you are willing to work.
You won't end up with a gap in your CV and it's very impressive to see that someone has worked while they travel. Even if you've been using your ESL teaching skills to teach over Skype and not in the countries you visit, it's still something to put on your CV.
It shows your ability to work with others
Not only is communication important but your ability to work with others is also something you should show off on your CV. It's not just students you'll be working with but other teachers, teacher placement agencies and anyone else you meet during your career abroad.
ESL teaching experience is great for your CV but you never know, you may have just found your new career.