With English fast becoming the world Lingua Franca, the demand for teachers in developing countries is constantly increasing.
For those who decide to volunteer, the time and effort you put in can be incredibly rewarding. Seeing the long lasting difference that your work can make in the lives of your students is something you can be proud of forever.
There are plenty of different options when it comes to teaching abroad, so here are some things to think about when planning your placement.
To TEFL or not to TEFL
When you first start thinking about volunteering as an English teacher, the odds are that doing a TEFL (Teaching English as a foreign language) course is something you'll consider.
Many organisations offer teaching position for people with no qualifications at all. However some will require a TEFL or for you be educated to degree level.
Even if the organisation you'll be working with doesn't require you to do a TEFL, it is still probably a good idea. The basic 20-hour course can be completed in a weekend costs around £200.
You'll learn basic classroom techniques as well as a few tips to get you through your placement. Let's face it, standing up in front of a room full of student is scary, so it's good to know you've got a few tricks up your sleeve.
Longer TEFL courses can be done over the internet or at language schools; there are many English courses in London in particular. They'll teach you more about lesson planning, grammar and teaching and are a very good idea if you're planning a longer placement.
Teaching abroad can be a very rewarding experience
Short Term placements
Whatever time you can donate to working as a volunteer teacher will be greatly appreciated by the communities that you visit. However it's important to consider the teaching quality for your students. After all, having your teacher change every few weeks isn't always conducive to good learning.
If you can, arrange to stay at your post for at least a term. You'll find it takes a few weeks to settle in and to get over those initial nerves. So you'll only really be hitting your stride after a month or so.
If you are staying for a complete term, you can expect to pay around £300 a month for accommodation and living costs. Although the cost will vary depending on where in the world you travel to.
Long Term placements
Long-term teaching placements can be anything from a term to a few years. Often the longer you stay; the more rewarding you will find your placement.
You'll be able to see how your students progress, and so get an idea of the impact that you're having on their lives.
Staying for longer periods also gives you the opportunity to get involved in local life, and to help develop the program for future volunteers.
As many organisations are in great need of long-term volunteers, you'll find that the costs asked of you are reduced dramatically. In some cases you may even be given free accommodation and a small allowance to help with living costs during your stay.
Government organisations and specialist long-term volunteer groups can help if you're thinking of volunteering for longer than about six-months. In this case you should definitely consider taking the full TEFL course or another English teaching qualification.
Classrooms can be very basic with limited resources.
What to Expect
Packing your bags and jetting off to a new country by yourself is always daunting. Knowing that you'll be starting a new job when you get there can make it even more nerve wracking.
It's impossible to say exactly what you'll find when you step off the plane. However what's for certain is that the people you'll be meeting will want to make you feel safe and welcome so try not to worry too much.
The schools you'll be teaching in will often be very basic, with few resources and lots of students. If you can try to bring some teaching materials with you. Even the simple things like pens and pencils can be in demand, but check with your school before you leave to see what will be most useful.
Be prepared to be fairly self-sufficient. You should be able to work without too much direction and be able to use your own initiative. The more remote your placement, the more likely it is that you'll be left to your own devices for long periods of time.
When many people set out on volunteer teaching placements, they have never taught before and it can be a steep learning curve. But if you come armed with enthusiasm and dedication you'll get you through any difficulties that crop up.
By the end of your teaching time, you will have learnt as much as your students. And for those who take to it like a duck to water, it could even be the start of a new career.
For those who decide to volunteer, the time and effort you put in can be incredibly rewarding. Seeing the long lasting difference that your work can make in the lives of your students is something you can be proud of forever.
There are plenty of different options when it comes to teaching abroad, so here are some things to think about when planning your placement.
To TEFL or not to TEFL
When you first start thinking about volunteering as an English teacher, the odds are that doing a TEFL (Teaching English as a foreign language) course is something you'll consider.
Many organisations offer teaching position for people with no qualifications at all. However some will require a TEFL or for you be educated to degree level.
Even if the organisation you'll be working with doesn't require you to do a TEFL, it is still probably a good idea. The basic 20-hour course can be completed in a weekend costs around £200.
You'll learn basic classroom techniques as well as a few tips to get you through your placement. Let's face it, standing up in front of a room full of student is scary, so it's good to know you've got a few tricks up your sleeve.
Longer TEFL courses can be done over the internet or at language schools; there are many English courses in London in particular. They'll teach you more about lesson planning, grammar and teaching and are a very good idea if you're planning a longer placement.
Teaching abroad can be a very rewarding experience
Short Term placements
Whatever time you can donate to working as a volunteer teacher will be greatly appreciated by the communities that you visit. However it's important to consider the teaching quality for your students. After all, having your teacher change every few weeks isn't always conducive to good learning.
If you can, arrange to stay at your post for at least a term. You'll find it takes a few weeks to settle in and to get over those initial nerves. So you'll only really be hitting your stride after a month or so.
If you are staying for a complete term, you can expect to pay around £300 a month for accommodation and living costs. Although the cost will vary depending on where in the world you travel to.
Long Term placements
Long-term teaching placements can be anything from a term to a few years. Often the longer you stay; the more rewarding you will find your placement.
You'll be able to see how your students progress, and so get an idea of the impact that you're having on their lives.
Staying for longer periods also gives you the opportunity to get involved in local life, and to help develop the program for future volunteers.
As many organisations are in great need of long-term volunteers, you'll find that the costs asked of you are reduced dramatically. In some cases you may even be given free accommodation and a small allowance to help with living costs during your stay.
Government organisations and specialist long-term volunteer groups can help if you're thinking of volunteering for longer than about six-months. In this case you should definitely consider taking the full TEFL course or another English teaching qualification.
Classrooms can be very basic with limited resources.
What to Expect
Packing your bags and jetting off to a new country by yourself is always daunting. Knowing that you'll be starting a new job when you get there can make it even more nerve wracking.
It's impossible to say exactly what you'll find when you step off the plane. However what's for certain is that the people you'll be meeting will want to make you feel safe and welcome so try not to worry too much.
The schools you'll be teaching in will often be very basic, with few resources and lots of students. If you can try to bring some teaching materials with you. Even the simple things like pens and pencils can be in demand, but check with your school before you leave to see what will be most useful.
Be prepared to be fairly self-sufficient. You should be able to work without too much direction and be able to use your own initiative. The more remote your placement, the more likely it is that you'll be left to your own devices for long periods of time.
When many people set out on volunteer teaching placements, they have never taught before and it can be a steep learning curve. But if you come armed with enthusiasm and dedication you'll get you through any difficulties that crop up.
By the end of your teaching time, you will have learnt as much as your students. And for those who take to it like a duck to water, it could even be the start of a new career.