How can I travel while working?
If you are looking for a job that allows you to travel the world, teaching English as a foreign language, or TEFL, might be just right for you. It’s a job that can be done short-term, as a means to save money to go travelling, or it can be a long-term career option, where you can work your way around the world, gaining experience as you go.
Whichever path is right for you, there is no better start to TEFL than by taking a quality course so that you are properly qualified to teach English and can hit the ground running when finding a job. The course we offer at International House to give you all the necessary skills, as well as training you with actual teaching practice, is the CELTA.
The CELTA is a TEFL qualification designed for people with little or no previous English language teaching experience or training. It is highly regarded and recognised internationally and is certified by Cambridge University. The great thing about CELTA is that you can travel to one of our many worldwide schools that offer the course to start your travelling adventure early!
Work and travel for free?
A TEFL career is not exactly about working and travelling for free, but it may be the next best thing. Some schools may pay (or reimburse) flights to get you over to them, and they may include a return flight home once a year.
Some schools will provide a flat, perhaps shared between two teachers. This can be really helpful especially in more unusual locations where you are less likely to speak the local language, and where finding accommodation may seem a little daunting. The school will be there to help you and to answer any questions or concerns that you may have.
Earn money
Not only do you have the opportunity to travel, you will actually be earning money as well. It’s the best of both worlds! You will be able to enjoy living in the local area and take part in interesting hobbies and pursuits. Theoretically, as many English teaching positions are only a year long, you could work in five different countries, or continents, in five years! Or, if you choose a place that you end up loving, you could stay there and call it home.
Constant supply of jobs
The demand for teachers of English is high and most schools look for new teachers on an annual basis. The likelihood – if you’re properly qualified – of not being able to get a job somewhere is fairly low, so you can almost guarantee that with a qualification like the CELTA you will always be able to find work.
We have a Jobs page that is regularly updated so you can take a look to see our current opportunities in schools around the world.
Thinking about a side hustle?
While you’re teaching English abroad, it could present a fun opportunity for a side hustle or small venture that you could develop on the side. This could be in the form of a TEFL blog or a TEFL lifestyle Instagram to be part of a community and inspire others. Once you gain more experience in teaching, you may be able to offer tips and classroom ideas to others. One avenue to explore would be the International House Journal, a bi-annual publication that pays teachers for their submissions.
A rewarding career
Not only is a career teaching English overseas rewarding for the teacher, you are doing something really valuable. Speaking English well can be life changing for people and can open up all sorts of possibilities in their lives. A good grasp of English enables people to communicate with people of many nationalities and cultures, to travel with confidence, and to progress in their own careers.
Be inspired by some of our TEFL stories from people who started their teaching career with International House!
Get started!
If you think that you want to travel and teach English, start by reading up on how the CELTA can get you started!