Is an ESOL Teaching Career the Right Path for You?

Are you about to graduate but don’t know what to do? Or perhaps you have graduated but can’t find a job? If yes, then an ESOL teaching career might be the best choice for you. The great news is that you don’t need any experience to become a professional ESOL teacher.

You only need to dedicate around 120 hours of your time to complete a Teaching English as Second Language Course and start earning. After that, you will have the opportunity to travel the world or teach English online.

If you are wondering if an ESOL teaching career is the right path for you, keep reading to discover why you should start teaching English as a second language.

What is an ESOL Teacher?

Let’s start by understanding the meaning of ESOL. As an ESOL teacher, you will have the opportunity to help learners from all backgrounds learn both written and spoken English. You will also teach non-natives vocabulary, pronunciations, and grammar. ESOL teachers also give their learners confidence to use the English language when communicating.

ESOL programs, also known as English for Speakers of Other Languages, focus on colloquial terms, grammar, and vocabulary. When you become an ESOL teacher, you will teach non-natives in community programs, community colleges, and online platforms.

How to Become an ESOL Teacher?

There are several routes you can take to become a certified ESOL teacher. First, you can take Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) programs in a college or private training centers. The most common TEFL programs are the Trinity College London Certificate and Cambridge Certificate of English Language Teaching English to Adults.

If you decide to take one of these courses, you should be ready to devote at least 130 contact hours and up to six hours of observed teaching.

Alternatively, you can become an ESOL teacher through a university degree or postgraduate degree. Some employers only hire ESOL teachers with these qualifications. The university might expect you to have two to three A levels or equivalent to qualify for the degree. If you want to enroll in a postgraduate program, you must have a degree in any field.

How Much Do ESOL Teachers Earn?

ESOL teacher’s salaries vary by country, experience, region, and qualifications. You will be taking home anything from $2,000 to $6,000 every month if you are lucky enough to land an opportunity in one of the high-paying countries. For instance, ESOL teachers in the U.A.E take home more than $3,500 each month.

On the other hand, you will earn more than $2,200 per month in Japan and at least $3,000 in Saudi Arabia.

If you are teaching students in Kuwait, you can expect to make more than $2,600 every month. ESOL teachers in Oman make more than $2,000, while South Korea makes about $1,600. Finally, ESOL teachers in China can make around $1,400 per month.

Why Become an ESOL Teacher Today

Teaching English as a second language comes with a ton of benefits. Apart from the rewarding salary, you will also have the chance to tour the world. Above all, you will teach your learners vital English skills that will enhance their lives. Discover why you should become an ESOL below:

Great for You if You are Starting Out

According to a recent survey, 71% of employers prefer qualified and experienced candidates over entry-level candidates. Further, more than 50% of the interviewed employers said that they prefer candidates with internship experience. It is, therefore, difficult to land a rewarding career if you are starting.

Luckily, you can start earning immediately if you decide to become an ESOL teacher. Unlike other careers, most employers don’t expect ESOL teachers to have so much experience. However, you will need to be experienced to land more rewarding opportunities. The good news is that you will start building your experience once you start working.

More Flexibility

If you are not ready to give up your digital nomad lifestyle, then working as an ESOL teacher is something you should consider. As an ESOL teacher, you can work anywhere globally so long as you have a stable internet connection. However, you should adhere to your schedule and prepare for classes to give your students value for their money.

Travel the World

Working as an ESOL teacher will give you the freedom to travel the world. Some of the countries you can work in as an ESOL teacher include Japan, Spain, Vietnam, South Korea, and Mexico. Better yet, you can teach in any country as long as you meet the Visa requirements.

More Opportunities

Another reason why you should become an ESOL teacher is to take advantage of the diverse job opportunities.

As a qualified ESOL teacher, you will have the freedom to decide whether to teach English as a second language in any country. Moreover, you can teach students from any gender and age group. Also, you can conduct your English lessons online, at summer camps, or in physical training centers.

Career Development

Teaching English to foreigners will help you develop your career, especially if you have just graduated. To begin with, you will gain valuable experience when you start teaching English as a second language. That experience will prove crucial when you decide to seek another career path. Secondly, traveling to new countries will push you out of your comfort zone.

You are also likely to become a better communicator and leader when you move to take up the challenge to teach English in a new culture.

Work as a Freelancer

If you are tired of your daily life routine, becoming an ESOL teacher might help. You don’t have to travel to teach English to non-natives. Instead, you can teach English to non-natives online. This way, you will have the flexibility of a digital nomad. You can travel the world, learn a new language, enroll in a new degree program so long as you conduct all your scheduled classes.

Becoming an ESOL teacher will open many doors and opportunities for you. The good thing is that you can get started even if you don’t have so much experience.