You're looking for a reason to be abroad long-term,
you're wanting to work and really get to know your local community,
then getting TEFL certified and teaching abroad is the best!
So, first things first, what is a TEFL certification?
Well, TEFL stands for "Teaching English as a Foreign Language."
TEFL is a type of certification that's acknowledged worldwide.
And, it is a credential that you can earn to teach English in another country.
So, do you reeeeally need a TEFL certification?
Yes and here's why.
If you have not taught before, and this was the case with me, I was not a trained teacher—
y'all I had no idea what I was doing!
Just because you can teach your dog a word or two of English, doesn't mean that translates
to teaching people.
I needed to learn how to be an English teacher.
There are conventions and things that I've always stuck to
because that's how I learned the language just growing up speaking English,
but I could never properly or succinctly explain those rules to someone until I took a TEFL
certification course.
A TEFL certificate makes you stand out when applying for jobs.
Show future employers that you have the stuff to make it through a really rigorous course
load in a very short amount of time.
It really helped me to be more competitive and get the job that I have,
and also allowed me to be more competitive with my salary.
(Plus) Most schools will require it.
So, get that certificate if having a good teaching job is one of your goals.
But is [TEFL] actually worth it?
Yep.
It's definitely worth it.
It's a really great experience!
I mean, whether you decide to immediately go into teaching abroad,
whether you're planning on teaching English abroad as your whole career, or as just, maybe,
a little sabbatical or break, it's only going to ensure that you have
a successful time.
I didn't want to just be a teacher, I really wanted to be a good teacher
and I felt like having that foundation in the TEFL certificate was going to provide
that for me.
I'm doing lots of planning and working and preparation to make a classroom that is both
engaging and helpful to my English learning students.
You're going to learn great communication strategies.
You're going to learn how to lesson plan—which, sounds like it's very specific to teaching,
but writing up those plans and thinking higher level,
trying to teach really complex concepts, is something that is easily translatable into
any field, and is really going to help you long-term
regardless of where you end up.
And, I think that's really valuable.
First things first is you've gotta look for programs online.
Make sure it's a reliable and trustworthy program through word-of-mouth references—
you can ask to speak to someone who has taught with them before.
Make sure they have a staff that's responsive and will answer your questions.
Check that they have a credible website, look up reviews,
I read a lot of blogs.
There's a few ways to [get TEFL certified].
I went the route of getting mine online because I have a lot of teaching experience already.
It's a great way to go.
It tends to be less expensive.
It's really convenient, you can do it on your own time.
You're able to take a much more personalized approach to getting your TEFL certificate.
And, sort of learn in your own style and at your own pace.
But, if you don't have that teaching background I definitely recommend looking into
getting TEFL certification in a classroom environment.
You can also do an in-person course in the country where you plan on teaching.
You can really adjust to life abroad in-country while taking your TEFL certification course.
And, that can really help you once you get in the classroom.
You're all settled in and it makes it a little easier in order to start interviewing,
and finding those teaching positions in-country.
Once you find your program and you've signed up—
you're either chugging away online or you're going to class every day,
you're going to have 120 hours minimum of classroom instruction.
To kind of get a feel for the industry and what it's about
This is where you're actually getting up, you're in front of a class, and you're
teaching these lessons.
As far as working with students, you know, that's really the fun part.
Teaching practicum is incredibly important to make sure that you are ready to go abroad
and teach!
Make sure, also, that the program has rigorous requirements.
You don't want to be going to a program where they allow just anyone at all to teach
because that probably means that they don't care about their students.
Once you've aced all of that and you have your certificate in hand…
Use the resources from your program.
A lot of TEFL certificate programs also include alumni services that have job placement assistance,
in addition to helping you with your resume, and interview questions, and things like that.
So, really take advantage of those resources.
It's really interesting to see what jobs are available,
where they are, how much they pay, what's required.
Think of a place you really want to go, you really want to teach, and start your search
there!
And, hopefully you'll find something quick.
But, the world is really your oyster.
There are so many different countries that need qualified English teachers.
You're just one click away from being an ESL teacher abroad.
*HAPPY DANCE TO THAT*
One thing that no one told me, though, was that not everyone is there because they want
to be.
It's just really important that you always, at the heart of things, keep your students
in mind.
For me, when I was learning a language I was PUMPED,
I was so excited to be in the classroom.
But, depending on where you are in the world, some people may be learning English not because
they want to, but because they have to for tourism or for
their job.
So, ask your students what is their motivation, why they're there, and take that and be
compassionate.
Make sure that you're listening to them and helping them engage.
Really find that "Aha!" moment, where they get it,
because that's the best part about teaching— that little "ting!" when you see the light
bulb go off.
Inspire these kids to not only learn English, but enjoy learning English,
and continue learning once the class is over.
So, if you're excited and you're wanting to help students reach that light bulb moment,
teaching English abroad is definitely, definitely, definitely for you.
And, if you want to teach abroad then you have got to get your TEFL certificate.
Teaching abroad is really one of the best ways to be abroad for an extended period of
time and to do so in a meaningful way.
One last time for the people in the back!
Getting your TEFL certificate is totally worth it and you should start looking for programs
RIGHT NOW!
Không có nhận xét nào:
Đăng nhận xét