While we’re all itching to get back to leisure travel and exploring the wonders of the world, teaching abroad is also an option to delve into for fully vaccinated South Africans. Vaccinations for those over 35 are currently underway with 18 to 34-year-olds next in line for the jab in September.
So if you’ve been putting off the notion of teaching English as a foreign language even before Covid-19 wreaked havoc, then it might be the perfect time to start looking into this amazing prospect as international borders slowly reopens for vaccinated travellers. If you have the right qualifications, you’ll be able to take advantage of the international demand for English teachers.
Tom Gibbons, who is the Director at The TEFL Academy, South Africa’s leading provider of Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) qualifications says that “Passionate, properly trained teachers are being welcomed with open arms in countries where schools have been unable to make new hires, due to the pandemic. Those with teaching experience – either online or in person – have an added advantage when it comes to securing a job abroad.”
“Those planning their next overseas adventure, who are still waiting for their vaccine, can take advantage of the relatively short period of study required to get certified. When studied full time, an accredited TEFL course can typically be completed within four to six weeks – giving you time to get your second vaccine shot, if needed, as well as research potential target countries and apply for jobs,” Gibbons adds.
Even though most countries are still facing various stages of the lockdown, restrictions have been lifted to allow for vaccinated travellers to enter without having to face a two-week unpaid quarantine in countries like Switzerland, Portugal, and Italy amongst others. And with more than half a million South African teachers and education staff already vaccinated, it makes them top candidates for schools that are actively recruiting new staff.
If you’ve already been doing some digging, then you’ll know that English foreign language teachers typically sign on for year-long contracts, which are open for renewal when they reach their end. This provides local teachers with job stability, and an opportunity to remain overseas for an extended period of time – or to change their mind and try a new country every year (imagine that!)
“Moving overseas is notoriously costly and strenuous, which is why teaching English abroad has become such a popular choice for those wanting to secure working visas, permanent residence, and international work experience that will benefit their careers in the long term. We’ve seen many traditional teachers opting to teach abroad, where they can immerse themselves in new cultures, travel, and build on their existing skills – without having to give up their passion for teaching,” says Gibbons.
If you’re keen on finding out more, then lady luck is on your side! The TEFL Academy has released the 2021 TEFL World Factbook to give teachers an idea of earning potential, degree requirements, typical student profiles and average teaching hours per country.
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Also read:
Here are the countries in Europe South Africans can travel to if fully vaccinated
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