If you want to teach English without a degree, you should pay close attention to South America, Central America, and Southeast Asia.

But it’s not just here.

According to The TEFL Academy, it’s possible to teach English in Spain, Greece, Brazil, and Cambodia.

Also, don’t forget that degree requirements are changing all the time so make sure to confirm before you head over to your destination country.

Visa requirements are constantly changing.

Below is a general guideline as to which locations allow you to teach without a degree. But just in case, make sure to double-check as they are all not 100% confirmed.

Country	Degree Requirement	Salary
Argentina	No Degree Required	$600-1,200 USD per month
Bhutan	Degree Preferred. Not Required	$400-750 USD per month
Bolivia	No Degree Required	$500-900 USD per month
Brazil	No Degree Required	$700-1,500 USD per month
Cambodia	Degree Preferred. Not Required	$800-1,300 USD per month
Colombia	No Degree Required	$800-1,300 USD per month
Costa Rica	No Degree Required	$600-1,200 USD per month
Ecuador	No Degree Required	$500-1,000 USD per month
Egypt	No Degree Required	$800-2,500 USD per month
India	No Degree Required	$250-1,200 USD per month
Indonesia	Degree Preferred. Not Required	$600-1,200 USD per month
Jordan	Degree Preferred. Not Required	$600-1,400 USD per month
Lebanon	No Degree Required	$900-1,500 USD per month
Madagascar	No Degree Required	$500-1,200 USD per month
Mexico	No Degree Required	$500-1,200 USD per month
Morocco	Degree Preferred. Not Required	$1,000-2,200 USD per month
Panama	No Degree Required	$900-1,500 USD per month
Poland	Degree Preferred. Not Required	$600-1,300 USD per month
Romania	Degree Preferred. Not Required	$600-1,200 USD per month
Russia	No Degree Required	$800-1,500 USD per month
Slovakia	Degree Preferred. Not Required	$500-1,000 USD per month
Spain	Degree Preferred. Not Required	$800-1,800 USD per month
Sri Lanka	No Degree Required	$200-1,000 USD per month
Turkey	Degree Preferred. Not Required	$500-1,200 USD per month
Uruguay	No Degree Required	$800-1,400 USD per month

Teach Online

As the world shifts to virtual learning, anyone can teach online without a degree. You also don’t need to be a native English speaker. But the qualifications completely depend on the online teaching company. While some require a degree or teaching experience, other platforms don’t need any type of degree at all.

Even though this market is a bit saturated at the moment, online learning is here to stay. It’s one of the best ways for teachers and students to practice speaking in live conversation. But there are lots of English teaching jobs online such as Magic Ears, QKids, and Preply.

Central/South America

You are allowed to teach English in most countries in Central/South America without a Bachelor’s degree. But schools often don’t cover flights and housing so you’ll likely have to be on-site to apply.

In general, your wage is much higher than the national average. But it’s still low compared to Asia and hard to save money in countries like Colombia, Peru, and Chile.

It’s also more difficult to land a job in South America because of the lack of online job advertisements. It’s easier to be already there and knock at the doors of some institutions to find a job.

Teaching English in Argentina

Teaching English in Brazil

Europe

If you are part of the EU, then there are a lot of options to teach English in Europe even without a degree. If you are from Canada, Australia, or New Zealand, there are options for working holiday visas.

Students can apply for long-term student visas, which allow them to teach up to 20 hours per week. If you want to go to Germany, Portugal, or Poland, you can obtain a freelance visa for teaching English.

Unlike most countries in Asia that pay for your flights and accommodation, this does not exist in Europe. Even though it’s possible to teach without a degree, employers still prefer it if you have a Bachelor’s degree. There are also paid TEFL internship opportunities to start teaching in Europe.

Teaching English in Poland

Teaching English in Germany

Asia

If you want to teach in Asia, most countries require a Bachelor’s degree. All of the major countries that hire English speakers like China, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, and Taiwan require a Bachelor’s degree for employment.

At the moment, some of the exceptions are Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos. But even though it’s not a requirement, these countries still prefer a Bachelor’s degree.

Asia hires the most English teachers than any other continent so you’ll likely have complete a university degree before you can obtain a visa.

Teaching English in Myanmar

Teaching English in Vietnam

Africa

English teaching positions in most of Africa are mostly on a volunteer basis. For example, the Peace Corps is one of the largest volunteering organizations for teaching in Africa.

If you don’t want to go with the Peace Corps, then international schools are another option. But many countries already speak English in urban areas so there is less of a demand for English teachers.

Some of the most popular TEFL destinations include Tanzania, South Africa, Namibia, Rwanda, and Mali. There are paid positions available in northern Africa in countries like Egypt and Morocco but they require a Bachelor’s degree.

The post How To Teach English Abroad Without a Degree appeared first on ALL ESL.

We analyzed 13,000 TEFL job postings to better understand the international TEFL job market.

Specifically, we looked at TEFL certification, ESL teacher salaries, and the number of jobs available.

We learned a lot about the TEFL industry.

And hope you do too.

1. China prefers ESL certification but Korea does not.

China is a booming TEFL location right now. But do employers actually care if you have ESL certification or not? Our study reveals that for the most part yes they do.

• 64% of TEFL jobs in China prefer or require teachers to have certification – Of that 64%, employers search for ESL teachers with TEFL and TESOL certificates the most.
• Only 17% of TEFL jobs advertised for Korea even mention certification – South Korea has the third most international ESL job openings, and only 17% of jobs advertised for Korea even mention ESL certification.

Regardless of your situation, TEFL certification can give you the boost you’ve been looking for in teacher training. If you’re going to teach English in China or Japan, these countries prefer teachers who are certified.

2. TEFL certification costs vary extraordinarily

How come ESL certification costs vary so much? In most cases, TEFL certification costs depend on the classroom format. If it has a classroom component, its costs instantly increase. But when it’s completely online, you end up paying less than half.

Knowing that TEFL certificates are valuable for teaching English in Japan, China, and other countries, a growing number of job offers require a minimum amount of hours for in-class training. This makes online TEFL certificate courses not as useful as in-classroom options.

With this said, there are tons of schools out there that don’t recognize any difference between TEFL certification, whether it’s online or in-class. Actually, the majority of English schools don’t care too much about where you got your TEFL certificate from. After all, it’s all about what you get out of it, and not your future employer. Let’s not forget that what you do matters to people probably more than you realize.

3. Hong Kong offers the highest TEFL salaries

Hong Kong outranks all other countries we studied in TEFL teacher salaries at about 24,400 HKD (3140 USD) per month. This is 23.6% more than Japan which offers an average salary of 263,000 yen (2400 USD). Knowing this, we have to examine living costs in both countries.

While the cost of living plus rent index is about 81.9 in Hong Kong, it is significantly lower in Japan at about 57.6. Both of these values are relative to New York, with New York being a perfect 100. But we found the majority of TEFL schools would cover housing costs in both countries.

When you take away rent from the cost of living, this makes Hong Kong the ideal location for saving money. In reality, everything is relative to what your school will provide for you. Further to this, it depends if you’re living in an urban or rural area. More in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (Dubai) had the highest salaries but found them to vary significantly across the job postings.

4. CELTA is the most rigorous type of certification

What is the optimal choice for TEFL certification? There are several types including TEFL, TESL, and TEFL. But the most rigorous out of all of them is CELTA (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). If you have a strong desire to teach as your career in the future, then CELTA certification fits your goal like a glove.

While TEFL and TESL come in many different flavors (online, and in-class), CELTA has the most consistent curriculum. For example, CELTA certification puts you in front of a class giving you practical teaching practice. Instead of teaching just theory, CELTA evaluates your skills with 120 in-class hours, four 1000-word assignments, and 6 hours of teaching practice. You can create ESL lesson plans and lead ESL conversation classes with confidence.

Besides, what good is a theory when you can’t put it into practice? CELTA helps prepare you to become the most effective teacher abroad compared to the other types of certification. Knowing all this, why do employers abroad prefer CELTA the least? (see #6 below).

5. China has the most TEFL job postings

I don’t know what it is: Is it because of its 1.2 billion population and growth in wealth over the years? Is it how education is deeply ingrained in Chinese culture?

Either way, China is bursting at the seams with TEFL jobs. Out of 13,000 ESL job postings, a whopping 41% were for China. In other words, 2 out of 5 international TEFL jobs are from China. There is no shortage of TEFL jobs in China even during the pandemic. There are a lot of TEFL job opportunities to teach in South Korea and Japan as well.

And not only is the average salary gently increasing in China, but the cost of living is still extremely reasonable. Despite the negative feedback from some TEFL teachers in China, it will continue to be an intriguing TEFL destination for the next couple of decades.

6. TEFL certifications are the most popular

Any type of ESL certification gives you an advantage when you want to teach English abroad. At the end of a certification program, you should have plenty of ideas for ESL worksheets and ESL games to keep your students engaged.

But our study reveals that TEFL certificates outrank all other types. To be honest, we don’t really know why. Unlike CELTA certification, TEFL is not regulated by an overarching committee. This means that any organization can package up its own TEFL certificate program.

For a CELTA certificate, you’ll often do a full course load with a bit of teaching practice, but this may not be the case with TEFL. There are online TEFL courses and face-to-face classroom courses as well. It could be all theory-bad or give you hands-on training.

This unpredictability makes TEFL costs fluctuate. Not only that, but it doesn’t really help standardize the industry. That’s why you often hear about TEFL scams but it’s unheard of with CELTA. But the numbers speak for themselves. TEFL outranks all types of ESL certificates for demand, with TESL and TESOL certification as a close second.

TEFL Jobs and the Industry

Now I’d like to hear from you:

Which result was most surprising to you?

Or maybe you have a question if you are going to teach English abroad.

Either way, leave a quick comment below right now.

The post We Analyzed 13,000 ESL Jobs. Here’s What We Learned. appeared first on ALL ESL.

Dave’s ESL Cafe for ESL Jobs Listings

If you’ve been surfing the web for ESL jobs, you’ve probably stumbled on Dave’s ESL Cafe.

Because it’s been around for decades, it’s been a consistent resource for those wanting to teach and travel abroad.

But how much quality control does Dave put into each ESL job posting?

And should you expect each and every ESL job posting to be a legitimate offer?

What is Dave’s ESL Cafe?

Since 2000, Dave’s ESL Cafe has been THE stomping ground for ESL job seekers.

Over the years, it’s morphed into something bigger becoming the central hub for teachers and learners.

But really… why?

On closer inspection, you’ll see that every section of the website is filled with bizarre cookbook ideas, random deleted forum messages, and outdated links.

It’s like walking into your grandpa’s basement…

You always expect to see something cool, but it never delivers.

Are Dave’s ESL Job Postings Legitimate?

Dave’s ESL Cafe does not quality control any of its ESL job postings.

If you want to compare, it’s kinda like having some sketchy sales guy constantly hovering over you trying to sell random stuff.

At least as a common courtesy, he should give the most common advice before accepting an ESL job offer.

For example:

• Protect yourself by talking to foreign teachers already working there now.
• Don’t accept an offer without doing research on the school.
• Don’t pay recruiters for their services because they get paid for filling in positions at school.

Instead, with rose-colored glasses, Dave tells you that everything is OK.

To Trust or Not To Trust?

I was hoping to touch on Dave’s ESL Cafe’s strong points, but I honestly don’t know what they are. There were red flags for Dave’s ESL Cafe entering 2000. Now there are signal fires.

Look, I’ll bet you the majority of ESL jobs on Dave’s ESL Cafe are legitimate. But going into a job offer blind is never a good thing.

TEFL’s Craigslist is not looking out for you by giving you rules before you accept an ESL job offer. Instead, Dave’s ESL Cafe turns a blind eye to decency.

Who runs the website anyways? Have the prisoners taken over the prison? Or is it whoever pays Dave the most?

The post ESL Job Postings on Dave’s ESL Cafe: To Trust or Not To Trust? appeared first on ALL ESL.

Where to work and teach abroad

When it comes to English teaching jobs abroad and online, the sky’s the limit.

Especially if you have a Bachelor’s degree and TEFL certificate, your opportunities are endless.

Not to say you can’t teach English without a degree because it’s entirely possible too.

From best to worst, let’s take a look at the top English teaching jobs abroad where you can start working today.

Our Top 3 Picks

The JET Programme

The best teaching exchange program

Jump To Review »

View Program

EPIK Program South Korea

Best teaching program for Korea

Jump To Review »

View Program

Peace Corps

Best volunteer teaching program

Jump To Review »

View Program

1. JET Programme (Japan)

Being an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) is one of the safest and easiest ways to teach English abroad. But the process is long and difficult to be accepted into the Japanese Exchange Teaching Programme.

Upon acceptance, you have little choice in your preferred city and it’s common to be placed in rural/isolated towns or villages. Overall, the JET Programme is a unique opportunity that allows participants to experience Japanese culture and lifestyle first-hand.

2. EPIK Program (South Korea)

The English Program in Korea (EPIK) program is a competitive government placement program in Korean public schools (mostly elementary schools).

Treatment is exceptional with fewer work hours, more vacation, orientation, and a more competitive salary. The acceptance criteria are challenging as the number of applicants has risen over the years.

3. Peace Corps

Unlike most of the other paid teacher placement programs in this list, the Peace Corps is mostly volunteer work in places like Africa, Asia, and Europe

For example, this includes countries like Benin, Ethiopia, Madagascar, Rwanda, and Zambia in Africa. Currently, Indonesia and Thailand are the only participating countries in Asia.

4. NET Program (Hong Kong)

Native-speaking English Teacher (NET) recruits qualified candidates for appointment into the Hong Kong public-sector system. Within the program, your main task is to assist in teacher and curriculum development in public-sector primary schools.

But the qualifications are some of the most stringent for English teaching jobs. At the bare minimum, you’ll require a Bachelor’s Degree, recognized teacher training qualifications, and a TEFL certificate.

5. Foreign English Teachers Program (Taiwan)

You will only be accepted into the Foreign English Teachers Program if you are already a qualified/licensed teacher in your home country/state.

This program is meant for the development of English in the Taiwanese public school system for foreign English teachers and teaching assistants. If you are interested in this country, make sure to check out our guide to teaching English in Taiwan.

6. Teach Taiwan (Taiwan)

Teach Taiwan is a recruiting arm of the Taiwanese government for foreign teachers to work in the public school system. Entrants require a Bachelor’s Degree and a teaching license. Also, you must be a native speaker of English.

The Teach Taiwan program has been praised by some as an excellent way to learn about Taiwanese culture and language. Overall, the program is a good way to immerse oneself in Taiwanese culture, but it may not be the right fit for everyone.

7. NALCAP (Spain)

The North American Language and Culture Assistants Program (NALCAP) pairs American and Canadian graduates with elementary and secondary schools in Spain.

Any native-like speaker can apply and become a teaching assistant (TA), where they will earn an opportunity for native English speakers to live and work in Spain for a year, teaching English in Spanish schools.

8. English Language Fellow Program (United States)

The English Language Fellow Program is an American that promotes English language learning in more than 80 countries in the world. In a 10-month fellowship program, teachers can participate in everything from classroom teaching to curriculum development.

9. British Council English Language Assistants (United Kingdom)

The British Council English Language Assistants program was first established in 1905 for paid teaching placements. Every year, the British Council sends around 2,500 teachers to 14 separate destinations across the world.

To join this program, you require an EU passport, 2 years of university education, and proficiency in English. It’s also a good option for those who want to gain teaching experience and immerse themselves in a new culture.

10. US Teaching Assistantship in Austria (United States)

The US Teaching Assistantship (USTA) in Austria is a way for university graduates from the United States to get first-hand classroom experience in Austria.

As a teaching assistant with a native competence level, you help Austrian students build their language skills in all aspects of English. Additionally, the program includes a comprehensive training program that helps participants develop the skills they need to be successful teachers.

11. Eikaiwa (Japan)

If you don’t get accepted into the JET Programme, the alternative is to apply to a language school (Eikaiwa) like Aeon, GABA, or Berlitz. These specialized language schools are for Japanese people to practice and improve their English language schools. Students range in age from 5 to 90 years old.

12. Council On International Educational Exchange (CIEE) (China)

The Council On International Educational Exchange is a non-profit, cultural exchange program for teaching around the world. It’s not just meant for teaching in China.

But China is one of their flagship locations to teach. This program sets you up to teach grade-school and university students around China. If you ever thought of teaching English in China, this might be the perfect opportunity to do so.

13. Hagwon (South Korea)

A hagwon is an extra-curricular program for students to get extra time for studying English. Students range in age and can be as young as five years old. This means they are still learning their own local Korean language.

Qualifications typically include a Bachelor’s degree and a TEFL certificate. Depending on the Hagwons you work in, you may be working long hours with evening and weekend hours.

14. Buxiban (Taiwan)

A buxiban is an English training center or cram school in Taiwan. It’s a major source of English teacher placement in the country. Students enroll in a buxiban with the goal to pass their entrance exam into a high school or university.

15. The Teaching Assistant Program in France (TAPIF)

Teaching Assistant Program in France (France) – The Teaching Assistant Program in France (TAPIF) gives you a chance to be employed in a public school in France for 7 months.

You have the chance to teach English to students of all ages with the placement of over 1,500 American citizens each and every year.

16. English Training Centers (China)

English Training Centers are before and after-school programs are aimed at increasing English fluency for students of all ages. Because the programs are for after school, teachers work in the evenings and weekends.

Generally, you work with a primary language teacher for an average of 30 hours per week. Some English training centers can be very demanding with classes of 5 to 10 students. Here’s an example of a lesson that you may teach.

17. Fulbright English Teaching Assistants

The Fulbright English Teaching Assistants program provides assistance in the classroom for local English teachers. While serving as cultural ambassadors to the United States, ETAs help teach the English language in a variety of ways.

Overall, the Fulbright English Teaching Assistants program is a great way to gain teaching experience and learn about other cultures.

The post The 15 Best English Teaching Jobs Abroad appeared first on ALL ESL.

A Hagwon is a specialized English Language school in South Korea. If Korean students want to improve their English skills, they go to a Hagwon.

Hagwon schools hire Korean and foreign teachers to deliver the best overall experience for Korean students.

This way, they can interact with Korean teachers for instructional knowledge of the English language.

If Korean students want to build their language skills, they can hold English conversational classes with a native speaker. Students range in age from 5 to 90 years old with different skill levels.

What are examples of Hagwons in South Korea?

Some of the largest Hagwon recruit foreign teachers year-round.

The hiring process for a Hagwon is not as rigorous as EPIK or TaLK program. Although it’s easier and faster to get a job in a Hagwon, it takes time to get a work visa and start teaching.

One of the best parts about working for a Hagwon is that you can decide which city you want placement in. Also, they cover your flights and accommodation too.

READ MORE: How to Teach English in Korea with EPIK or a Hagwon

What Is the Hagwons Blacklist?

Some of the largest Hagwon recruit foreign teachers year-round. You can apply to any of the schools below and get hired

The hiring process for a Hagwon is not as rigorous as EPIK or TaLK program. Although it’s easier and faster to get a job in a Hagwon, it takes time to get a work visa and start teaching.

One of the best parts about working for a Hagwon is that you can decide which city you want placement in. Also, they cover your flights and accommodation too.

READ MORE: How to Teach English in Korea with EPIK or a Hagwon

What is the role of foreign teachers in a Hagwon?

As a foreign teacher at a Hagwon, you often help put a face to the school. You will indeed assist in promotional activities such as handing out flyers.

Your coworkers will invite you to join in extra-curricular work activities. This includes spending extra time with students at dinners and after-school functions.

Work hours are often long and not your typical 9-5 schedule. Instead, you’ll likely work evening and weekend hours to accommodate students’ school hours.

There are lots of work opportunities in South Korea. But because of their rapid growth, one of the most popular is working on a Hagwon.

What qualifications do you need to work in a Hagwon?

To get a work visa in South Korea, you need to have a Bachelor’s Degree. Teaching experience is not necessary but it does help.

Because students pay a lot for English lessons, TEFL certification should be the bare minimum teaching qualification you should have.

When you sign up for a TEFL course, you should try to pick one that gives you classroom observation and teaching experience.

We recommend the following TEFL certification courses:

• Premier TEFL
• The TEFL Academy

Hagwons in South Korea

Korea is a growing economy with modern technology and ancient historical wonders. This mix of both worlds makes it a fascinating country to teach in.

In general, South Korea is safe and has a lot of opportunities to advance if you can speak the language.

I’ve spent over a year working in a Korean Hagwon. Sure, it wasn’t without its challenges.

But the friends you make and the culture you experience were the most rewarding part of all.

The post What Is a Hagwon? appeared first on ALL ESL.

An Eikaiwa is a specialized English Language school in Japan. If Japanese students want to improve their English skills, they go to an Eikaiwa.

Eikaiwa schools hire Japanese and foreign teachers to deliver the best overall experience for Japanese students.

This way, they can interact with Japanese teachers for instructional knowledge in the English language.

If Japanese students want to build their language skills, they can hold English conversational classes with a native speaker. Students range in age from 5 to 90 years old with different skill levels.

What are examples of Eikaiwa in Japan?

Some of the largest Eikaiwa recruit foreign teachers year-round. You can apply with the schools below and get hired

• Nova
• Interac
• Berlitz
• Aeon
• GABA

The hiring process for Eikaiwa is not as rigorous as the JET Programme. Although it’s easier and faster to get a job in an Eikaiwa, it takes time to get a work visa and start teaching.

One of the best parts about working for an Eikaiwa is that you can work in larger cities like Tokyo, Yokohama, and Osaka. Unlike the JET Programme, you can decide which city you want placement in.

READ MORE: How to Teach English in Japan with JET Programme or Eikaiwa [Infographic]

What are the work conditions like in an Eikaiwa?

As a foreign Eikaiwa teacher, you often help put a face to the school. You will indeed assist in promotional activities such as handing out flyers.

As an Eikaiwa teacher, co-workers will invite you to join in extra-curricular work activities with students such as dinners and cherry-blossom viewing.

Work hours are often long and not your typical 9-5 schedule. Instead, you’ll likely work evening and weekend hours to accommodate students’ school hours.

I’ve seen before that you have unique opportunities to meet individuals who are willing to pay a premium for extra classes. On rare occasions, you have opportunities to meet pop stars, successful business owners, and celebrities. It’s not a rumor and it’s entirely true.

What qualifications do you need to work in an Eikaiwa?

To get a work visa in Japan, you need to have a Bachelor’s Degree. Teaching experience is not necessary but it does help.

Because students pay a lot for English lessons, TEFL certification should be the bare minimum teaching qualification you should have.

When you sign up for a TEFL course, you should try to pick one that gives you classroom observation and teaching experience.

We recommend the following TEFL certification courses:

• Premier TEFL
• The TEFL Academy

What Is an Eikaiwa?

Japanese culture is an interesting mix of modern and traditional beliefs. This combination makes it one of the most fascinating countries in the world. It’s also one of the most sought-after countries for TEFL teachers.

It’s well-organized, safe, and has a lot of opportunities to advance if you can speak the language. It’s to your benefit to speak the language as a lot of Japanese are too introverted to speak in English.

I’ve spent three years of my life in Japan. I return every year. It was the best decision in my life to teach in the JET Programme.

But an Eikaiwa is just as rewarding. The best part is that you sit in the driver’s seat for your teaching placement. This is something you could never get from the JET Programme.

The post What Is an Eikaiwa? appeared first on ALL ESL.

Japanese Exchange Teaching – JET Programme

Okay. Full disclosure. I worked in the JET Programme as an ALT (Assistant Language Teacher) for three years. Despite some personal bias, I feel JET is a fantastic opportunity to teach English in Japan.

It’s the largest exchange program for Japan. The JET Programme has sent more than 70,000 participants from around the globe.

JET hires foreign teachers to work in schools, boards of education, and government offices throughout Japan. The hiring process is rigorous to get accepted. But it’s worth the time and effort.

Although it’s known for placing assistant language teachers in smaller cities and rural areas, it’s still an amazing experience. Plus, you get experience working in the public school system which gives you years of experience.

Eligibility

As mentioned, the JET Programme is not an easy program to get accepted in. First, you need the following requirements to be considered:

• Have a Bachelor’s Degree
• Be a fluent speaker of English
• Be a citizen of the country you are applying from

Another way you can improve your chances is by already having teaching experience abroad or by obtaining TEFL certification beforehand.

Jet Programme Positions

The two types of positions you can apply for with the JET Programme are:

• Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) – ALTs work in elementary, junior high, or senior high schools and carry out teaching duties with a Japanese primary teacher.
• Coordinators of International Relations (CIR) – A CIR must be fluent in both English and Japanese and assist in projects related to international activities including editing and compiling translations into English.

The majority of positions that participants apply for are Assistant Language Teachers (ALT). You can apply for both types of positions during your application submission.

ALT Salary and Remuneration

As part of the JET Programme, ALTs and CIRs earn the same amount of salary. It’s an escalating salary in which you can earn more the longer you stay and teach English in Japan.

• During the first year, ALT salary is approximately 3.36 million yen.
• In the second year, ALT salary jumps to 3.6 million yen.
• The third year can earn approximately 3.9 million yen
• Finally, for the fourth and any subsequent year of employment with the JET Programme, earnings are approximately 3.96 million yen.

Previously, the JET Programme restricted three years of employment for ALT and CIRs. But JET Programme participants can now work longer. JET Programme participants are responsible to pay Japanese income tax and their country of residence.

1. Fill in your application

It all starts with your application and essay on why you are interested in applying as an ALT or CIR. You’ll need to follow the application step-by-step with meticulous detail. The application is all online now but it never used to be that way.

Try to stand out by studying the country as much as you can. I took a university course about Japan before getting hired. Also, I took a TEFL course to make sure I was prepared as a teacher.

Learn about the culture, food, and places that interest you most. Finally, write about it in your essay. Don’t leave any blanks in the application and fill it in with “N/A”.

2. Score an Interview

Afterward comes the interview and if you pass, you get a letter telling where you’ll be placed… Unfortunately, you don’t have much say in where you’ll end up in Japan. But you can request small to medium-sized cities if you wish.

You get judged the moment you walk into your interview. Even when you talk to the receptionist, be kind and courteous because they are judging you too.

There will be a panel of several judges who will ask you a list of questions and examine you if you are fit to teach English in the JET Programme. Try to stay calm, cool, and collective. Answer the questions the best you can.

Remember that you’re job is to be a TEFL teacher. They’re going to hire you only if they see that Before the interview, I also took a TEFL course which gave me teaching experience and lesson plans.

3. Get Accepted

Despite the long process to get accepted, the hard work is well worth the effort. The program is well-organized with an orientation at the start of your contract (likely in Tokyo).

You earn a generous salary, subsidized accommodation, and typically fewer teaching hours than average. Most ESL jobs give you these perks anyhow.

Don’t get too bummed out if you don’t get accepted. There are other ways to teach English in Japan such as in an Eikaiwa.

Although you get some pretty nice benefits with the JET Programme, you’re more likely to be placed in a rural area. If your heart is set on Tokyo, there are lots of possibilities to work in an Eikaiwa in Tokyo.

Orientation

On arrival, the JET Programme welcomes you with a 2-day orientation in Tokyo. It’s a nice way to introduce yourself to a country, and help shake off the culture shock.

After all, there are thousands of ALTs in the same situation, so why not share your culture shock together? Yes, culture shock is natural if you have never been there before.

During your orientation, you’ll probably hang out with other JET assistant language teachers from the city to which you applied. The first couple of nights out in Tokyo, it feels like your dream has become a reality.

But after your 2-day orientation, it’s time to meet your school. Typically, a school will assign a direct supervisor who will greet you at the airport or train station of your home city.

Even though you’re tired, it’s those first encounters that make a difference. When you first meet, try to speak a bit slower and more clearly. From that day forward, your journey of becoming an assistant language teacher with the JET Programme just begins.

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The Cons of Teaching English Abroad

Working as an English teacher abroad is a challenging and rewarding career. Not only does it provide you with the opportunity to live in an exotic new country and save up money as you travel, but your pay can be quite high.

Working as an English teacher also offers plenty of opportunities for growth. Depending on where you teach and your future goals, there’s potential to gain teaching experience. But for many people, teaching abroad becomes more routine than they expected, which can lead to getting stuck in a rut.

This article is more for anyone who is starting to question their experience of teaching abroad… You might feel like you’re hitting a wall and want to know if your job is meaningful enough to stay another year. If this sounds like you, then read more to know if you should stay for just another year. And if you want to get a sense of what “teaching abroad is a trap” means, then this video can help you understand.

Can You Get Stuck in a Rut Teaching Abroad?

When people take the dive to teach abroad, a lot of people think they’re going to stay for one year… But the comfort in their lifestyle and friends makes them stay another.

Everyone says they’ll be there for just another year… Right!?!

Whatever your reason is.  Is it the laid-back environment of teaching abroad? Is it the feeling like you’re not stuck in the daily grind back home?  You either enjoy your job enough to continue or the travel opportunities, so you stick around for another year.

You’re beginning to sound like an addict?  This is how people can get stuck doing the same thing abroad. This is how teaching abroad is a trap.  Here are some of the signs you should start heading home.

Signs That You Should Start Heading Home

There are plenty of reasons to stay in the teaching position you’re in and not leave it for a change. Some people are so comfortable in their routine that they don’t want to disrupt it and that’s okay.

But as soon as you start to question if it’s time to move on to the next chapter, this might be when you should start thinking about heading home. After all, a self-realization moment of returning home can be just as hard as setting sail and teaching in another country.

It’s becoming monotonous

Even though your situation can be better mentally and financially, the monotony of your situation is something that can stray you away from teaching abroad. Whether it’s in your classroom or even in your lifestyle, this is a tell-tale sign that it might be time to head home.

While teaching abroad can be exciting and rewarding, it can also be very monotonous. It’s hard to stay engaged in the same routine day after day in the classroom. You can try to rethink your approach or you can try to switch up your location or job title.

But if it’s the lifestyle that’s feeling monotonous, it’s mostly out of your control. I can remember after the first year, I lost some of my closest friends. Then, the year after that, I lost my even better friends. It’s moments like that when you need to rethink your situation.

There are no opportunities for career growth

Unless you want to be a teacher back home, some expats feel like their teaching experience is more of a gap in their resume.  Sure, there are some transferable skills that can help you get back into the workforce back home.

In some cases, teaching positions in other countries can provide invaluable experience that can help you stand out from the crowd, especially for teaching positions. It can also give you the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives. 

But it’s the lack of opportunities for career growth with few opportunities for professional development in teaching abroad.  That’s why there are a lot of teachers who return home and feel like they are essentially starting all over in the workforce. It’s why you have to start weighing all the pros and cons of teaching abroad.

Things you can do to get out of your current rut

If you feel as though you’re stuck in a rut and you’re teaching abroad, here are some suggestions to move ahead.

Is Teaching English Abroad a Trap?

Teaching abroad is an incredible opportunity to gain new skills and experience in a new part of the world. But it can also be a trap – staying in your current job for years without growth or making a move back home.

Everybody goes to teach abroad with a purpose.  Do you want to travel?  Do you want to experience a new culture?  Do you want to gain teaching experience?  Or is it all of the above?

For most of us teaching abroad, it’s just temporary. Remember that. Once you’ve fulfilled your purpose, you should ask yourself if you’re stuck in a rut and what should be your next step forward to get out of it.

In this article, I don’t want to deter you from teaching abroad. If anything, it just goes to show how it might be one of the best life choices I’ve ever made. If you’re interested in teaching abroad, make sure to check out some of the online TEFL certification courses that are available that can help you get started.

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Should You Already Know the Language of Your TEFL Destination?

No, you do not have to know the native language when teaching English abroad. However, it can be helpful to know at least some basic phrases in the language of the country you will be teaching in.

This can help you better understand the culture and connect with your students. Additionally, knowing the native language can also help you better understand how to travel within a foreign country.

Finally, if you are working with students who have limited English proficiency, knowing the native language can be a valuable asset in providing instruction and support.

How Can You Learn a Foreign Language?

There are a number of ways that you can learn a foreign language.

Should You Still Teach English Abroad If You Don’t Know the Native Language?

Yes, you still should teach English abroad despite not knowing the language.

First, English is a global language and is spoken in many countries around the world so it’s almost always possible to get by with just that.

Secondly, teaching English abroad is still a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture and learn about the people and their way of life.

Finally, teaching abroad is all just one big learning experience. Over time, you’ll gradually pick up the local language bit by bit.

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10 Travel Safety Tips From Experienced Teachers

Teaching English abroad is an exciting opportunity to explore the world and meet new people, but it also comes with a few safety concerns. No matter where you teach, you need to be mindful of the environment and culture you are entering and be prepared for any potential risks.

Experienced teachers have a lot of tips and advice to help make sure you stay safe while teaching English abroad. From understanding the cultural norms to staying alert and aware of your surroundings, these tips will help you stay safe and secure while having a fantastic experience teaching in a foreign country.

1. Understand the cultural norms

Maybe, you’ve already taken your TEFL certificate online already and are ready to teach English abroad.  But you should know that every country has its own cultural norms and practices so it’s important to understand these before you travel.

This will help you blend into the culture and make the most out of your experience:

• Behavior – Consider what is appropriate and inappropriate behavior in the country you are visiting. Does the culture value punctuality? Do they like direct eye contact? These are just some examples of appropriate behavior to understand before you travel. 
• Communication – The way people communicate in the country you are visiting. Do they speak a different language? If so, do you know how to speak it? What are the different ways people communicate? Are there typical greetings or gestures you need to be aware of?
• Eating habits – What is the typical eating culture in the country you are visiting? Is it rude to eat while walking in public? Are there any foods you should avoid eating?
• Health and security – Any health or security concerns that might be specific to the country you are visiting. Are there vaccines you need to be aware of? What health issues you might encounter? Are there any diseases you need to be cautious of?

2. Research the country you are visiting

Before you travel, take some time to research the country you are visiting. This will help you understand the culture and any potential risks. You can find information from the country’s government website, travel blogs, online forums, and online news sites. You can also look up any recent news stories or travel warnings that have been released. This will help you have a general idea of any risks you might face while in the country.

You can also look up your own country’s travel warnings for that country. You can find this information on your government website or any consulate website. These warnings can alert you to any risks or concerns that might be specific to your country.

READ MORE: 10 Reasons To Teach English Abroad as an English Teacher

3. Stay alert and aware of your surroundings

Being aware of your surroundings and staying alert is important when traveling and teaching abroad. This will help you spot any potential risks and keep you safe. You can apply this in any location, but it’s especially important when in busy areas or places with high traffic.

Keep the following in mind to stay alert and aware of your surroundings:

• Be mindful of your appearance – What you wear and how you present yourself. This can impact how others treat you and could be misinterpreted in some cultures. Be mindful of what you wear and how you present yourself to avoid any issues.
• Avoid traveling alone – Avoid traveling alone in public areas and at night. This will help you avoid any potential risks and you’ll feel more secure. You don’t want to put yourself in a dangerous situation where you are alone.
• Keep your valuables out of sight – Keep your valuables out of sight when traveling with others. This will help you avoid any confrontations that may occur and keep your valuable possessions safe.
• Know where you are – Know your surroundings and know which areas are safe to travel in. If you are unsure, find a local or travel with a friend.
• Keep an eye on your belongings – Keep an eye on your belongings at all times and stay alert for any potential pickpockets or scammers. This will help you avoid any issues with your belongings and any potential risks.

4. Have a backup plan

Before you travel, have a backup plan in place in case anything goes wrong. Have the details of the nearest hospital, police station, or consulate in your wallet just in case you need them. Keep the details of someone back home such as a friend or family member just in case you need to contact them.

You can also have a travel insurance policy in place. This will help cover you in case of medical emergencies, misspelled plans, or any other travel-related issues. Having a backup plan will help you stay safe and secure while traveling abroad.

Overall, it’s important to have a plan for any potential issues that might occur while abroad. You never know what could happen so it’s better to be prepared.

5. Stay connected with family and friends

While you are traveling, stay connected with family and friends back home. This will help you feel more secure and less isolated. You can use social media or apps like Skype or WhatsApp to stay connected. It’s also important to let your family and friends know when you will be traveling and when you’ll arrive home.

This will help them feel more at ease and know that you are safe. You can use apps such as TravelSAFE to let your loved ones know when you will be traveling or when you will be home. You can also use these apps to let friends and family know if you experience any issues or feel unsafe while abroad.

6. Exercise caution when meeting people

You never know who you might meet while traveling so it’s important to exercise caution when meeting new people. You can meet people in a number of ways such as in hostels or at cultural events. You can also meet people online when using social media. It’s important to exercise caution when meeting new people so you don’t put yourself in a dangerous situation.

Here are a few tips to exercise caution when meeting new people.

• Trust your instincts – Trust your instincts if something doesn’t feel right. There may be a reason for this so pay attention to your feelings. Trusting your instincts and being aware of your surroundings can help you avoid dangerous situations.
• Meet in public – Try to meet new people in public areas such as cafes or parks. This will help you feel more secure and avoid putting yourself in a risky situation.
• Don’t share too much personal information – Don’t share too much personal information with people you just met such as where you are staying or going. This will help keep you safe and avoid being misled.
• Avoid meetings alone – Avoid any meetings with people alone. This will help you feel more secure and avoid putting yourself in a risky situation.

7. Know the local emergency services

Knowing the local emergency services can help you in case of an emergency. It’s important to know how to contact them and what their hours of operation are. You can find the details of the local emergency services by looking them up online. You can also ask your school if they know the number.

Knowing the local emergency services can help you in case of an emergency. You can call them if you experience any issues or feel unsafe. This will help you get the help you need in a quick and efficient manner.

8. Follow the laws of the country

It’s important to follow the laws of the country you are visiting. You can find the laws of the country you are visiting on their government website. Keep in mind that you are a visitor in their country so you have to respect the laws.

This can help you avoid any issues while in the country. There are likely laws that are specific to the country you are visiting. Be sure to know and follow these laws to stay out of trouble and avoid being fined or arrested.

9. Invest in travel insurance

It’s important to invest in a travel insurance policy before you travel. This will help you stay safe and secure while abroad. You never know what can happen while traveling so it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Travel insurance can cover you for a wide variety of issues such as medical emergencies, missed flights, lost or stolen items, etc. Having travel insurance will help you stay safe and secure while traveling abroad. You don’t know what could happen while traveling so it’s better to be safe than sorry.

10. Stay safe and have fun

Teaching English abroad is a great way to see the world while making a little money. It can also be challenging. However, when you work in a foreign country, you can still make it work if you use the right techniques.

You will need to get used to the culture and behaviors of the country you’re in, but once you do, you can have a great time and make some new friends. To make sure you stay safe while working in a foreign country, make sure you are aware of any potential risks.

You can also use the tips from this article to help you be a successful teacher abroad. While you can’t guarantee safety, you can greatly reduce your chances of being harmed.

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