Teaching English Abroad
How Does It Work?

With 1.5 billion people enrolling in English classes worldwide, the demand for English teachers is so high that English speakers from virtually all backgrounds who gain a TEFL certification can get a professional job teaching English abroad. Here is an overview of the steps you will take to reach your goal of teaching English abroad.

This process may vary depending on your personal circumstances and where you wish to teach. Bear in mind that in most cases the process of getting TEFL certified & gaining employment teaching English abroad is typically 3-6 months, so if you're planning on teaching abroad this year, the time to begin researching and talking to an advisor is now.

1. Research & Download Free Brochure

Before you ever enroll in a TEFL class or apply for a job, it’s critical that you gain a clear understanding of what your options are and how you can get there. It’s also important that you put together a plan and a timeline. International TEFL Academy provides the most extensive resources, tools and information about teaching English abroad & TEFL certification to assist you with this process. Experienced advisors will be there to provide personal assistance and guidance throughout the process.

Goals:

• Determine where you can realistically teach abroad given your age, citizenship
• Research TEFL certification options, including Online TEFL certification and In-Person classes.  Which class works best for you given where you want to teach?
• Learn about critical elements of teaching abroad like salaries, hiring seasons and the process of getting a job teaching English abroad.

Tools:  Here are some great tools for researching Teaching English abroad.....

2. Consult with an Expert Advisor

While you engage in your research, you will work with an experienced Admissions Advisor who will answer your questions and provide guidance with choosing your TEFL class, making a plan and putting together a timeline.  All International TEFL Academy Advisors possess extensive experience living, working and traveling abroad and are extremely well-versed in all aspects of teaching abroad, from job markets to TEFL certification. Navigating the ins-and-outs of teaching abroad can be confusing or even overwhelming, and our team is here to HELP YOU and to provide straight-forward, realistic feedback in addressing your questions and concerns regarding:

• Where can you teach?
• Finances, start-up costs, and salaries
• Choosing the right TEFL class
• Visas, documents, health insurance, housing, documents & other practicalities
• Putting together a Timeline

To learn more, please read: Why You Need to Speak with a Professional TEFL Admission Advisors if You Want to Teach English Abroad (and do it right) 

 Meet our Advisor Team

More Tools for Researching TEFL Certification

3. ENROLL -> PREP FOR YOUR
TEFL CLASS & JOB SEARCH

ENROLLMENT: Pay tuition and turn in enrollment documents – your Admissions Advisor will guide you through this process.

1. Read our Registration Procedure and Terms and Conditions

2. Enroll Online Here or call your advisor directly at 773-634-9900

Prepping for your TEFL Course & Job Search:

Prep for Your Job Search
(All Students)

• Join International TEFL Academy Alumni Association to begin receiving newsletters and networking on social media with thousands of ITA students and alumni teaching around the world.
• Work with Student Affairs Advisors on initial preparations and research
• Tasks: Procure documents (passport, criminal background check – if necessary), develop cover letter & resume.
• Tools: Job Search Guidance Manual, webinars (live & recorded), Student Affairs is available to provide guidance and answer questions. (See Step 5

4. Complete TEFL Certification

• In-person TEFL courses:  4 weeks, full-time
• Online TEFL course: 11-13 weeks, part-time
• You must pass the class to receive your certification

5. Receive Job Search Guidance &
Interview for positions

International TEFL Academy provides comprehensive lifetime Job Search Guidance to all students and graduates.

• Work with an experienced Student Affairs advisor
• If taking an international in-person course, the local staff will assist with gaining employment in the local job market.
• Tools: Job Search Guidance Manual, Webinars, School Directories, Job Boards, Recruiters,
• Tasks: Write cover letter & resume, get documents (passport, criminal background check, academic records – if necessary), network with ITA students and alumni through exclusive social media channels
• Contact schools, apply for jobs, interview with schools
• In most cases, those looking to teach in Europe & Latin America will go to their country of choice and interview in-person during a major hiring season
• For countries in Asia, the Persian Gulf and some countries in Latin American & Europe (examples:  Russia, Turkey, Chile), you will interview from home by Skype & Phone. 

6. Get Hired & Teach English Abroad!

• Review job offers & contracts (Student Affairs will assist you)
• Accept job offer
• If you have accepted a job offer prior to leaving your home country, you will need to make travel & visa arrangements as necessary
• If you are already in-country, you will typically begin teaching immediately
• BEGIN THE ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME TEACHING ENGLISH ABROAD!