Posts Tagged ‘employment’

Teaching English: your career “safe haven”

Sunday, August 3rd, 2008

I have a state-side friend named Peter and we were discussing the idea of teaching English overseas recently. After hearing story upon story of my fun times and great students and while reflecting on his own situation, John remarked that teaching English abroad is a “Career Safe Haven.”

I think that what he means is that, as a career choice, teaching English in Asia makes more sense now than ever. The job is enjoyable, rewarding and a good earning choice for living a life of fun and adventure traveling and experiencing the cultures of our world. Teaching is a great way to broaden your skills and to show some independence and personal initiative.

But a “safe haven..” Really?

First, the employment available to qualified TEFL teachers is excellent. There is rising demand across the world as English becomes Earth’s universal language. In most every country, both for business & tourism, English has become the global language used by people of every nationality to communicate. In short, everyone wants to speak English and governments around the world are whole-heartedly encouraging their citizens to do so.

Second, TEFL Thailand’s TEFL certificates are accepted throughout the world by established businesses and schools employing English language teachers. This recognition means that wherever you go to teach in Thailand, Asia or the world, your TEFL certificate will open doors to better employment opportunities. Teaching is a very portable profession. You can do it anywhere there is demand.

Third, a job placement is virtually guaranteed for all graduates upon the successful completion of the TEFL course and the staff at your training center will help you secure a position in the country or area of your choosing. (Of course, you should remember that all job placements are subject to an interview by any prospective employer. Frankly, your employment search is best accomplished in person, as this allows you to visit your actual workplace, co-teachers and students and ensure the best fit for you in your job.)

Next, the lifestyle is wonderful. Most TEFL teachers in Thailand enjoy a 4 or 5 hour working day and make a comfortable living. This can be supplemented by private tutoring, increasing your income, and there is still plenty of free time to pursue your leisure or adventure activities. The students are eager and enchantingly friendly and the work is entertaining.

Finally, the cost to live in paradise is amazingly low. I have friends who live in various parts of Hawaii. To slum it in Hawaii, chasing uncertain and seasonal employment opportunities, you have to pay through the nose. The cost of living in Phuket is about a tenth of what my friends report from Oahu. A private apartment, with a couple of rooms and small kitchen will run you about US$200 – 300 each month. Fresh, delicious, healthy meals are a buck or two, and Phuket is a shopper’s paradise with endless bargains on anything you could hope to own.

Teaching English in Thailand is simply a great job – fun, financially rewarding and in demand - whatever region you choose, you will be able to find work. If you are seeking a new way to live and enjoy life, join us now by visiting our enroll page.