Guest post written by Duncan Elder.
Teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) is an unforgettable experience for many reasons. You’ll have the chance to experience a foreign culture, travel to new and amazing countries and meet a ton of new people.
One thing you may not be thinking about when you decide to teach English as a foreign language abroad, is that it can also really boost your career prospects when you return home from teaching.
The qualifications you gain, skills you learn and qualities you will have shown through teaching abroad are all in high demand in the job market. In this article, we will take a look at some of the reasons that teaching English as a foreign language abroad will help with your future career.
Teaching English as a foreign language will help you learn valuable work skills
TEFL generally requires you to work very independently and as such you will rapidly pick up a ton of skills that will be useful in any workplace.
Firstly, your communication skills will go through the roof. When dealing with students and co-workers who don’t speak English as a first language, you will quickly learn to speak clearly, precisely and in the most understandable way possible.
Through TEFL you will also learn valuable skills such as management, time keeping, planning, presenting and more. Teaching English isn’t an internship where you spend your time making coffee and surfing the internet, you will quickly have to adapt and as such learn the skills required to teach properly.
TEFL will give you experience in an international environment
International experience can be a huge advantage when it comes to searching for a job. This is because multinational companies value people who can think and work from a global standpoint.
Experience abroad suggests you will have different experiences and a different way of thinking when compared to someone who has simply gained experience in one country. This can be a big advantage and really help you stand out when it comes to getting a job.
You’ll have the chance to learn a language
Teaching English as a foreign language abroad can also be a perfect chance to either study a language or perfect a language you have been learning. Most TEFL contracts are for a year which, if you are dedicated, can be more than enough time to really get to grips with a new language.
Depending on your post-teaching career of choice, language skills can really help you in your career. Even if your chosen career doesn’t specifically require a foreign language, the fact that you know a foreign language will show real intelligence and dedication.
It shows positive character traits
Choosing to teach English as a foreign language shows a ton of positive character traits that potential employers look for in their applicants.
It shows that you are a go-getter who isn’t just waiting for an opportunity to fall in your lap, it shows you are adaptable and can think outside the box and most of all it shows that you are willing to take a great chance when you find one.
It allows you to save up for your next step
Teaching English as a foreign language can also help you with the practical steps you may need to take to move on in your career.
With English First, you can earn up to 15000RMB per month. As the cost of living is generally on the cheaper side in China, this could be more than enough to save up towards graduate school, keep you going through an unpaid internship or cover the costs needed to move into a big city.
All in all, teaching English abroad can be a great way to both have one of the biggest adventures of your life and help out with your future career!
