The employment landscape has witnessed an unprecedented transformation in recent years. As a consequence, individuals have been required to adapt to diverse work environments. While some have embraced a hybrid model, involving a combination of office-based and remote work, others have opted for full-time work-from-home (WFH) arrangements. Not everyone, however, has been able to enjoy the benefits of working remotely.
Do you find yourself dreaming about freeing yourself from your current employment situation? Are you considering a radical change of lifestyle and becoming a digital nomad? Or are you taking the plunge amidst the discovery of a new you? If you are thinking about leaving your secure yet oh-so-repetitive job for a life of travels and adventures, teaching English online might be a fitting option.
Advantages of Teaching English Online
English has been the universal language across various domains such as business, science, and technology for several decades. Consequently, attaining proficiency in the English language can unlock numerous employment opportunities for those living in non-English-speaking countries who aspire to communicate on a global scale.
Venturing into the realm of teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) online can offer a dependable income source while affording a range of benefits on a personal and professional level. After all, it’s never too late to learn new skills and reinvent yourself.
Whether you choose to teach while travelling or from the comfort of your own home, you can offer your services from any location worldwide. Moreover, online teaching gives you the flexibility to determine your work schedule and workload according to your preferences. Retraining and pursuing a new career path are bold moves that require thorough research – there are plenty of great ideas for getting started in the TEFL industry.
Another considerable advantage of teaching English online is the autonomy and independence it allows. You have the freedom to choose your target audience, including specific nationalities, age groups, and proficiency levels. Additionally, you can tailor your teaching focus, be it general or business English, exam preparation, or conversational classes.
Teaching English Online: the equipment
As an online TEFL teacher, your livelihood relies on your equipment. It is true that no online lessons equals no income, but your teaching tools don’t need to break the bank. Begin with simple and basic equipment, with the option to upgrade when necessary. Ensure that your PC or laptop is up to date with the latest software upgrades, as they are invaluable for your business. The built-in camera and microphone should be good enough for your online lessons.
A reliable internet connection is indispensable for successful online teaching. If you are travelling, assess the quality of the internet connection before booking your accommodation. Make the most of the free tools available online to gauge your internet speed and use them as a reference point.
Whether you teach from home or a hotel room, designate a specific area for delivering your lessons. For your teaching set up, select a quiet and well-lit space during your screen time. While hostels may offer affordable accommodations while travelling, they typically lack privacy and tranquillity – consider opting for an Airbnb on your teaching days.
Destination, destination, destination…
After obtaining your TEFL qualification, one of the hardest decisions you have to make is where to go. Depending on your preference and on the county’s requirements, the world is your oyster. Have a look if any of these options takes your fancy.
1. Costa Rica
While life here is not as cheap as in other Central American countries, your salary as a TEFL teacher can go a long way if you avoid any extravagant expenses. In recent years, this country has been rated one of the most fascinating to visit, and rightly so. With its magical landscape and unique lifestyle, you’ll rediscover the pleasure of living in the present, appreciating every single moment in the incredible surroundings that Costa Rica has to offer.
When thinking about teaching roles, do your research before leaving your home country, but save your energies for job applications and interviews for when you get there. Take hard-copies of your CV with you and hand them over in person at the schools you would like to work at. Online applications and remote interviews are quite uncommon in Costa Rica.
2. Sri Lanka
Some of you might prefer a destination that is off the beaten track. Somewhere unspoiled that offers a whole new world to explore. Sri Lanka gives you just that. You can travel around this country on a budget if you plan it carefully, and it’s well worth trying out some extreme sports like para-cycling. And you’ll always have plenty of opportunities to relax on one of the many golden beaches available somewhere in the country, whatever the weather.
Since the beginning of its educational campaign, Sri Lanka has put an emphasis on English language learning. This has led to a dramatic increase in the demand for English teachers. As a result, securing a teaching role in this country shouldn’t be too arduous, with the right qualifications.
3. Czech Republic
This is another country that, with its central-European location, allows you to visit many neighbouring countries, like Poland, Austria, and Germany. The Czech Republic is blessed with the four seasons, which are ideal to dive into the different activities that it has to offer. While there’s no sea in sight, this country has incredible landscapes in the countryside. Living in Prague, the capital, will never bore you. From cultural visits to nights out, from evening walks by the river to shopping trips in modern centres, you can have it all! Finding a teaching job, especially in the bigger cities like Brno, Poznan, and Prague, isn’t difficult. Many schools train their future teachers on-site, which saves you a lot of hassle. Keep in mind that you’re likely to teach corporate clients, therefore you’ll have to travel to their company offices. Fear not – the public transport is reliable and efficient.
4. Thailand
If you are planning on covering as many countries as you can while you’re there, consider Thailand. Its central location in the Southeast of Asia is a convenient gateway to many other countries, like Myanmar (Burma), Laos, and Cambodia. Let’s not forget, however, how much Thailand has to offer. Its three seasons that range from rainy to dry, will allow you to experience this tropical country to the fullest, from its vast flats to the highlands peaks, from the river valley to the beautiful sandy beaches.
The cost of living here is extremely affordable, and teachers’ salaries are well above the national average. Moreover, many language schools offer housing and flight allowances. All this, with the sunny disposition of the locals, make your adventure a viable way to teach English in Thailand. Would you like to know more? The TEFL Org’s guide to teach English in Thailand is a useful starting point.
From routine to nomadic
Embarking on a career as an online English teacher opens up a world of opportunities for digital nomads. With the right equipment, a stable internet connection, and a well-thought-out approach, you can enjoy the freedom to teach from anywhere in the world. Whether you choose to go the independent route or collaborate with an established institution, the TEFL industry offers flexibility, autonomy, and the chance to explore exciting destinations while sharing the gift of language. So, pack your bags, prepare your lessons, and get ready for your journey as a digital nomad English teacher.