Can you TEFL in English-Speaking Countries?

..When considering the prospect of teaching English overseas, you might ponder whether to TEFL in English-speaking countries like the UK, the US, or Australia is feasible. This is not a trick question; it is something we are often asked. So, is it possible to teach English at home or abroad, where English is already the primary language? This might initially appear to be a straightforward question, but it holds more significance than one might think.

While many individuals know the opportunities to teach English in places like Thailand, Spain, or Brazil, they often overlook the possibility of teaching English in countries where English is already widely spoken. Surprisingly, it is a viable option, and the market for it is substantial. The students come to you as an English teacher rather than you travelling to them. However, this does not stop you from exploring another country. If you are a UK national, you could quickly look for work in America or Australia, provided you meet the visa requirements, and we will have more on that later! 

The Basics of Teaching English as a Foreign Language

To best address the question of whether you can TEFL in English-speaking countries or not? we first need to look back at the basics of TEFL. TEFL instructors specialise in teaching English language skills to individuals whose primary language is different. In essence, they educate learners whose first language is not English. English often being their second, third, or even fourth language. Given this context, teaching English is particularly meaningful in countries where English is not the dominant language. This includes regions in Asia, Africa, Europe, and South America.

Within these nations, the demand for TEFL teachers is substantial. Jobs can be found at many different educational institutions like schools, universities, and private language centers. While many local teachers within these countries possess the ability to teach English, their numbers fall short of satisfying the heightened need for English classes. Schools, students, and parents often prefer engaging TEFL teachers alongside local English educators to enhance English language learning.

Opportunities for TEFL in English-speaking Countries 

So, back to the potential student pool of people looking to learn or enhance their English skills while living and working in an English-speaking country. What better place to improve one’s English skills than in a country where you can fully immerse yourself in the language? Therefore, the demand for English language instruction also exists within countries where English holds official status. Nations like England and the United States host many foreigners and immigrants who require English proficiency to navigate their lives, work, or studies within their settled society.

Naturally, most of the population already has English fluency in these countries. Yet, fluency in speaking does not necessarily translate to proficiency in teaching. Numerous English speakers don’t automatically ensure an ample supply of English teachers. Apart from the reality that not everyone aspires to be a TEFL teacher, not everyone possesses the aptitude to fulfill this role.

This is precisely why the demand for TEFL teachers persists even within countries such as England, the United States, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. Within these nations, TEFL instructors may not be engaged within mainstream educational institutions. But instead, find their place in private language schools.

Consider these instances of potential English as a Foreign Language students you could teach in English-speaking countries:

• A Chinese businessperson is relocating to the US for work, seeking to refine their English skills to enhance their career.
• A Thai family who has moved to the UK is sending their children to English-speaking local schools.
• An Italian student is looking to study for a degree in Australia. Opting to complete a foundation year there before commencing studies.
• The spouse of a person now working in New Zealand, aiming to integrate into the local community. Knowing that English skills will significantly ease the transition.

Teaching English Online

Teaching online has emerged as a dynamic and flexible approach to language instruction, especially after the pandemic. In this digital age, educators can connect with learners from around the world, transcending geographical barriers. Online platforms offer interactive tools, multimedia resources, and real-time communication, fostering engaging learning experiences. Whether through one-on-one sessions or group classes, online TEFL accommodates diverse schedules and learning preferences. 

This mode of instruction empowers educators to tailor lessons to individual needs and allows students to access language learning from the comfort of their environments. Considering the examples above, it is easy to see how this could work for all potential learners. After a long day in the office, the business learner logs on to the computer rather than going out again. It works well for both students and teachers who like to work from the comfort of their own homes. 

Teaching English in Private Language Schools 

Private language schools that offer classes teaching English as a foreign language are quite different from private or public mainstream schools. If you want to teach English in a language school, you will find that most students are adults. This is the sort of venue where the businessperson may seek to learn English, and you will find students from all over the world. If you were to teach English abroad in an Argentinian state school, you would likely find all your pupils to be locals. This is certainly not the case at language schools where your class could be made up of nationals from 10 or 20 different countries. 

It is standard for these lessons to cater to the student’s availability; therefore, many classes are taught on weekends or after the end of the workday. Teachers within language schools typically work for around 20 to 25 hours per week, looking after small classes typically comprising no more than 12 students. Various English courses may be at your instructional disposal, including General English, Academic English, English for Exams, or English tailored for Specific Purposes. You will likely be paid an hourly rate, and provided there are no conflicts with your other work, you might be able to pick up extra classes to boost your earnings. 

Teaching English at Summer Camps

During academic breaks, many language schools organise summer camps tailored for schoolchildren who do not usually attend their classes. They can often attract young learners from all over the world and might hire more suitable premises, for example, a local private school that has closed for the summer. The mornings are dedicated to lessons, while the afternoons are brimming with sports and social activities. Excursions to local tourist sites are scheduled on specific days, allowing students to explore the area.

English teachers opting to work at these summer camps are tasked with delivering English lessons and participating in various other activities and should expect an immersive experience. They take turns accompanying students on excursions, which many teachers love because they can see the country like tourists while being paid to do so. Some teachers may assume roles as residential or pastoral teachers, which entails sharing the same accommodation as the students. This close interaction involves dining together, spending leisure time collectively, and maintaining a sense of order during bedtime.

Pay rates for summer camps naturally fluctuate based on responsibilities and experience. An appealing aspect is that returning to the same command for subsequent holiday sessions generally results in a raise or a returning bonus, and many teachers forge a long working relationship with the language school, working for them all year round. 

Teaching English at a University

Suppose you possess substantial experience as a TEFL instructor, have both a teaching certificate and a TEFL certificate or even have a master’s degree. In that case, you open up the possibility of teaching at a university. In English-speaking nations, international students converge from various corners to pursue their degrees in English-medium institutions. 

Nonetheless, thriving in an English-speaking university can be demanding for English language learners. They must possess proficient conversational English skills for day-to-day interactions and master the specific abilities essential for comprehending lectures, taking notes, delivering presentations, comprehending academic texts, and composing scholarly papers.

Due to these challenges, numerous universities offer preparatory courses lasting a year for international students. Students engage in Academic English lessons throughout this period to refine their language skills. Teaching English as a foreign language within a university setting presents an engaging challenge. Yet, it also entails a more formal and focused environment.

What Do You Need to Consider as a TEFL Teacher?

A TEFL Certification 

Whether you TEFL in English-speaking countries or not, you will need the same considerations

Firstly, you will need your TEFL certification from an accredited institution to know your qualification will be recognised. Most places will be looking for the 120-hour qualification as a minimum, and of course, if you have a degree, this will also bolster your application. However, if you don’t have a degree, don’t panic, as there are still plenty of opportunities for teachers of English as a foreign language in English-speaking countries who have not obtained a degree. The TEFL certification is the most crucial document in this case.

Visas and Work Permits

This will only apply if you are planning to stay in your home country and work from there. All the above opportunities will be offered in your home country, so it is a perfectly feasible plan. However, if you are planning to leave your home country and explore the world, you still need to abide by the Visa and work permit rules for the country you are looking to head for.

Visas are notoriously complicated in Australia, but they do allow English teachers looking to teach English as a foreign language. Everything is done on a case-by-case basis, so the best thing you can do is read and apply the guidance. Remember to give yourself a reasonable amount of time to apply for a Visa and work permit. The paperwork can be lengthy, and the process can drag on. It will also have a cost that you must factor into your budget.

Living and Working Abroad

Living and working abroad in countries with proficient English will always be famous for ex-pats with English as their first language. Moving to a new country is always a culture shock. There are a lot of things that will be different. When the tongue is your most challenging barrier, it can be tricky to settle in. However, if you’re focused on TEFL in English-speaking countries then you will easily navigate the new surroundings. Of course, it means you won’t expand your language skills, but this is fine for some people. You could always do an evening class independently, learning a second language to bolster your learning skills.

The bottom line is that there are plenty of opportunities for English teachers working in English-speaking countries to teach English to people who do not have that skill as their first language. You will find many different opportunities, from language courses to online tutoring. So, what are you waiting for? Get out of exploring the world today.

Also Read –

• Pros and Con’s of Teaching English in Europe
• How much does a TEFL Course cost?

Do visit our main website TEFL Institute to solve all of your queries