How To Make The Most Of Your TEFL Experience in 2022

There has never been a better time to get involved with The TEFL Institute, teaching English abroad than now. With the growing demand for English teachers all around the world. There are many amazing opportunities that arise when deciding to enroll in a TEFL course and getting certified as an English teacher. Teaching abroad allows you to immerse yourself in a different culture and experience the world in a manner that no tourist can. It’s an opportunity to meet new people, exchange ideas, and form lifelong friendships. It’s also the starting point for a worldwide trip unlike any other in terms of travel, cultural exchange, and personal enrichment. You’re doing a lot more than just visiting another place when you teach English in another country. You’re on your way to becoming an educator – a useful, contributing member of society.

Also Read: How to teach English online without a degree

The Journey

It is the start of an amazing journey so let the world be your oyster and spend time perusing the many career options available in exotic locations all around the globe. Finding the job of your dreams is simple, but the adventure can be more difficult than we expect. So, here are a few tips for making the most of your teaching English  experience in 2022.  It’s expected to be a little shy when you start out. It can be difficult to settle into a new town and just like starting any job, it can be really daunting, especially if you are new to the country and don’t know anyone. Take the time to say hello to your neighbours or those you pass by on a regular basis. You’ll be astonished at how positively people respond to your friendliness. Note that your students will just be as shy as you, It may take them longer to feel comfortable answering questions aloud. Remember, you’re a natural speaker, and they’re learning the language for the first time. 

Making friends with people who live nearby is a terrific way to learn about your neighbourhood and discover hidden gems that only locals know about. Your school is a wonderful place to start looking for others who share your interests. Other foreign TEFL teachers who have lived in the area long enough to know where to go and what to do. Even if you’re working hard, you’ll have plenty of time to explore your new home, and it’s always more fun to do it with friends

Before you start, prepare a few lesson plans or icebreaker activities to help you feel more prepared. If you have a plan in place before school starts, you’ll be more confident. Before you go, come up with a few lesson ideas or look at sample ideas for your age group online. (Read our blogs on teaching English abroad advice.)

First time travelling

It’s fantastic to travel overseas with the goal of succeeding teaching English. But this is your first time, and no one is flawless the first time they do something. Making mistakes is a necessary part of the learning process. There will be good days and bad days for you. You may speak too quickly during some lessons. You might tire your students on some days. Your instructions may occasionally cause them to become confused. That’s fine! You’re learning how to instruct, which takes time. Don’t dwell on your blunders. Instead, admit what went wrong, make a mental note of how to do things differently next time, and then move on.

Learn the Language – Do yourself a favour and try to learn the local language. Even if you have no natural talent for languages, showing that you are at least trying when talking to locals will get you far and they’ll be grateful. Start with basic phrases such as “Hello” and “Thank you” and go from there! As you get used to hearing the language you will be able to pick it up easier. Who knows? You might be fluent by the time you’re leaving!, but even those few phrases will get you far in your new community. 

Don’t Burnout!

It may be difficult and tiresome at times. Make an effort not to put too much strain on yourself. You’re new at this, and no one expects you to be an expert right away. Allow time for you to adjust to your new culture and function teaching English. It will become easier with each passing day. Make sure you are taking care of yourself. Maintaining a balanced and healthy lifestyle while living and working abroad is so important. Getting a good routine, setting your goals, eating and sleeping well are some ways in which you can ensure you’re taking care of yourself. 

Realistically, one of the reasons you became a TEFL teacher was to travel, which means it’s so important to make the most out of the free time you have while you’re there, create a bucket list of some key places you’d love to visit while you’re in the country and make plans with co-workers, friends or travel buddies! Doing this will ensure you get the absolute most of your TEFL experience.   

Embrace it

Take advantage of every opportunity to participate in your local community and immerse yourself in the culture. Not only will you get an insight into how different nationalities live, you’ll have heaps of fun! The more you understand about the culture, the more enjoyable your stay will be. You may not be there for very long and not many people get the opportunity to work and travel abroad so make the most of it, you’ll be glad in years to come that you saw and did as much as you could! and when teaching, take advantage of every opportunity to get to know your coworkers personally.

In 2022, as countries around the world begin to reopen and learn to live with COVID-19. It is vital that you research government restrictions and regulations in the country you wish to travel to. Make yourself aware of them and respect them. 

Online TEFL courses are the most affordable & flexible way to launch your career teaching English. It is a perfect way to study theoretical material at your own time & your own pace and whether you’re here to launch your TEFL career or travel the world with ease, the team at the TEFL Institute is here to help.  The TEFL Institute brings over 30 years of experience in the English as a foreign language (EFL) industry. Together with our team of academic educators, we will help to prepare you to teach English with practical and accredited TEFL courses. If you are not sure which course is right for you, our team is happy to help.

For example, the 120-hour Advanced TEFL course from the accredited range is what we’d call our range of fast track courses.

• You have 10 modules to complete usually taking 4 – 6 weeks
• Each module has a multiple-choice test at the end and you need 80% to pass
• You’ll get your digital certificate on completion and can buy a hard copy from us if you’d like one with an embossed logo immediately

Looking at our 180-hour level 5 Ofqual-regulated TEFL course by comparison:

• Learners spend typically 8-10 weeks to complete the 11 modules
• It’s a UK government regulated level 5 course the pass mark is 100% and assessments are multiple-choice plus open-ended answers. Our academic team will review your answers on 3 occasions. They may ask for some questions to be reattempted to help you pass the assessments (absolutely normal).
• You’ll get your digital coursework completion letter, from us after module 11, and following successful assessment from our academic team, we’ll be able to claim the licence for your Ofqual (government) approved certificate from our accreditation body Highfield Qualifications. The Ofqual-regulated course range is certainly for those people who want to gain a higher-level more recognised qualification.

To summarize

Teaching English abroad allows you to travel the world and learn about different cultures while also impacting people’s lives. People from all around the world want to improve their career and educational chances by learning English. As a teacher, you have the opportunity to make a difference and assist students in achieving their goals!

When you step outside your comfort zone and into a new culture and role, you’re leaving your familiar environment and into experiencing the unknown in your teaching English abroad journey. 

But there’s good news: it’s there that you’ll find adventure, growth, and life-changing experiences! What are you waiting for? Head to our website to see how you can start your TEFL journey today.

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