Is TEFL Good for Travelling the World?

Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) is more than just a career choice; it's an exciting adventure that opens doors to new cultures and opportunities. If you're considering teaching EFL (English as a Foreign Language) and have a passion for traveling the world, this form of employment can be incredibly rewarding. Let's explore the benefits and the current landscape of the TEFL industry.

Benefits of TEFL for Travel

1. Expanding Your Horizons: Before the impact of the global pandemic, TEFL was an excellent career path for many liberal arts graduates in English-speaking countries. It offers a profound experience in learning about the vastness of the world beyond your own borders. For Americans, for instance, teaching in another country can be an eye-opening experience, showcasing the diversity and richness of global cultures.

2. Earning Potential: This career allows you to take advantage of significantly lower costs of living in many foreign countries. The earnings from your TEFL job are often net (after tax), which means the employer takes care of the tax, making it a more straightforward financial arrangement. As a result, you can save and earn money more effectively, helping you pay off student loans and build savings.

3. Travel Opportunities: With TEFL, you can travel around the region you're in relatively cheaply. Many TEFL jobs come with free or heavily subsidized travel options, allowing you to explore different cities or even countries within the region. This not only enriches your travel experience but also broadens your cultural understanding.

4. Boosting Your Resume: International work experience is highly valued by employers in both the private and public sectors. Adding TEFL experience to your resume can significantly enhance your appeal, especially in the context of graduate school applications or advanced careers in education, business, or international organizations.

The Impact of COVID-19 on the TEFL Industry

While TEFL traditionally offered a range of benefits that supported both career growth and personal fulfillment, the global pandemic forced a significant transformation in the industry. As travel restrictions were imposed and educational institutions shifted to remote operations, the number of TEFL jobs available has decreased. This disruption has made it challenging for prospective TEFL teachers to find consistent employment.

The economic impact of the pandemic has further compounded the challenges faced by individuals seeking to use TEFL as a means of travel and personal growth. Many countries had to adjust their policies and temporary regulations, which has affected the availability of visas and permissions required for employment.

Despite these disruptions, the demand for quality English teachers, both in-person and remotely, remains strong in many countries. The key is to remain adaptable and consider alternative learning opportunities, such as online TEFL courses or seeking jobs in different areas that may have not been as affected by the pandemic.

Should You Have a Degree?

While a TEFL certificate is a valuable credential, having a degree can further enhance your qualifications and employability. A degree not only provides you with a broader knowledge base but also offers opportunities for specialization that can be advantageous when teaching English in different contexts. Many TEFL jobs now prefer or require candidates who hold a degree in a related field, adding another layer of value to your resume.

For instance, if you decide to specialize in a particular field such as business English, academic English, or English for specific professions, a relevant degree can make you a more competitive candidate. Moreover, a degree can provide you with a deeper understanding of teaching methodologies and educational theory, enabling you to adopt more effective teaching strategies.

For those who have been teaching EFL for years, such as the author, a degree can serve as a significant enhancement to your professional background, opening up more opportunities for advancement and specialization within the field of English language teaching.

Conclusion

In summary, TEFL offers a unique combination of career opportunities and personal growth, making it an ideal choice for those who aspire to travel the world while pursuing a fulfilling career. However, the global pandemic has temporarily affected the availability of TEFL jobs, necessitating flexibility and adaptability on the part of both employers and job seekers. By considering the benefits, challenges, and current landscape of TEFL, you can make an informed decision about whether TEFL is the right path for your travel and career aspirations.