Rookie Vagabonders

So you’ve just rocked out to that schmaltzy graduation march, thrown your cap into the air and hugged your buddies. But now what? Are you sure you’re ready for the 9-5 grind with the occasional casual Friday thrown in there? If you’re like me, probably not, so why not put your native tongue to good use and teach English abroad!

Teaching English is a great opportunity for those hoping to do a little traveling while making some okay moula at the same time. And as fellow blogger, Kenneth Beare, says, becoming an ESL teachers allows you to gain some interesting work experience while also giving you the chance to think about what you really want to do, which is perfect for new college grads. Now a lot of you are probably asking:

Where can I teach English abroad?

The best part about this job is that you can teach in almost any non-English speaking country, so the opportunities are endless. The highest demand for teachers is in Asian countries like Japan, Taiwan and South Korea, while some of the most competitive jobs are in cities like Paris and Barcelona.

Do I need any sort of certification for this job?

This really depends on where you’re teaching and who you’re teaching for. The majority of ESL jobs require a college degree in virtually any subject, and a few may require more formal training such as a TEFL certificate. If you’re serious about teaching for a living, a TEFL certificate helps you prepare for classroom experience and develop your skills. It also may improve your chances of being hired in some of the more popular European countries.

How much money can I expect to make while abroad?

Again, this depends on the position, your qualifications and the destination. One thing you need to consider before taking a job is the cost of living in whatever country you’re thinking of teaching in, because this can make a huge difference in your overall earnings.

Some employers will provide free or discounted accommodation, while others may reimburse your airfare or provide medical insurance to supplement teacher wages. Many teachers will also take on additional classes or offer private tutoring to make a few extra bucks, but you should probably check with your employer first to make sure this is OK.

Where can I find jobs?

Here are some of the best sites I found:

• Teach Abroad
• Transitions Abroad Job Board
• Dave’s ESL Café
• Teaching Jobs in Japan

Teaching English abroad has been a popular post-graduation adventure for decades and so there is a ton of information online. Because this is a big decision, I would definitely do some major research into various programs and countries you’re interested in (check out Transitions Abroad). Your college career services might also be a great resource and can connect you with alumni who may be willing to talk to you about their experiences.

A fellow vagabonder and close friend of mine, Sophie, has been teaching English in Slovakia since last summer, so stay tuned for a Q&A post session with her next week!