Teaching English as a foreign language has become a popular career choice for parents looking to escape the suburbs and move abroad – without leaving anyone behind. Typically popular among graduates and young couples, families are jumping onto the TEFL trend, as a way to experience new countries and cultures with their children. By leveraging international teaching opportunities, South Africans can say goodbye to loadshedding, and hello to a beach in Costa Rica.
“We’ve seen the demographic of TEFL teachers change and expand over the past few years. Previously reserved for backpackers and students on a gap year, a TEFL qualification has opened doors for families on the hunt for a new adventure, says Rhyan O’Sullivan, Managing Director at The TEFL Academy, South Africa’s leading TEFL qualification provider. “In many cases, having work experience can make you a top candidate at some schools. Plus, your kids will thank you later when they can add international experience, and possibly even a foreign language, to their own job applications one day”.
In some countries, teaching English jobs offer specific benefits to attract teachers with families. This can include free or discounted schooling, accommodation, and health insurance for the entire family. Different countries offer various combinations of benefits. For example, China, Japan, Taiwan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) all offer family housing. However, in the UAE, children will need to attend a fee-paying international school.
“From earning potential to safety, lifestyle, and a lower cost of living – there are a number of reasons why locals are interested in taking their families abroad. Parents who want to give their children a world education – and satisfy their own itchy feet – can take the route less travelled, without compromising their income,” says O’Sullivan.
To secure a job overseas, prospective teachers require a TEFL qualification – the globally accepted qualification to teach English abroad. While a university degree provides access to a wider variety of jobs in different countries, it is not a strict prerequisite. A TEFL course can be completed within four to six weeks. After securing a job, additional considerations include family visas, medical insurance, and your initial travel costs.
“Travelling can bond families together. While living abroad can be challenging, it also has the potential to build very close family relationships. Discovering the sights, sounds, tastes and experiences of a new country is one of the best ways to fill up your family scrapbook,” says O’Sullivan.
Offering accessible, flexible and cost-effective ways to get TEFL qualified, The TEFL Academy provides internationally accredited and regulated online courses. The company, who were selected as the Overall Top TEFL Course Provider of 2021 by Go Overseas, also hosts a jobs board on their website where potential teachers can browse through over 1 500 international teaching opportunities. For more information, visit theteflacademy.com.
