6 Important Tips to Teach English Online and Studying Abroad
The world has experienced a major setback, and your life may feel the same way. If you have the traveling bug, and you just can’t shake it, this might be the nudge you need to go out and live your cultural dreams abroad.
There are many options available to anyone who truly wants to live and travel as much as they can, all while making an income to support those dreams. Teaching English online is a solution many have found to be able to explore the world, get to know new cultures, and still be able to afford it all.
If you don’t know where to start, a TEFL course might be the answer you need. A TEFL course will give you the tools you need to start your online English teaching career, and you can travel and live abroad at the same time. Imagine being able to live in Italy, Malta, or Spain, get a certificate there, and then start making money, all in under 2 months. As if you needed any other reason other than just to travel across Europe!
Studying Abroad and completing a TEFL course
Moving out to a sunny country is on many people’s bucket lists and Italy, Malta, or Spain are among the best countries to choose for taking a TEFL course. What better way to get to know a new culture than living out there? Once you’ve chosen a TEFL course provider, you’ll be given all the materials and knowledge you need to become a great English teacher.
These courses teach you how to prepare materials for your classes, and how to communicate with your students, even if you don’t speak their language, and they’ll prepare you for what comes after, giving you The TEFL Org’s guide to teach english abroad like Malta, France, or anywhere you decide to go once you’ve finished the course.
In addition, the trainers working with you and the school’s staff will help you to get leads on jobs as soon as you complete the course. They’re usually familiar with opportunities in plenty of countries across the globe, so if your traveling bug is telling you to move yet again, they may offer insight and guide you in the right direction.
The Freelancing World
Whether you’re advertising your classes through teaching platforms, or you have your own private classes, being an online freelance teacher will give you the independence and flexibility many looks for when working online. You’ll be able to make your own schedules, decide what days you work, or even add some additional classes when you’re more available or need some extra cash.
Just remember that, in the beginning, you’re better off freeing up your entire schedule, so that new students can book your classes and become your regulars. Below you’ll find some tips to teach English online.
Always add a video of yourself to your teacher’s profile
Filming a short introduction video of yourself and your preferred teaching methods is vital for students to feel at ease and like they want to get to know you as a teacher. Make sure you’re smiling and be honest about why you love teaching. Include a fun fact or two about yourself or your life living in a foreign country: students will relate to you and be attracted to your profile.
Choose your working space wisely
A quiet, blank, or neutral space is ideal for your online classes. You don’t want personal items distracting your students’ attention, and you should be especially careful not to display anything religious or political. The wall behind you should be neutral, but you can make it unique with props or colors if you wish. For more tips on how to set up your home office, check out this how to work from home article.
Be friendly and enthusiastic
This may sound like a given, but many first-time teachers, especially those teaching English online, are nervous and forget to enjoy getting to know their students. Having a smile on your face and being enthusiastic about your student’s participation and progress will not only give them the confidence they need to continue their English journey but also allow you to relax and forget about those first-day jitters.
Schedule in breaks
Unfortunately, many online teachers will forget to take breaks and take care of themselves. Sitting on a chair all day will not be great for your body; moreover, being constantly “on” for your students without taking a break from time to time will drain you by the end of the day.
This is a pro-tip: schedule your breaks, even if they’re 15-minute breaks in between lessons. In that time, move your body, hydrate, and stretch. Taking breaks is part of your English language teaching career but is also important as self-care.
Join an online teaching community
Chat with other online teachers, and meet them for a cup of coffee or lunch. Immerse yourself in the community to get even more tips, find out about job opportunities, and overall, just make new friends who understand what you’re going through and can help you because they’ve also been through it. Being part of a community will make you feel less alone, especially when living abroad in Italy or Malta, where there are so many fun activities to do.
Ready for a new experience?
At the end of the day, studying abroad is a great experience and an amazing brag for your résumé. Besides allowing you to travel and have a very flexible work schedule, you’ll meet new people, learn a lot about other cultures but also yourself, and you’ll have fun while doing it.
Now that the world has gone through this massive change, working remotely has expanded even more, so it’s the right time to invest in an online job. Teaching English online can be a challenge if you don’t have the right tools or knowledge to start, but the most important tips you need are shared here and once you get going, you’ll become more comfortable and gain the confidence of older teachers.
Traveling and living abroad has never been this easy. You only need to book your flight and your journey will commence.
