Teaching English at a Private School (independently arranging position)
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Getting Started


Many privately owned language schools and institutes around the world hire English teachers from abroad. Requirements for private schools vary depending on the school and country. Check to see if you are qualified to teach in a specific school or country by looking at actual job postings to see what is required. Browse the Teaching English Abroad Sites to view job postings from schools around the world.

Things to Consider


There are advantages and disadvantages to independently arranging your own English teaching position. It is important to gauge your comfort level and assess the risks and consequences before making the decision to teach abroad independently.

You will not have support services such as orientation, airport transfer, guaranteed housing, visa assistance, etc. that a placement provider offers. Instead, you need to be prepared to arrange everything on your own.

Unlike most placement programs and government-sponsored programs, many privately owned language schools and institutes require a TEFL Certificate and/or experience teaching English. Investigate whether TEFL Certification is right for you. Gaining experience teaching English before you go abroad is highly recommended and there are many opportunities in the community to do this.

Searching for a Job Teaching English Overseas


Use caution when applying for teaching positions overseas. Many people have a rewarding and enriching experience teaching English abroad independently, but there are also disastrous stories. 

Don't be afraid to ask many questions. Speak to the teachers who are currently teaching there. Ask them many questions. Do they get paid on time? Were any promises broken? Do they get paid sick time? Are lessons and teaching materials provided?

While many teachers choose to arrange their job before they go overseas, some teachers also arrange a position after arriving. Both options have pros and cons. You need to decide where your comfort level lies.

If you would like to find a position after you arrive in the city, consider completing a TEFL certificate program in the city where you are interested in teaching. You'll have time to make contacts, do interviews, and tour schools while you are taking the course.

Contracts


As an employee of a private language school, you almost certainly need to sign a contract. Use caution when signing any legal document. Read the document carefully and ask the school to clarify anything you do not understand. A good contract should clearly state:

  • Daily and weekly work schedule (know the hours you will be required to teach and beware of split shifts (i.e., teaching a class at 9 a.m. and another class the same day at 9 p.m.)
  • Salary: hourly/weekly wage, information about overtime pay, schedule of paid holidays, sick time, how and when you will be paid
  • Visa sponsorship: a guarantee from the school that they provide all necessary assistance to obtain the proper visa for you
  • Health insurance: make sure the coverage is adequate

Remember, if an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Take your time, do your research, and follow your instincts.

Additional Resources

Transitions Abroad includes several articles about teaching abroad, including:.

 
Last modified on November 21, 2008