Ultimate Guide to Teaching Abroad, 2016-2017 edition

Ultimate Guide to
Teaching Abroad
2016-17 edition

Contents
Ultimate Guide to Teaching Abroad
2
4
6
12
13
18
20
21
22
Introduction
Teach Abroad FAQ
Choose the Right Location: Country Comparisons in 2016-17
How to Stand Out from the Crowd
How to Nail Your Interview
The #1 Thing You Must Do if You Get a Job Offer
5 Steps to Getting a Teaching Job Abroad
Teach Abroad Plan: How to Have the Best Year Abroad!
Welcome / 안영 / / ‫مرحبا‬

3
Compiled by James Rector
Founder of Teach Abroad Network
This updated 2016/2017 guide comes from my years of experience in the international teacher
recruitment industry connecting new and experienced educators to schools around the world.
Additionally I study the market itself: By scanning the most popular job boards and sifting through the
offers on the major recruiter websites, I know the opportunities that are out there, and where to start
your job search. I know which locations have schools with real job offers, and have written this guide
with the first time overseas teacher in mind. I hope you enjoy reading about exotic lands abroad, but
more importantly, I hope you do something with it.
Add me as a friend on Teach Abroad Network when you join!
- James

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Introduction
“I’m interested in teaching abroad…
But where? And how?”
Chapter 1

5
Introduction
The attraction to teaching abroad may reflect a desire to experience the
exotic, a chance to gain international experience after college, a way to
improve a stagnating career, or aspirations to live and work in a new and
challenging environment. The things you learn – both personal and
professional – can shape an exhilarating and fulfilling life.
Teachers - good teachers - are some of the most valued members of society. They are
responsible for the way entire generations grow into the people they will become. A large number of
bright young people teach overseas each year who want to take on the challenges and responsibilities
of teaching, while also experiencing the beauty of the unknown, the lands beyond home.
Wherever your heart is set upon, the process of learning about teaching opportunities abroad is
difficult. Furthermore, trusting the job posters on the major industry job boards, liked Dave’s ESL Café,
can be dubious, and recruiters force you to choose between their (limited) options. This guide will
provide you with the information, advice and resources you will need to start your first adventure
teaching English abroad. Armed with a thorough understanding of how the system works, and with the
proper preparation and mindset, you will soon stand a good chance of heading off to your first
teaching job abroad!
Chapter 1
Did you know: With just a BA, you
can dive into a full-time paid job with
monthly savings, have amazing
travel opportunities, and learn the
skills of managing a cross-cultural
classroom? Learning to teach well
gives you an invaluable skill set that
translates to many other career
fields, as well.

6
Do I need to speak the language?
No. It’s not necessary to speak the language of the country you’re going to – but try to learn! If you’ll be
teaching in a major metropolis, you can get by fine with just English. If you’ll be teaching in a rural area, learning
the language will be more important.
What will I teach?
Most of you will be teaching ESL / TEFL / TESOL / EFL / etc. (all the different acronyms you’ll see just
mean the same thing: teaching the English language). If you’re a licensed K12 subject teacher, you are
eligible to teach at private or international schools.
Is a Bachelor’s Degree required?
For a paid teaching job, yes, you must have a Bachelor's degree or higher. For volunteer teaching
programs, a degree is often not required. If you don’t have a BA and want to teach, read Where can I teach
abroad without a degree?
NOTE: These requirements are based
on getting a legal teaching visa. You
might have heard of teaching in Asia on
a tourist visa or business visa but these
are (usually) technically illegal options
and therefore you could be subject to
fines and deportation if anyone found
out and cared enough to report you to
the local immigration office.
Nonetheless, I have to acknowledge
many teachers use the tourist visa as a
means of flexibility. Just know the risks.
A visa is the government's approval to
allow you in to the country, and it
dictates what activities you can/can't
participate in. Having a tourist visa does
not allow you to teach. You should
make sure your school is providing you
a legal teaching/work visa.
Know the Basics: Teach Abroad FAQs
Chapter 2
Do I need to speak the language?
What will I teach?
Is a BA required?
Do I need experience?
Do I need TEFL certification?
How long are the contracts?
Is safety a concern?
I don’t want to leave my friends and family for a year!
Can teaching abroad boost my resume?
Can I teach with family, friends, or a spouse?
Can non-native English speakers teach abroad?
What is the maximum age?
Criminal background check
Other “soft” requirements

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Do I need to have experience? Will I get training?
Most countries do not require any experience for teaching English abroad; they will expect
you to have at least an online TEFL certification (easy to get - see more about TEFL certification next)
and will train you for a short time when you arrive (a few days of training and a week of auditing
another teacher’s classes is common). If you’re a licensed K12 or University teacher who wants to
teach in your subject area, you will likely need 2+ years experience to get hired at a private or
international school.
However, China is special (and China deserves special attention because it is by far the
biggest market for teachers). In China’s tier 1 cities, they have a 2 year “experience” requirement for
English teachers (they say you need 2 years of post-college "work experience", which doesn't have to
be teaching). Yes, they categorize them by “tiers”, but tier 2 and 3 cities are still huge cities with high
living standards. In reality, and this is backed up by my recruitment experiences with Chinese ESL
schools, most schools (that aren't in the heavily desired tier 1 teaching markets of Shanghai, Beijing,
and Hong Kong) can get you a visa even if you have no experience. Schools can waive this because
of their relationship with their local government officials.
Do I need TEFL certification to teach abroad?
Yes, to teach English abroad. Academies usually only give jobs to teachers who put in the
effort to obtain an online TEFL certification (Teach English as a Foreign Language). A 120 hour online
TEFL course certification is a standard requirement. In-person courses (like CELTA) are not required
and are expensive, but they are excellent at preparing you for your future ESL classroom.
Nonetheless, an online TEFL certification is sufficient. See our recommended online TEFL course here
(with discount!).
To teach a K12 or University subject, you'll need a teaching certification in that subject area.
However, my experience in recruiting has taught me that you can have a MA/MS/PhD in that subject
area to substitute for certification. Schools view content mastery as the main requirement, though you
obviously have to demonstrate a great aptitude for teaching if you don't have proper certification
(create a video on your profile to accomplish this). They expect you'll do an online TEFL course in lieu
of traditional teacher training.
How long are the contracts?
When teaching English, most contracts are 12 months. You can find some 3- or 6-month
contracts here and there. See the Country Comparison chart later for the lengths of contracts in those
places. If you’re a licensed K12 or University subject teacher at a private or international school,
most contracts are 12-24 months in Asia and 24 months in the Middle East.
Chapter 2: Know the Basics: Teach Abroad FAQs

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Can I save much money?
Yes. Teaching abroad is great for this! Asia and the Middle East are the primary places where
you will be able to earn enough to save a lot. See the Country Comparison chart later in the book for
how much you can expect to save in the most popular teach abroad destinations (calculated by
average teacher salary minus cost of living, including leisure spending like travel). If you’re looking to
save money or pay off debt, you can find teaching jobs in Asia or the Middle East for which you can
save $10,000 or more (not just make, but save) in 12 months.
Is safety a concern?
If you’re teaching in a popular teaching destination, chances are you will be in an environment
that is friendly to Westerners. Nonetheless, be a smart traveler. Read these Travel Safety Tips: Advice,
Programs, Embassies, Insurance, etc.
I don’t want to leave my family and friends for a year
I guess this isn’t a question, but it’s a common fear people have. Do you know who quickly your
year abroad will pass? Faster than you realize. When you’re busy absorbing a new culture and making
new friends and teaching, a year will go by quickly, believe me. And guess what? Your family and
friends will still be there when you get back, hanging on your every story! Furthermore, modern
technology like blogs, messaging apps, social media, and Skype allows you to stay in touch easily –
and make your friends and family jealous of your awesome adventures!
Can teaching abroad boost my resume?
Yes. I really enjoyed this post on Travel Pulse speaking to a college student's concern about
teaching abroad looking like a blank space on his resume: “Teaching abroad can look good on a
resume if you invest in yourself and the job position. For example, I now have the confidence to stand
in front of people twice my age (most of them with PhDs) and lecture about business principles in
English-speaking countries. That same confidence relates to all other forms of public speaking.”
Can I teach abroad with friends, family, or spouse?
Yes, you can. Teaching couples and friends often ask about this possibility. Read this forum post
about teaching with family, friends, or spouse, which goes over some basics you need to understand
about housing, jobs, and education for children if you want to teach with another person.

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Advice for Non-native
English Speakers
Are there nationality requirements?
To teach English in Asia or the Middle East (the biggest
markets for teachers), most countries require you to have a
passport from a "native English-speaking country" (US, CAN,
UK, IRE, AUS, NZ, or SA) for at least 15 years. The
requirements for Europe and Latin America are more relaxed,
though the markets are much smaller (i.e. fewer jobs).
To teach a K-12 subject at an International school (if
you’re a licensed teacher), the citizenship requirement is
relaxed.
Does this mean non-native English
speakers can't get jobs teaching English
abroad?
No, but it's more challenging. Indians, Filipinos,
Europeans, etc who speak excellent English, should check the
advice article in the right column. Follow the advice to make
schools view you as a teaching professional that would improve
their educational atmosphere.
In the teach abroad industry, Native
English speakers are defined as
having passports from one of these
countries:
•America
•Canada
•UK
•Ireland
•South Africa
•Australia
•New Zealand
9

10
Do I need a Criminal Background Check (CBC)?
You won’t have to worry about this until you’re officially hired and you have to collect documents
to apply for a visa to legally teach in the country to which you’ll be going. When applying to teach
around the world, almost every government will require a CBC from a state-level police department
(i.e. California State Police). This is easy to obtain; just call your state- or province-level police
department and ask how to get a background check. You probably can just request it online.
Korea is the exception! You must have a clean national level criminal background check. This
requires getting a fingerprint card done and sending it to your country's national-level police
department (i.e. the FBI in America, Scotland Yard in the UK, RCMP in Canada, etc.) with a completed
application form and small fee. Ordering a CBC can take anywhere from 4-12 weeks, unfortunately, so
get started right away. Waiting will adversely affect your ability to get hired. Your background check
cannot be older than 6 months at the time of your Visa application.
See instructions for how to get a national-level background check.
See instructions for how to get a state-level background check.
Is there a maximum age?
Yes/No. I know there are many of you 60+ retired teachers out there who would love to teach
abroad! There is no definite answer here. The governments of the popular teach abroad destinations
around the world don't all have strict rules in place, and even when they do, the province-level
governments of the schools that are requesting visas for teachers might be more lenient in granting
visas to older-than-allowed teachers if they recognize that it's difficult to attract teachers.
There are conflicting reports from all over (especially China) about the age requirements to
teach English abroad (or K12): The maximum is 55, no wait it's 65, no wait it's any age as long as the
school can convince the immigration officials on your behalf. To be honest, these reports are all
correct! My advice for candidates older than 55:
1. Ask schools if your age will be an issue when you apply
2. Add a video to your profile (read more about this later in the book), which makes you more
than just "an applicant". Show them that you are a vibrant, professional teacher that can add great
value to their school community.
For more information, check out this article:
I'm 55, 60, 65+...can I teach abroad?

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Other "soft requirements" that schools prefer:
The requirements to teach abroad can be flexible, as you read above. Here are some other
things that schools look for in candidates:
1. Candidates who show a passion for teaching. Many are intimidated by teaching if they’ve
never done it, but it is extremely rewarding and a lot of fun.
2. For college tutoring academies: Graduates of good universities (top 30 universities like,
obviously, Oxford and Yale, but places like NYU and Pomona as well). Brand names of good schools
are significant factors in hiring at test prep academies that market their classes to parents who hope to
one day send their kids to school in America.
3. A bright personality! Honestly, this is really the biggest thing that schools are looking for.
The certifications are nice, but, bottom line, they want people with great personalities. Spending the 20
minutes to create an excellent profile video will go a long way toward getting hired by a school that
wants to find great personalities! (read: all schools want that).
Want more information?
Know the 4 types of schools abroad

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1. Start the process early. Review organizations and jobs for teaching overseas on
Teach Abroad Network and begin contacting schools and recruiters 3 to 6 months in
advance of when you want to start teaching.
5 Steps to Getting a Job Teaching
Abroad
Chapter 3
2. If you are interested in teaching abroad in one or two countries only, write directly to
schools located in these regions and apply to their jobs. Make sure your TAN profile has
a complete resume, two recommendations, professional photo, and introduction video.
3. When applying to jobs, indicate when you will be available for a Skype interview.
4. Select the organization that seems most suited to your needs, taking into
consideration not just the salary or city, but your goals for your time abroad. Consider if
you value free time, vacation days, language study, weather, small classes, etc.
5. If you do not receive an offer to teach abroad shortly afterwards, don't give up!
Inquire about new jobs that appear weekly on TAN. Network with schools when you
have a strong interest. There are a significant number of jobs for teaching overseas that
open up between June and September and again between December and March.
>> Here are 10 tips to nail your Skype interview.

13
Choose the Right Location:
Country Comparisons 2016-17
Chapter 4
OPPORTUNITIES FOR PAID TEACHING: WHAT’S OUT THERE
MAP OF DEMAND FOR TEACHER RECRUITMENT
If you want to teach and save money: You can see that the largest demand and salaries are
in Asia and the Middle East. This does not mean that you cannot find a paying English teaching job in
another country (for example Latin America or Europe); it just means there is an established market for
English teachers in the countries highlighted above and thus schools there are willing to pay to recruit
teachers (like you) from overseas.
If you want to teach in a specific country not highlighted on the map: You can find jobs in
other countries not highlighted above, but it will be difficult unless you have feet on the ground there or
connections via Teach Abroad Network, or do a volunteer program. Schools in these countries are not
likely to spend money recruiting native English speaking teachers from overseas; rather, they look for
teachers in their local city. Examples: France, Germany, Mexico, Brazil, etc.

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POPULAR LOCATION COMPARISONS
*I have calculated the monthly savings potential based on cost of living, which includes spending on leisure and travel.
**Passport holders from US, CAN, UK, IRE, SA, AUS, or NZ are preferred, but only required if specifically written.
Chapter 4: Choose the Right Location: Country Comparisons 2016-17

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In short: Asia is the region for first time teachers abroad who want to save some money,
and for career subject teachers with or without families. China is the market leader.
There is a huge demand for young, energetic English language teachers (ESL/TEFL/TESL) in
Asia. The Big 3 in the East are the largest markets: China is by far the biggest market for teaching jobs
in the whole world, as a result of its economic growth and population. South Korea and Japan continue
to be major markets for ESL teachers, though these are well-known teacher job markets by now and
are therefore saturated with teachers. Getting an ESL job in South Korea or Japan is no longer as
easy as it used to be! Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries are continuing a slow climb into
becoming major destination for teachers, though jobs in these tropical locations have little savings
potential. But the beach sure is nice…
Learn more! Browse Asian City Guides and Asian Country Guides on TAN, like these:
Asia

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In short: The European job market for hiring English teachers from abroad is small due to
the ease with which they can find their own native-level English speaking teachers.
Although many have the dream of teaching English and traveling throughout Europe, it has a
small jobs market for English teachers compared to Asia and the Middle East, though there are
seasonal recruiting openings in Spain, Poland, and Russia. The market for English teachers in Europe
is small because they can easily find native-level English speaking teachers in their own cities, or from
nearby England. It doesn’t mean there is not any demand - there is - but it means the salaries will be
comparably lower than those in other regions and the jobs will be fewer and farther in between.
Learn more! Browse European City Guides and European Country Guides on TAN, like these:
Europe

17
In short: The Mid East is a high paying region for teachers with experience. The United
Arab Emirate’s ADEC (Abu Dhabi Education Council) is a major employer in the region.
The Middle East is often viewed as the place for teachers with some experience under their belt,
and is the place where teachers can make and save the most money. Many teachers start at postings
in Asia because of the huge demand there and move on to higher salaried positions in Saudi Arabia,
Oman, the UAE, etc. This higher salary is a reflection of their desire to attract more Western educators
to the Middle East.
Learn more! Browse Middle East City Guides and MidEast Country Guides on TAN, like these:
In short: Similar to that in Europe, the job market for hiring English teachers in Central and
South America is small compared to those in Asia and the Middle East.
English teacher wages in Central and South America are extremely modest but given the low
cost of living full-time teachers are able to live comfortably, though without much savings. Most jobs
here entail teaching adults at private language schools.
Middle East
Latin America

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How to Stand Out From the
Crowd on Teach Abroad
Network
Chapter 5
Getting started
First thing is to sign up at www.TeachAbroadNetwork.com. Recruiters and HR Managers look
for teachers there and you can apply to teaching jobs posted by reputable organizations and schools
around the world.
Complete your Recruiting Details,
Resume and professional Profile Photo
A professional photo is especially important for Asia.
Make sure to fill out all the Recruiting Details on your
profile, which are how employers will know more about you.
Fill out your Resume for the same reasons. Highlight
your intentions, your skills, and the reasons why you would
be a good candidate for the job. Check out this article from
Footprints Recruiting about how to write a teacher resume.

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Chapter 5: How to Stand Out from the Crowd
Introduction Video – Must do!
In my experience, people with intro videos got interviews almost twice as much as those who
didn’t take the time to supplement their application with a video. They let their personalities and
attitudes about education come out in the videos, which really made hiring managers interested
because it added a human touch.
Especially if you don’t have any experience, or are a non-native speaker, you really should
create an introduction video. Cross-cultural recruitment is a tricky business and schools are always
concerned about one thing: Does this teacher have a good personality? If you can help them see your
personality, you will have bridged a culture gap and gone to the top of that employer’s applicant list!
Examples:
BASIC: This introduction is short, simple, and sweet.
You could do this!
ADVANCED: Wow! This is a good one!
She does a lot here; you don’t have to go that far. But if you did…
How to Record a Video:
Option 1: Use TAN’s Guided Self-Introduction Video Recorder. Quick and easy!
Option 2: Use software on your computer to record yourself answering these questions and then
upload it to YouTube. Popular software includes Photo Booth for Mac OS X and Camera for Windows 8+.

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How to Nail Your Interview for
Teaching Abroad
Chapter 6
3 Application Tips from 20 Principals and Recruiters Abroad
When I was a recruiter, I used to travel a lot to talk to staff managers at the schools we worked
with. I sat down with dozens of principals and hiring managers in Beijing, Shanghai, and Seoul at all
types of schools (private, public, kindergarten, test prep, language academies, etc.), and I asked them
what they care about most when hiring teachers. These job tips come directly from the people who
make the hiring decisions!
Basically every school I talked to had a few things in common.
Watch this 7-minute video detailing the 3 most essential tips I heard
from them all. It could be the difference in your getting a job.
10 tips to ace your video Skype interview for teaching abroad
Things to prepare
- A clean room with reliable internet
- A simple greeting in their native language (it’s OK to have
fun!)
- A headset with microphone (better audio)
- Bright lights should be in front of you (just like photos,
you want the light hitting your face, not the camera)
- Think about finding a nice background, rather than a
blank wall (if possible)
- Turn off your cell phone, tell people not to disturb you
How to dress
- A clean dress shirt (think conservative)
- Less makeup is better than more makeup
- Take out ALL facial piercings (girls, smaller is better for
earrings)
- Look as clean cut as possible (if you have facial hair or
long hair, consider a serious trim, cut or pull-back)
Here is a short video I made to prepare teachers for a Skype interview
with a school overseas. I made it after listening to feedback from schools after
they interviewed teachers from my old recruitment company, as well as
listening to some other advice from popular sources online.

21
The #1 Thing You Should Do If
You Get a Job Offer
It doesn’t matter if you’re using Teach Abroad Network or some other
way to find your teaching job abroad, the one thing you absolutely must
do, when offered a job, is…
…speak to a current teacher at the school!
Chapter 7
Schools won’t allow this until after they make you a job offer. But when they do, speaking to one of their
current teachers (at the branch you’ll be working at, if it’s a chain school) should be your first request. And
make sure you speak to someone who is culturally similar to you (i.e. American speaking to American). It’s
the best way of making sure you’re hearing the full story of the workplace and location. When you do, ask
these questions to get a comprehensive view of the situation:
1. How were the salary and benefits?
2. How is the neighborhood / location? What’s the transportation like?
3. How are the teacher accommodations?
4. How is the teaching experience at the school?
5. Does the school support you when you need help?
6. Overall, has the experience been worth it?

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How to Have the Best Year
Ever!
I hope this guide has given you the confidence you need to use Teach
Abroad Network to secure a teaching job in an ideal location.
Conclusion
When it’s official, you are probably going to be excited, nervous, and a
little overwhelmed! My recruiting partner and I wrote a “Teach Abroad
Plan” for our former teacher recruits. I’d like you to read it to make sure
that your year (or longer, if you are really bitten by the bug) is as happy
and productive as possible!
Click here to download the Teach Abroad Plan

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www.TeachAbroadNetwork.com/Signup

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Ultimate Guide to Teaching Abroad, 2016-2017 edition