I often get the question ‘Is appearance important in TEFL?’

People seem to forget that TEFL is a job, it is an industry – it is not something that was created just for English speaking Westerners to take a break, party and have fun for a year or two.

Appearance is very important!

Tattoos and piercings

The whole “rebel” look is quite popular in Western countries. Even though we might do the rebel-style tattoo piercing thing, we know that what’s on the outside can’t be compared to the true character inside, but in many other cultures appearance is of great significance and can easily make or break your opportunities.

Schools usually have strong opinions about your appearance and how they would like it to be as teaching tends to be a highly respected occupation overseas.  Much more respected than in America, the UK or similar countries.

A Culture Lesson

A common saying in Korea is “The first impression is everything”. While I lived in Africa I would sometimes be surprised to see a man, wearing a three-piece suit, coming out of his mud hut. In Korea, Africa and many parts of the world appearances are very important.

Just take note, the Korean saying was not “The first impression is important”.  They say it is everything!

You will make a good impression if you dress in a neat, nice and professional way. It will better your opportunities.

What goes in one culture does not necessarily go in another – so play along, do what is expected, try to fit in – it may not be the same as your ideals, it may not be your style, but dressing and grooming yourself for the part will pay off in the end.

Tattoos and more

Keep your tattoos out of sight; think before you show the ink. In your country and culture it might be a matter of pride and principal, but in some other cultures tattoos have negative connotations and are mainly seen as symbols of yakuza or the mafia.

In Thailand many locals have tattoos.  Foreign teachers often observe this as a go ahead to get a tattoo, but remember…those locals with the tattoos most likely aren’t teachers.  And if they are, they keep their tattoos out of sight when on the job.

You will be a foreigner in a foreign land. You will stand out from the local people. You can expect to be closely observed, judged, a gossip-topic and commented on. It will most likely happen, so prepare yourself, get used to it, understand it and deal with it in a proper way.

You will find yourself surrounded by different cultures with different ideals. When living abroad it is usually expected that you adapt to the country’s local ideals – failing to do so will limit your career and opportunities.

TED’s Tips™ #1: Play along and open the doors to so much more.

TED’s Tips™ #2: Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.   Observe how the local people dress for the job you want and dress accordingly. Dress for Success . . . it is the same as back home.

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Things to keep in mind when first seeking a job teaching English Overseas

If you have made up your mind that you want to look for an English teaching job and head overseas, then it is time to think about where you want to work, how much you want to earn or save and get the ball rolling.

Ready . . . Set . . .  Go!

The ‘where’ and the ‘how much’ will be based on your qualifications, the area of the world where you wish to work and the availability of jobs there, as well as your personal financial goals.

Here a few other things to consider as well.

Training

Do you need some training? Do you want to get some training (good for you!)? I would advise you to do it overseas, ideally in the country in which you want to teach and live.

There are food reasons for this. It is generally cheaper to do TEFL training overseas than in developed Western countries. If you add the living cost such as food and boarding during training, it will usually still be cheaper.

It will give you the chance to figure out if you would enjoy living overseas, because living overseas is completely different from traveling overseas.

Getting training abroad will give you the opportunity to mingle with and meet new people doing the same thing you want to do and the chance to network for good jobs.

Another advantage is that you will have the opportunity to do your teaching practice with students similar to those you will teach on the job. This may not be so important if you have a lot of experience already, but if you are a TEFL Newbie it will help you understand what is ahead.

I’ve taught EFL in four different countries and each country’s students have their own unique way of speaking English, with different pronunciation and different grammar problems. Even experienced teachers take a while to get used to and to solve these language problems when changing countries.

The last advantage to consider is that you will get a good idea of what your students want, need, like and dislike.  This too will vary from country to country.

In Thailand, for example, it is important to have some fun English games and activities related to your lesson, but in Saudi Arabia it would be a bad idea.  There are huge cultural differences and ideas about education.  It will be in your best interest to know these details before you have an interview or have to do a demonstration lesson.

In some countries it is common to require a demonstration lesson as part of the interview process, so you can just imagine how far ahead you’ll be if you have done your training in that specific country. You will have an idea of what is going on and understand the common problems in the classroom.   You’ll be ahead of the other newbie-applicants.

The biggest benefit you will get from this will be to network and just getting the feel for your new possible home.

Recruiters?  Useful or not?

There are different opinions about recruiters.  Some people believe you find a much better deal negotiating on your own. Others believe that you should use a recruiter. Both ways are fine to me. I’ve done both.

I used a recruiter to find my first job. As a newbie, using a recruiter was very useful to me. I had a few problems but the recruiter got it all sorted out. It was helpful as I was not yet confident and had little knowledge about the business at that time.

The bad recruiters are out there too. They will not consider or care if you are a good fit for the school.  They will just place you and get their fee from the school and say, “Bye bye”.

It is important to do some research about your new school before going. Get in contact with and talk to the teachers already there. Find out if there are any problems – big or small, critical or minor – find out if they are happy and if not, why not?

Other issues

If you take some time to have a look at the other pages here at TEFL Newbie, you will see other issues to consider as well.  We try to cover most of them so that you will know what to look for.

Before you make the big decision and sign a contract, consider:

What types of students do you want to teach? Are you interested in teaching corporate executives, resort staff, kindergarten/preschool or nursery students?

Should the job be in place before you go?  This will depend on the specific country and your personal self-confidence.  Some countries will hire almost exclusively from overseas and others frequently require that you be in the country for a personal interview to be considered for a job.

TED’s Tips™ #1: If this is your first TEFL job, you might want to consider the countries that are “newbie friendly” and welcoming. It is known that the Middle East and Europe are difficult places to start and get your foot in the door.

Two of the easiest places to get started are definitely China and South Korea. In both cultures you will find that they have a lot of respect for teachers, they will hire from abroad and pay for or reimburse your airfare and accommodation.

Thailand is not just popular for the beaches, food and friendly people, the country is becoming more and more popular for new teachers, but it may not be one of the easiest places to work. You have to be in the country, to interview on the scene to get a job and you will pay your own airfare and accommodation.  You’d earn about the same amount of money as China, but work more hours and get none of the benefits.

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I am not young, white, thin, blonde, native-speaking, straight or…what now?

In the TEFL world it is common to deal with schools looking for a blond, blue-eyed, young, thin and straight native teacher. Schools have a stereotype in their mind about what their native-speaker teacher should look like. Languages schools often try to impress their customers (students or parents of the students) by advertising their idea of this ‘ideal’ Aussie, American, Brit or someone else.

One should be aware of this problem and find a strategy to deal with it.

Luckily you will find a wide variety of people in this occupation and the reality is that there are not enough native-speaking EFL teachers to meet the demand. Come hell or high water, racist or ageist, even those language schools looking for their “perfect ideal” native-speaker teacher will find themselves very lucky to hire those of us who don’t fit to their idea of the ‘perfect’ teacher.

What if I am older, 30, 40 or even 60?

At the age of 41 I began teaching English in Korea, it was a month before my 42^nd birthday and I had grayish hair and a white beard at the time. That didn’t stand in my way to get a job and even now, at 60 years and thinning white year, I still wouldn’t have much trouble getting a good job!  I’d have to hustle a bit, but I could still find a job.

I have worked with people over 60 years old and even met a teacher older than 70!  You have the advantage of life and work experience.  Use it and never allow your thoughts about age to limit your goals! Age is just a number.  The older you are the more know that success in life is about finding a way around obstacles.    Not just giving in to them.

What if I am not white?

Most countries are beginning to realize that people from the UK, USA, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and South Africa are part of the mosaic of the world, nations of immigrants and not necessarily white.

I saw a beautiful ethnic mix while teaching in Korea in 2005 – Chinese-Canadians, Hispanic-Americans, Black-Americans and about every kind and every combination you might think of.

You will find an open-minded employer in the country of your choice if you persist in your job search.  It may take a bit longer to find the right employer but it will surely be more enjoyable to work for someone less short-sighted.

What about gay, lesbian or other non-straight people?

When it comes to sexuality, Western countries are usually more open to it than the rest of the world. These alternative lifestyles and preferences surely exist in other countries, but it is often hidden, secretive and not talked about openly. Your sexual preferences should not be a problem when trying to find, or keep a good English teaching job overseas.   The topic simply won’t come up, unless you bring it up!

It is not always necessary to be totally discreet about your life while working overseas. You will find helpful information on discussion boards  and blogs that will help you deal with such situations.  Many countries abroad don’t share the same values about opening up your personal life to other people.  Check that out too.

What if I am fluent in English, but not from a native-speaking country?

Some countries have a list of countries from which you must have a passport if you want to teach English legally. Currently I am aware of two countries with such lists: South Korea and Indonesia. Some countries, without lists, still believe that you can’t be fluent if you are not from a native English speaking country.

If you are fluent but not from an English speaking country, then it’s up to you to prove them wrong. The best strategy is to go to the country and do your interview in person.   On the spot you’ll change their misguided notions with your fluency. Thailand is one of the best countries at hiring non-native speakers as English teachers.  China will often hire non-native speakers from European nations.

This direct interview approach will also be a good choice for the older teachers to prove your point that you don’t fit into the stereotype of a cranky, tired, old person. This same approach may also help other non-standard people land jobs.

A personal meeting/interview is the easiest way to show your possible employer that you are friendly and easy to get along with:  two characteristic that are often the #1 hiring criteria.

Worried?

If you are worried about anything about yourself, relax! You will sort out the problems and can easily get useful information about the possible difficulties on the discussion boards or blogs! There are people out there who had the same concerns and they would be happy to advise and encourage you.

TED’s Tips™ #1:  Don’t let anything stop you from a life overseas

If you want to do it, you can. If you want something bad enough, push through and life will give it to you.

TED’s Tips™ #2: A personal interview often overcomes barriers

In Asia, the #1 thing many employers want to find out is if you are friendly and easy to get along with. You can show employers these characteristics by showing up in person for an interview or application.

A great and fun blog to check out is The Black ESL Teacher.

Please suggest other blogs and I will post them. The blog above makes me think of doing The Old EFL Teacher . . .

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Is some sort of job security possible when teaching English overseas?

I get this question a lot and I usually answer…’yes and no’.

Job security mainly depends on your employer and the country in which you decide to work. The shady employers are out there, but their are good ones too, you’ll find the same type of characters just like in your home country.

Be careful when you are choosing your employer. You need to take your time and weigh all the options before selecting your employer, just like back home.

Take control of your future

Take some advice and listen to all the people in this business: consider yourself a ‘private contractor’. You are working for yourself and building your own future. Don’t count on an employer to assure your future.  You will only be disappointed if you do.

Take a good friend of mine for an example: He worked for a university in Korea for over ten years with promises of being permanent in his position, only to find that they had decided to implement a new policy in which foreigners would be limited to working only for three years.

He gave his all to the students and the school; he was settled and comfortable in his town and in his job but the reality was that he had to leave! Bags packed, out of the door.  Bye bye!

One-Year Contracts

In this industry you will find that one-year contracts are the norm. With a one-year contract you should be prepared to go job hunting every year, even though you don’t actually have to do that. If you do a pretty good job, your school will renew your contract. A lot of people work for many years at all kinds of schools. You can also find longer contracts – they are not rare, though they are not common either – it depends on the job and the country.

It’s a great idea . . .

Creating your own security and learning how to do so, will be one of the most rewarding things you can do for yourself! You will be highly content and satisfied if you are building your own employment and financial world that is completely independent of your employer(s).

Take care of your future – don’t follow in the footsteps of the WorldCom, Citibank and Bernard Madoff employers or even those who relied on defined benefit retirement plans from some of the largest corporations in the world. Your future is in your hands!

TED’s Tips™ #1: Taking care of yourself is a GREAT idea! Do it!

Maybe you just want to spend one year abroad, or two, but it is possible that you might surprise yourself and stay longer than you ever planned for. If this is the case, get educated for your long-term financial security.

I bought and paid off several rental properties to provide for my old age. I am not rich, but I don’t have to stress and worry about a former employer going bankrupt or not paying my salary! You too, can prepare for your old age while teaching English and seeing the world!  Enjoy life and seeing the world are not incompatible with financial security.

TED’s Tips™ #2: Get information about medical plans independent of the minimal plans offered by your employer.

It is always wise to prepare yourself for life’s curveballs and surprises that may come at inconvenient times – even while you are young and healthy and when a medical plan is not your focus.

It is possible to find a good quality insurance for a good price because the cost of good medical is so much lower than in Western Countries.

If you have your own insurance you are most likely covered even outside the country in which you are working. You will be covered while traveling and the portability can also mean that you are free to change jobs when you want. You will likely even be covered between jobs. You most likely won’t get these benefits with an employer provided insurance benefit.

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Will you be happy and successful working and living abroad?

Will you be happy and successful?  That is a question that only you can answer. Take a good look at yourself before making the final decision – you can use the guidelines and questions here to help you.

Living abroad can be a life filled with new, wonderful and enriching experiences but at the same time you’ll have to face challenges, problems and difficulties.  It is not for everyone.

While you can easily sort out simple problems back home, some of those simple problems can be a real headache abroad.  In some countries getting a driver’s license is almost equal to getting a bachelor’s degree.

Take into consideration the follow issues:

Are you responsible for your family? Would they be comfortable with the idea of moving and living overseas? If you are not on the same team as your family things might not work out so well.

Do you have a spouse or partner? Will s/he be giving up their job, find a job overseas or be interested in teaching English also?

If you have children how will you educate them overseas? How will they deal with the transition and feel about giving up their friends? Educating your children while abroad can be very expensive – International schools fees can cost you an arm and a leg and may be more than what the ordinary English teacher earns monthly.

Should you pay off debts? If yes, choose your country carefully because while it may be easy to save up to US$1000 in some countries you’ll find it difficult to save in other countries. You can live well on the local economy but even saving for a ticket back home once a year may be difficult in these countries.

If things don’t work out will you have some financial reserves as a back up when you return to your home country? It’s always good to have a little bit of emergency money to fall back on.

Do you (or your family) have specific medical needs? While medicines and medical care can be cheaper than what you are used to (sometimes as little as 90% less than you would pay in your home country) some countries are not up to date with the latest in cutting edge medical care and drugs.

It’s best to ask your physician first if you have a chronic or complex medical issue and make sure what is available in the foreign country.

Are you an experienced teacher or is this your first time teaching? Do you think you will enjoy teaching English? Teaching is a “helping” profession, you’ll work with people – is this your kind of job?

Have you ever traveled overseas? Did you enjoy it? What about living overseas? It helps to know this. Before I made the big change I have only been across the border to Mexico for a few days, but at age 37 I went to Africa. It was a huge transition, but it worked out okay for me, it might not work out for everyone.

How would deal with the daily problems of living and working abroad?  Will it be frustrating or a stimulating challenge? You’ll find daily frustrations in many countries.

This list only gives you an idea of what you should keep in mind as an individual before making the decision.

What qualities do you need to make a success of yourself?

People who succeed in a TEFL job overseas usually have the following qualities and knowledge:

They have reasonable expectations about their new job and what they will get out of it.

They understand that their new country – and all the problems and solutions – will not be same as their home country.

They realize that the same problems they had at home may exist overseas.

They know that, just like in their own country, they will have good and bad days.

They know that, just like in their own country, they may experience good bosses and jobs and bad bosses and jobs.

They cope with and withstand adversity, be flexible enough to roll with the punches and have the ability to bounce back from a negative situation.

They are able to work under different cultural expectations, work ethics and rules.

They don’t get moody or depressed about minor issues.

They view their success as a personal enriching challenge.

They do a lot of research about the move they are going to make.

TED’s Tips™ #1: Listen to the voice of others, but also listen to your own voice, your heart! Do you really want to make this move? I had a dream of living abroad for years. It was in my heart. If I had no dream or desire to succeed, I would not have survived those two years in Africa as a Peace Corps Volunteer.

TED’s Tips™ #2: This decision doesn’t have to be a ‘for the rest of my life’-decision. If you don’t like life abroad, you will always have the freedom to return home.  At first just look at it as a one or two or three year experience.  After that time you will know for sure if you want to stay out in the new world you have found.

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We have no idea how many types of TEFL jobs exists…more than what we know of, more than we can imagine.

EFL instruction is needed in almost every area of any kind of International business and or industry.

Most non-English speaking countries have big EFL industries to teach English to children and or adults. Their universities have EFL programs for students.  But these are the more traditional jobs.

More TEFL Options

International airlines often need EFL training for their staff, as well as travel agencies and tour guides, resorts and hotels, scuba instructors and just about anyone who is dealing with tourism and hospitality.

International hospitals in major cities around the world hire EFL staff to teach their nurses and staff how to communicate with their patients, who come from around the world.

EFL instruction is even needed in the Army, Navy and Air Force as well as the Police Force in countries and cities where English speaking tourists and residents are common.

This is good news!

This means that as a newbie in the TEFL world you may be able to find a teaching job related to your interest and previous employment. If you have the experience in a specific field you would be considered a natural. You will have the knowledge of the special vocabulary and specific terminology. You willl be the preferred hire.

Keep an open mind

You need to get creative looking for all those job possibilities. They exist but not all of them are traditionally, regularly and widely advertised. The most obvious place to ask about these jobs would be the Internet’s TEFL discussion boards. Be careful though, many of these jobs might are not familiar to the typical poster on the Internet’s TEFL discussion boards and you may hear your question or idea pooh-poohed.

TED’s Tips™ #1: Find a job related to your skills and experience.

Almost everyone has a unique set of skills, talent and experiences in different fields. If your skills are worth anything, exploit them and use them to your advantage.

TED’s Tips™ #2: The best job might not be splashed online

If you are looking for an English teaching job in a specific field, don’t expect to find the job in the traditional ‘TEFL teaching jobs’ section online. It might not be advertised in the usual way. It might not be advertised at all!

One of the best examples is the Resort and Hospitality Industry. Many major five and six star resorts don’t advertise their job openings because they will get swamped with eager applications from eager applicants wanting to get a “dream job” in a resort setting. If you have experience in the hospitality industry (waiter/waitress, hostess etc), take the chance and call the resort to present yourself, even if it is unexpected.

An example from the past: A few years ago LeMeridien Resort on Phuket Island advertised for an English Teacher. Sixty people applied, but only twenty were willing to travel to Phuket for the interview. In the end only three showed up! If you have the specific industry experience and if you know what and how to teach, you have a huge advantage!

TED’s Tips™ #3: If you want to work in an “outside the box” occupation like TEFL, it is good to consider conducting your job search in a non-traditional manner. There are some quite unusual settings for you to work. More options than you can imagine.

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