TEFL - A Gap Year or Alternative to University

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Teaching English abroad - A great gap year or an alternative to university

It’s A-Level results day and thousands of young people are considering their options for the future. With the scramble for higher education places this summer, many students are looking into alternatives to university and the possibilities of teaching English abroad.

Teaching English abroad is a fantastic way to get into work and get paid to see the world. With millions of people learning English across the world, there is a huge demand for native English speakers to teach them. You don’t need experience – just the ability to speak English fluently and an accredited TEFL certificate. You don’t need to speak the local language either as you will only ever speak English in the classroom. Jobs are available in many countries even to those without a degree – see below for just a few of the opportunities available.

TEFL is also a popular option for a gap year. Teaching English abroad broadens your horizons, gives you international work experience and shows universities and employers you can stand on your own. Whether you are applying to university or heading into the world of work afterwards, a TEFL qualification is an immensely valuable addition to your CV.

Here is what you could do with a TEFL England certificate:

Working as a classroom assistant in Spain

Based at a Spanish school, you’ll help out in English classes, helping pupils with their English conversation and introducing them to British culture. You’ll live with a Spanish host family with your accommodation and meals paid for, so this is a perfect chance to take part in a cultural exchange. On top of your free accommodation, you’ll receive a living stipend for any incidental expenses and treats.

Find out more: TEFL jobs in Spain

Interning in China

See the Great Wall, the Forbidden City and the Terracotta Army up close!

China is an amazing country with ancient history, stunning scenery, scrumptious cuisine and an unforgettable culture that will give you the experience of a lifetime. Si x month internships are available in locations across the country and you can work in all types of schools from kindergartens to language centres. You’ll get free accommodation, meals at school, free Mandarin lessons and a 2000 RMB living allowance each month. Plus, you’ll be picked up from the airport, get plenty of help to set up your mobile phone and bank account and have a dedicated person to support you while you settle in.

Find out more: TEFL internships in China

Volunteering in the Dominican Republic

How about heading off to a tropical paradise?

You could be sunning yourself on the pristine beaches of the Dominican Republic with our volunteering positions, perfect for a gap year. We’re recruiting for volunteers to help on a bilingual project at a local school. Housing and two meals a day is provided, as well as transport and communication support. You would be teaching English, helping out in other subjects and tutoring individual pupils. For the kids at schools like these, learning English can have a huge effect on their futures as it lets them work in the lucrative tourist industry. Volunteer positions like these are immensely rewarding opportunities to make a real difference with your gap year!

Find out more: Volunteering in the Dominican Republic

Working at summer camps across Europe

Fancy teaching English abroad but don’t want to commit to a long contract?

Why not start thinking about how you can earn while travelling next summer. Summer camps all across Europe and beyond hire young and energetic native English speakers to teach and help with activities. These will usually include all of your accommodation and meals, plus the opportunity to join in with fun sports, activities and trips. You can work for as little as two weeks and many people use the money they earn to spend time travelling Europe afterwards. This year, we recruited for camps in France, Italy, Spain, Germany and Switzerland.

Find out more: Work at a summer camp

Your next step

Taking a 120-hour accredited TEFL course with TEFL England will give you the skills, knowledge and confidence to take on any of these exciting opportunities. Classroom TEFL courses run across the country with extra study available online. If you are not in full-time work or education, you can get an accredited TEFL England certificate at 20% discount! Quote "funding" when you book your TEFL course.

Courses are open to anyone – as long as you can speak English fluently, we believe you have what it takes to teach it. Taking a TEFL England course also gives you access to our FREE TEFL Job Placement Service, with invaluable support in finding work, plus exclusive access to our TEFL job vacancies.

Even if you didn’t get what you wanted with results this year, it’s not the end of the world. It may just be the start of seeing the world!

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“I loved the flow of the course, interaction was great, I wasn't bored even for a second, a lot of useful tips.” Ivana Miljus, English teacher, London