Building a Remote English Teaching Career While Traveling the World
What kind of traveler are you? Do you enjoy traveling around the world? Then, you’re a globetrotter. Would you rather travel by yourself than in a group? You can call yourself a solivagant! Are you interested in traveling to experience different cultures? You’re definitely a cultural nomad. If you’re not immune to the travel bug, you probably already know your ideal way of traveling: no matter what kind of traveler you might be, you are not alone!
Since the widespread events forced us to stay in our own houses and limit face-to-face interaction with the rest of the world, people have become more interested in traveling than ever. The number of travelers and the frequency of their travels have increased considerably. But how to feed our wanderlust and support this exciting way of life? Online English teaching is the answer. Here are ten points to consider if you decide to get started in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) online.
- What is TEFL, and is it right for you?
Teaching English as a foreign language online or in person is an incredibly fulfilling but also demanding job. It’s important to honestly assess your personal qualities and traits to decide if you’re cut out for it. Do you have a genuine interest in learning? Are you willing to question your teaching methods? Do you strive to improve yourself? Are you flexible and able to adapt to different learners and cultures? If you answered ‘yes’ to all of these questions, you might have found your professional calling! - TEFL qualifications:
The opportunities for teaching without qualifications nowadays are few and far between and often not worth taking. The success of any language school – physical and online – relies on the quality of the lessons it offers. It goes without saying that the most sought-after teachers need to live up to the expectations. The minimum requirement is a TEFL certificate. It prepares you to face the classroom environment, deepens your knowledge of the English language, and sharpens your teaching skills. - Choosing the right teaching platforms:
Working for an established online school is a hassle-free way of setting foot in online teaching. The school is responsible for dealing with all the legal aspects of running a business, as well as the marketing side of things. You won’t have to find your own students – your lesson slots will be organized and booked for you. In some cases, lesson plans and materials are ready for you to use and made available in advance for you to prepare. All you have to do is show up for your lessons and teach through the platform set up by the school. - Considerations about freelance teaching:
Online teaching freelance is effectively a business. While teaching independently offers you more freedom – in terms of fees and number of teaching hours – it does come with more responsibility than working for an online school. One of the biggest advantages of freelancing is that it allows complete control. You can design your own lessons, set your rates, and build your personal brand. However, this also means taking on extra responsibilities like marketing, administration, and managing students, requiring a more business-minded approach. The hardest part? Finding your own students! - Equipment and setting for online teaching:
Online teaching requires some equipment, but you probably already have everything you need: a laptop with a built-in camera and microphone. Ideally, you should have a quality headset to block the background noise. This can be extremely useful if you travel frequently and teach from hostels. Whatever your location, try to set up a corner just for your screen time: a quiet area with good lighting where you can concentrate on your teaching. - Creating an engaging online presence:
A social media presence is important for new freelance teachers starting out in their online business. To attract the right students, you need to present yourself and your services to help you stand out from the crowd in this competitive market. Start with a professional profile picture and a short biography to highlight your teaching experience, qualifications, and what makes your lessons unique. An engaging introduction video should help you build trust with your potential students by showing your enthusiasm for teaching and demonstrating a warm approach and clear communication. - Balancing work and travel:
Flexibility is one of the biggest perks of online teaching, but it’s important to establish a structured routine. Consider time zone differences when choosing where to travel, as your students may be in a completely different region. Planning your teaching hours around peak lesson demand while leaving time for sightseeing, social activities, and relaxation will help you avoid burnout. - Budgeting for long-term sustainability:
Balancing income and expenses is crucial for maintaining a sustainable travel lifestyle. Research the cost of living in potential destinations and choose places where your earnings will go further. Keeping track of expenses, using budgeting apps, and opting for affordable accommodations, such as co-living spaces or house-sitting opportunities, can help stretch your budget while still allowing you to enjoy new experiences. - How to overcome cultural shock:
If you’re traveling abroad for an extended period, culture shock and homesickness are almost inevitable at some point. What’s important is how you deal with it. Before you leave, take advantage of social media to connect with TEFL communities in your destination to get a sense of what to expect and even make friends before you arrive. Social media is also a great tool for language exchange. Learning some basic phrases in the local language can boost your confidence and make interactions with locals more enjoyable. Homesickness can take away from the experience, so bring a small reminder of home, like a photo or a keepsake. Also, set aside time to call family and friends regularly: keeping connected is important for you and them. - Journaling:
Although underestimated, journaling while traveling and teaching English online can be a great tool for both personal and professional growth. It allows you to document your experiences, reflect on cultural insights, and track your progress as a teacher. Writing regularly can help you process challenges, celebrate achievements, and gain a deeper understanding of the places you visit. It can also be an invaluable source of lesson ideas, helping you incorporate real-life travel experiences into your teaching.
Online teaching and traveling: the perfect combination:
Supporting your traveling lifestyle with online teaching can give you the ideal balance of work and adventure. With careful planning, this combo offers flexibility, personal growth, and the opportunity to explore new cultures. Independently or through platforms, teaching English online while traveling allows you to live a life full of unique experiences.