Most of us want to explore the world. Visit countries we've never been to before. Experience new things, cultures, and traditions. The only thing standing in the way is work. Traditional norms have long dictated the way we live our lives, from what constitutes a "proper" career to what is and isn't a "normal" lifestyle. People have been given the impression that, in order to fulfill their ambitions of traveling abroad, they need to quit their jobs and risk their financial stability.
But what if there was a way to travel abroad, explore the world, and make money at the same time? With recent advancements in technology, there are Teaching online gives you the opportunity to work from anywhere on the planet with an internet connection. It's an amazing job for those who want to ditch the conventional commute and instead live by their own rules. In this article, we'll explain the benefits of learning how to teach English online and some easy steps you can use to get started.
Why Teach English Online While Abroad?
English is a particularly great subject to teach online. As the most spoken language worldwide, there's a high demand to learn it among people from all over the globe. Children, university students, and middle-aged adults alike consider language a vital skill to master, and unlike other subjects, English is something that everyone can relate to.
Learning how to teach English online also gives you the advantage of flexibility and freedom. You don't have to worry about a fixed timetable or being tied to one place. Schedule your classes around when and where you want, and manage how much work you put in each day. You can take the summer off and enjoy a long vacation in Europe or Bali, or you can stay up late to teach your students in Japan.
Perhaps the most attractive benefit of teaching English online is that you can make a great living from it. Whether you're tutoring small groups of students or teaching one-on-one classes, you can set your own rates and earn a competitive salary. The pay can vary depending on your experience, but a qualified teacher with a few years of experience teaching ESL can make up to $30 an hour or more.
How to Teach English Online While Traveling the World
The process of becoming an online English teacher is relatively straightforward. You often won't need any advanced qualifications or equipment to get started. With that being said, there are some boxes everyone should check before they begin teaching.
Possess Necessary Skills and the References to Prove It
While you don't necessarily need a degree in English to teach it online (although that can certainly help), you should have some basic knowledge of the language and be able to demonstrate your proficiency. Many companies require that you have a TEFL certification or the equivalent. Other desirable skills include a good command of grammar, the ability to teach correct pronunciation, and teaching experience. It's also a good idea to get references from previous employers or teachers to show that you're a reliable and knowledgeable tutor.
Have the Right Resources
You'll need a few basic resources and tools in order to reliably teach English online while abroad. Firstly, you should have access to a stable internet connection and a quiet space for your classes. This can obviously be difficult to plan if you intend on changing locations frequently, but it should be top of mind when considering accommodation. It's also important to have a laptop or desktop computer you can reliably use to teach classes on. Most people can get by just fine with a standard device they already own, but it may be worth considering an upgrade if you know you'll be using it frequently. Also, verify whether your computer has a properly working webcam and microphone. If not, you'll need to buy these separately in order to communicate with students during online classes.
Sign Up With a Reputable Online Teaching Platform
Once you have the necessary skills and resources, your next step is to sign up with an online platform. There are plenty of fantastic companies out there that will help you find online English teaching jobs, provide resources, and even do marketing for you. Many also handle invoicing and payment processing, so you don't have to worry about collecting fees or transferring money yourself. Just make sure that any company you're considering is legitimate and has a good reputation.
Some platforms will require you to take a test or assessment prior to being accepted. Others will ask for teaching samples and a resume. Make sure you have all of your documents in order and ready to go before submitting your application. While it's usually the case that the best teaching companies have the most stringent requirements, this leads to higher-quality students and better pay.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, teaching English online while traveling the world is a great way to make money, learn new skills, and explore new places. If you have the right qualifications, resources, and platform, the whole process can be relatively easy—not to mention rewarding!
Why not give online teaching a shot if you're prepared to set out on a new adventure? With the growth of online education, there are many opportunities now to work as an online tutor and assist students with their studies. There are many positions available in the online teaching environment, ranging from math tutors to reading tutors. Why then wait? Start now and explore a brand-new teaching world.