Gap year teaching abroad

Career break

Taking a career break or sabbatical is often a big decision. In our increasingly busy lives, taking a well-earned break from a job is something that we all need. Today, more and more people are taking time away from their careers to develop personally, see the world, and recharge their batteries.

Depending on your personal motivations, teaching overseas could be the perfect way to take a break from your career. Teaching will provide you with a stable income as you travel, experience new cultures, and see the world. But teaching is much more than that. As a teacher, you will be able to develop your existing skillsets and even pick up a few more transferable skills. After a year of teaching and traveling, you can go back to your career recharged, refreshed, and transformed. Or you might just fall in love with a brand new career.

Why take a career break?

According to a study by Hilton, “wanting to travel more,” “work-related stress,” “boredom” and “lack of enjoyment at work” are among the top reasons professionals want to take a career break. Taking a career break could be the best way to spend time away and get a new perspective on life.

At EF, we understand that more and more people want to escape to an exotic new location, explore a new culture, travel to new places, and even pick up a new language or hobby. That’s why our teaching jobs abroad focus on creating a fun work environment that doesn’t involve sitting behind a desk all day.

Working abroad fulfills your gap year dreams
Teaching English abroad during  gap year

What does ESL stand for?

ESL stands for English as a Second Language. It is estimated that over 2 billion people will speak and learn English as a second language by 2020. This results in high demand for native English speakers to teach English around the world.

The ESL industry isn’t like traditional teaching. In the traditional teaching model, students listen to the teacher, take notes, and generally work individually. In ESL, teachers use interactive games and activities, as well as creative teaching methodologies, to help students communicate in English. Teaching English is fun, fast-paced, and a great way to take a break from a stressful or challenging career.

Travel while you teach

When you take a break from your career, you will likely want to travel and see the world. At EF English First, we offer all of our teachers 12-month contracts with legal working visas as standard. This will give you plenty of time to settle into a new country, get to know the culture, and find time to travel to different places over the course of a year. Living and teaching abroad for a year is a great way to have it all.

In addition to time, the cost of traveling abroad is also another factor that holds most people back. Saving up to travel can take a while. If you teach, however, you will be able to earn a regular salary, enjoy the benefits of being abroad, travel on weekends, and even escape somewhere tropical during the holidays. Many of our teachers at EF love to travel, so you will be in great company!

Teaching English abroad during  gap year
Teaching English abroad during  gap year

No experience? No problem!

EF English First hires many English teachers every year. Our teachers come from a variety of backgrounds and all walks of life. As a result, many of our teachers have enthusiasm and work experience but lack hands-on teaching experience.

If you don’t have any teaching experience, don’t worry! You will get the training and support you need to get off to the best possible start. EF can help by sponsoring qualifications, and we will provide continual training & support. Remember, teaching can be fun! We’ll give you the tools you need to succeed - all you need to do is enjoy your time in class, with both your students and your international colleagues.

Getting started

Getting started is usually the hardest part, but teaching overseas couldn’t be easier. If you’re looking to take a break from your career, then we’d love to hear from you. All you have to do is fill out our application form, and we’ll take care of the rest.

We will arrange a convenient time to schedule an interview, where you can discuss your options. After you accept our offer, the visa process can take anywhere between two to four months. You will have time to give your notice, get packed, say farewell to friends and family, and start your new adventure!

Teaching English abroad during  gap year

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