TEFL opportunities for students (and recent grads)

If you are looking for work during the summer or something to do during (or instead of) a gap year, teaching English overseas could be exactly what you are searching for. As well as earning money, you'll be able to add valuable international work experience to your CV as well as gain a whole host of new skills. No previous teaching experience is required and these opportunities are suitable for those currently at university or those who have just graduated. So, let's dive straight in!

British Council English Language Assistant Programme

These teaching assistant programmes are currently available in the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Spain and Switzerland. You will be working around 12 hours per week and have the rest of the time to improve your language skills and explore what the country has to offer. To apply, you are required to have completed at least two years' university study and have a minimum B1 level in the language of the country that you are applying for (apart from China where a knowledge of Mandarin is not required).

More information about the British Council ELA programme https://www.britishcouncil.org/study-work-abroad/outside-uk/english-language-assistants

Similar programme - Meddeas (Spain-based) English Program in Korea (EPIK)

Teaching positions available in elementary, middle and high schools in large towns and cities across South Korea. Working approximately 22 teaching hours per week.

More information https://www.epik.go.kr/ Teach and Learn in Korea (TaLK)

Based in more rural areas of South Korea, you will be teaching elementary after-school classes (approximately 15 hours per week).

Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme (JET) ALT (Assistant Language Teacher) positions available in villages, towns and cities across Japan. Teaching contracts start July/August and last for around one year. Expect to work around 35 hours per week.

More information https://www.jet-uk.org/

Au pair work

Au pair work is not just babysitting, it's a cultural exchange between you and a host family. You may be helping to get the children up for school, taking them to after-school activities and doing general household cleaning on a daily basis, but you will also have time to learn the local language, explore the local area and customs, and in most cases go with the family on weekends away and holidays.

More information about au pair work https://www.aupairworld.com/en

Summer schools and language camps

Summer schools and language camps are popular across the UK and Europe and are great for first-time teachers looking to gain some EFL teaching experience. Opportunities are available from Easter onwards. Language camps can be found all over Europe including Spain, France Italy and Finland. The majority of summer school work is paid, but you will find the odd voluntary summer school placement. Meals and accommodation are normally provided.

Browse current summer school and language camp jobs /tefl-jobs-centre/

Conclusion

These are just a few of the English as a foreign language teaching programmes out there for students and recent graduates. Do you know any others? Share in the comments section below.