You've moved to a great place and got a dream job as a TEFL teacher, yet you feel lonely and just don't fit in. Well you're not alone. Almost everybody who moves to a foreign country soon finds out living away from your home amidst a community where you're a stranger and barely speak the language is a very lonely road. You may struggle to fit in with the local people or find it difficult to understand an alien culture.
Everyone knows that TEFL simmers with testing, which shouldn't be much of a surprise given the high standards of the course and the need for all round skill development of students. However, with so many information on different tests flying around, it can be quite difficult to understand what's what and key differences between them. In fact you may even know about certain tests without being aware of their label or what purpose they serve. So to start off with, let's take a look at different tests that are relevant to a class of foreign learners.
The Three "P"'s
You apply for a TEFL job. The TEFL job requires you to have teaching experience. You can't get experience without getting the job. If there ever was a catch-22, this is it and it aptly describes the conundrum most TEFL graduates face as soon as they finish their course.
TEFL in Spain info!
The key to getting an English teaching job is turnover and knowing the hiring seasons.
Off season Hiring: Jobs do open during the off season as not all schools fill every job and employees do not always stay for their full term. Follow our professional advice regarding hiring seasons and the interview process and you will find opportunities.
Many jobs entail 10 to 12 month contracts. September, October are busy hiring periods with many contracts ending in July. January is a secondary season. Main period will be about 50-60% turnover. Secondary season about 25%.
Summer camps in Europe offer great opportunities for those looking for shorter commitments.
