How can I teach English online and travel?
Teaching English online offers an excellent opportunity for those looking to travel while working. This flexible form of ESL teaching enables you to work from any location with a reliable internet connection, freeing you from a fixed work location. Here is how to get started:
- Obtain Necessary Qualifications: Ensure you have the relevant teaching certification, such as TESOL.
- Choose the Right Platform: Select an online teaching platform that offers flexible scheduling.
- Secure Reliable Technology: Invest in a good laptop and ensure consistent access to high-speed internet.
- Plan Your Schedule: Arrange your teaching hours to accommodate your travel plans.
- Manage Finances: Use your earnings from teaching to fund your travel expenses, including transport and accommodation.
By following these steps, you can successfully balance the freedom of travel with the rewarding experience of teaching English online, thus enjoying the best of both worlds.
Table of Contents
What is required to teach English online and travel?
What are the technical requirements for teaching English online?
What other attributes do online English teachers need when traveling and teaching?
What to pack when teaching and traveling?
What is required to teach English online and travel?
To teach English online while traveling, certain requirements must be met, though these can vary depending on the online teaching platform you choose. Common requirements include:
- Educational Qualification: Some platforms require a bachelor's degree, while others do not.
- Teaching Experience: Previous teaching experience can be a requirement, but it is not always necessary.
- TESOL Certification: Many platforms require a TESOL or similar certification. If you don't have one, you can enroll in a course to get certified.
- Language Proficiency: Being a native English speaker is often preferred, but there are opportunities for non-native speakers as well.
If you lack a degree or certification, don't worry. The demand for ESL teachers is high, and many platforms cater to different qualifications. For personalized advice and information on specific platforms, consider joining online communities of ESL teachers. These forums are valuable resources where experienced teachers share insights about teaching and traveling, as well as provide guidance on navigating various online teaching platforms.
We recommend two online teaching groups in particular, Online ESL Job Reviews and Online ESL Teaching Jobs.
What are the technical requirements for teaching English online?
The technical requirements for teaching English online are crucial to ensure a smooth and professional teaching experience. Key requirements include:
- Internet Connectivity: A reliable and fast internet connection is essential. Most platforms specify a minimum download speed, which varies by company.
- Travel Location Considerations: When choosing travel destinations, consider the quality of the internet network. Opt for locations with stable internet to avoid connectivity issues.
- Audio and Video Quality: Invest in a good quality webcam and microphone to ensure clear video and audio transmission. Your students' learning experience depends heavily on being able to see and hear you clearly.
- Lighting: Good lighting is important. Ensure your teaching space is well-lit so students can see you without any visual hindrances.
- Platform-Specific Requirements: Each teaching platform may have its own set of technical specifications. Familiarize yourself with these before committing, to avoid any issues later on.
While travel is an important aspect of this lifestyle, balancing it with the technical requirements of online teaching is key. Research and choose a platform that aligns with your travel plans and technical capabilities, ensuring a successful teaching experience while exploring the world.
What other attributes do online English teachers need when traveling and teaching?
The most important attributes you will need are flexibility and the ability to think outside the box. While the teaching and traveling life will undoubtedly be full of fun and adventure, there will also be hurdles to overcome along the way. To make your new life work you will need to be able to adjust your plans at short notice. Internet access is typically the biggest problem you will encounter. What do you do when you arrive at your accommodation to find the internet is not strong enough for your lesson the next morning? What about when the internet dies on you an hour before a lesson? Some people might simply panic and miss their lesson, which is not a great way to go about keeping the lifeline that is funding your trip. In situations like these you will need to be flexible enough to move quickly to alternative accommodation, and be able to find local co-working spaces, or other alternative venues to teach from. Many teachers on the road have missed out on income or even lost their jobs through a lack of flexibility and an inability to think on their feet.
What to pack when teaching and traveling?
If you are set on creating a life as a digital nomad it is important to only pack what you need as traveling becomes harder and harder with every additional kg you add. We can't stress enough how important it is to pack light. Aside from all your personal belongings you will need to leave a bit of space for some teaching materials and other props. Teachers working from home often grow a huge arsenal of teaching aids such as toys, puppets, background boards, etc, which is not really possible if you plan to move around from place to place. Simply pack a few basics such as a small whiteboard and some colored markers. You can always pick up any other bits you need as you go along. Of course, you will also need to pack a computer, a headset with a microphone, and any other technical gear you might need to teach effectively.
