Can I teach English abroad for the summer?
Absolutely. While many schools typically seek teachers who can commit for 10 to 12 months, there are still ample opportunities for short-term positions, especially during summer breaks. Although it is less common to find regular schools or language centers offering short-term contracts, English summer camps and volunteer teaching positions are ideal for those seeking a brief teaching experience abroad. These shorter engagements provide flexibility and are well-suited for individuals looking for a temporary teaching opportunity during their summer vacation.
Table of Contents
Can I teach English in a summer language camp?
Are there different types of summer camps that hire English teachers?
Where are summer camps held, and what are the requirements for teachers?
Can I volunteer as an English language teacher during the summer?
Can I teach English in a summer language camp?
Yes, it is a viable option. English language camps are prevalent in various countries across Asia, Europe, and Latin America during the summer months. These camps generally offer teaching positions lasting one to two months, catering to students ranging from primary to university level. Despite the brevity of these roles, they provide significant benefits. Working in a summer language camp not only enhances your teaching skills and boosts your confidence in the classroom but also adds valuable experience to your CV/resume. Such practical teaching experience is advantageous for future employment opportunities in the field of education.
Are there different types of summer camps that hire English teachers?
English summer camps come in several different categories, largely depending on where you are in the world. The overnight or away camp is the most common type you are likely to come across. These camps are essentially residential style arrangements where the students stay in cabins or tents for a set period of time. In many away camps the focus is on indoor and outdoor activities where the students and instructors use only English, although actual English lessons may also be taught in European camps in particular. Wherever the camp, the main intention is to go through as much of the day as possible using nothing but English, whether during sports activities, arts and craft sessions or even mealtimes. Students in this environment can range from 8 to 18 years old and the average stay is around two weeks.
The day camp is another type of summer camp that is more common in urban areas. The daily programs in this environment are usually similar to the away camp, except that the students do not stay overnight. These camps generally run from around 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and the teachers typically stay in a nearby apartment that is often shared with fellow teachers from the camp. Another less common style of camp that you might come across is a university camp that operates entirely on campus. The teachers run a variety of activities throughout the day and then stay on site overnight. In this environment the students may or may not stay on campus. The university style summer camp is most popular in parts of Asia, particularly China.
Where are summer camps held, and what are the requirements for teachers?
The largest number of English summer camps operate in Europe, particularly in France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. Employers in this area of TESOL typically look for younger teachers between 20 and 30 years of age, although camps in Asia are often happy to take on teachers above this age bracket. In many cases the positions are filled by teachers who are on a summer break from a school or language center in the same country as they are familiar with the needs of local students. However, it is rare to find all the positions filled in this way, so many camp organisers advertise vacant positions online in advance. Jobs in summer camps do not normally pay a big salary, although you can expect a stipend of around $200 to $300 per week plus accommodation and meals.
Can I volunteer as an English language teacher during the summer?
One popular alternative to English camps is to volunteer as a teacher during your summer break. Charities who look for TESOL qualified teachers operate in countries all over the world, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, India and the less developed parts of Latin America. Typically, these opportunities exist in areas where few teachers venture as paid jobs are thin on the ground. If you are looking for a real adventure that will also help people in need, this is certainly something worth considering. Volunteer posts vary in length, but generally last between one and four weeks, although longer term positions are often available.
