What are the start-up costs for teaching English abroad?
If you are planning to teach English overseas, it is essential to consider various initial start-up costs. These typically include the price of obtaining a TESOL certification, necessary for qualification; travel expenses to reach your chosen teaching destination; and sufficient living funds to sustain yourself until your first paycheck arrives. The total amount will vary based on your destination and individual needs, but understanding these key expenses is crucial for effective financial planning before embarking on your teaching journey abroad.
Table of Contents
How much does TESOL certification cost?
What are the pros and cons of online TESOL courses?
What are the pros and cons of in-class TESOL courses?
Will I have to pay for my own airfare when teaching English abroad?
What will I have to pay for on arrival when teaching English abroad?
How much does TESOL certification cost?
The cost of your initial TESOL training will depend on which type of course you choose to take. At ITTT our popular online courses start at less than $200, while an intensive in-class TESOL course costs in the region of $1500 to $2000, without flights, accommodation, and other daily expenses. However, your choice of course should not be based entirely on its cost as there are several things to consider.
What are the pros and cons of online TESOL courses?
Online TESOL courses have many benefits. They are generally affordable for most people and they give you the freedom to study wherever and whenever you want. All you need is access to a computer and the internet, as well as the self motivation to see it through to the end. However, it is worth noting that many employers around the world will expect you to have a TESOL certification of at least 120 hours. While there are many short format online courses available, these are not likely to be enough to secure you a job that pays a good salary. Another thing to consider about online training courses is the lack of practical teaching practice. Although this is not always a requirement for getting a job, it will put you at a significant disadvantage in areas where competition for jobs is high.
What are the pros and cons of in-class TESOL courses?
The obvious main advantage of an in-class TESOL certification course is that you will be taught in person by a highly experienced teacher trainer. In-class courses also allow you to practice what you have learnt in a real classroom that contains genuine English language students. However, the very nature of these intensive courses means that the overall cost can be too high for some trainees. The fact that you need to attend a training center for a 4-week period can also be an issue for some people.
Will I have to pay for my own airfare when teaching English abroad?
Whether ESL teachers need to pay for their own airfare while heading overseas to teach varies by region and employer. Generally, most teachers are responsible for their airfare costs. However, in certain countries, especially in parts of Asia and the Middle East, it is common for employers to hire teachers before they leave their home country and cover all or part of their flight costs. This employer subsidy of airfare is not universal and depends on the hiring practices in the specific region.
What will I have to pay for on arrival when teaching English abroad?
Upon arriving to teach English abroad, you will need sufficient funds to last until your first paycheck. The necessary budget varies depending on your destination and lifestyle:
- Europe or South America: If job searching on arrival, budget for accommodation, transport, phone credit, and meals for about six weeks - two weeks for job hunting plus a month until the first paycheck.
- In Western Europe, anticipate needing around $2,000 to $3,000.
- In Eastern Europe, costs are generally lower, around half of Western Europe's expenses.
- In Latin America, you might manage with $750 to $1,000 for this period.
- Asia and the Middle East: Many teachers secure jobs before departure, reducing the initial budget required. Often, jobs in these regions include free or subsidized housing, further decreasing the needed funds.
