Is there life after TEFL teaching?

The Tefl teacher

What is it about the TEFL teacher that makes him or her stand out from the rest? Is it his / her desire to travel to the far flung corners of the globe and help to educate the Indigenous population in the ways of the English language ? Which of course is the worlds number uno langauge in business & travel circles.

Well the above holds true in many cases. In fact most TEFLER's are in it for the travel, I think it's safe to assume that TEFL is seen by most to be a great passport to the world. And why not escape that boring old 9-5 existence. Bang your fist on that tyrant bosses desk and tell him to stick that job where the sun doesn't shine, just like the movies!

What happens when the TEFL teacher returns home?

So what happens then? You've spent 5 years or more out of your home country and you make the decision to go back, will it be easy? What can you expect?

If you believe the doom and gloom merchants out there then you might as well go and chuck yourself off of the nearest bridge right now! You know the ones who say that teaching English abroad will not look good upon your CV, and employers will drop you faster than a hot potato. UTTER RUBBISH!

In fact most employers will be interested in what you've been up to and how you got along abroad. So in many cases this could work in your favor! A huge plus point I might add! It shows balls!

Well you're back in your home country, what work options are open to you?

1. Apply for a PGCE course and teach in government schools

2. Work in a private language school teaching foreigners

3. If your language skills are up to it, translation jobs are available, you could get into this kind of work. Agency rates range from 60 - over 100 pounds per 1000 words depending upon the language.

4. Set up as a freelance teacher, teaching foreigners in the local area.

5. Become a classroom teaching assistant.

Reverse culture shock, it'll get you

Having been in Asia for a long period of time, upon my return I found myself having to deal with reverse culture shock aspect. This phenomenon affects some people more than others. Those who'll be most likely to encounter it are teachers who've worked in Asia. Most Asians are not direct, not loud, polite, laid back and mostly non confrontational.

However, upon your return you might think that you've stepped into a fast paced, almost chaotic world full of rude ignorant confrentational people. Don't sweat it! Mostly this will pass. Not having been used to it for so long will initially make it stand out in the first weeks and months. Later it'll fade into the back ground and you'll find yourself tuning it out.

Finally, never say never again. If the bug bites go for it! TEFLER's are a unique breed. Smart, creative, adventurous and sometimes non conformists but always ready for the next big teaching gig, wherever it may be!