Teach English Online and Travel the World: A Story from Caitriona

Is it really possible to teach English and travel the world? We caught up with Caitriona from TPR Teaching to learn more about her experiences living abroad and teaching remotely online.

About Me

I first started teaching English six years ago at a summer school in Spain. I was delighted to gain the experience after completing my TEFL course just one month prior.

Teaching for the first time was a nerve-wracking experience, but I quickly started to enjoy it. There was so much to learn, but soon enough, I had settled into the classroom, learning my students’ names, activity-leading, and memorizing some Basque words. The trip taught me a lot about the unique culture of northern Spain and fueled my interest in travel.

When I returned home, I was determined to continue teaching English, but I was at university at the time, with limited hours and qualifications. That’s when I first started to learn about the possibilities of an online teaching career. After researching, I quickly found some “dream” English language companies I wanted to work for.

Teaching online was such a good experience and gave me the time and flexibility I needed while completing my studies. I was teaching on my own schedule and had the opportunity to learn more about different cultures, all from the comfort of my own home.

Today, six years later, I’m still happily teaching students online. I love that I can work independently and teach some amazing students across Asia. I’ve also taken the opportunity to travel to other countries and live there for a while. I’ve lived in Spain and Portugal and am looking forward to moving to Vietnam in the coming months.

What are the Steps to Teach English Online and Travel the World?

Take a TEFL Course

The first step to becoming an online English teacher is to get certified. You can take a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) or other related courses. You can find courses online, and there are also some in-person options available.

Find a Job

Once you have your certification, the next step is to apply for teaching jobs directly with companies or through a jobs board, such as Indeed. Often the TEFL course provider will have a jobs board with listings for online and in-person teaching positions.

After landing a job, you must familiarize yourself with the company’s platform and materials. For example, some online teaching companies use video conferencing software like Zoom, while others have their own proprietary systems. It is important to understand how the platform works before teaching your first class.

You may also be able to find your own students through social media or language-teaching marketplaces like Preply.

Prepare for Your Classes

Finally, you will need to prepare for your classes. This includes creating lesson plans, developing materials and activities, and assessing student progress. Stay on top of the latest teaching techniques and technology to ensure your students get the best possible learning experience.

Travel

Once you feel comfortable teaching online and have the know-how to be successful, you can start planning your travels.

Some countries are more lenient than others regarding visas and immigration policies. For example, I stayed in Europe for some time, as I am allowed to live and work in any other EU member state.

If you are only teaching students online and not planning to look for jobs while staying in the country, you may be able to apply for a tourist visa. Make sure to do the research before making any big moves!

Tips on How to Teach English Online and Travel the World

Be Organized

If you want to be a successful online teacher and traveler, it is essential to stay organized. This includes keeping your materials and lesson plans up-to-date, staying on top of your students’ progress, and ensuring you have the necessary technology and equipment, such as a laptop, webcam, and headset with a microphone. You must also be aware of timezone differences when traveling to another country.

Research the Country

You should research the countries you are interested in visiting and ensure they have the necessary infrastructure to support your teachings, such as reliable internet access and quiet accommodation. Ask the place where you would like to stay to do an internet speed test, and have a backup internet connection source, such as mobile data, in case of emergencies. It’s probably best to avoid hostels or accommodations with many people, as this could disrupt the connection.

Teach in Schools and Online

If you want to get the most out of teaching and traveling, consider taking on a combination of online and in-school positions. This will give you the opportunity to explore different cultures while staying connected to your students and profession. You can forge some relationships with the people in the area and offer private tutoring hours.

Enjoy the Experience

Remember that teaching English online and traveling are both opportunities to learn and grow personally. To make the most of it, take the time to explore and take in the culture. Make some local friends, visit tourist attractions, and try new activities. This will help you gain a more meaningful understanding of the different places you visit.

Get Ready-Made Materials

If you plan to teach online, it is important to have the right materials. The lesson materials can make a world of difference to your classes, and you want to ensure that they are engaging and that your students receive high-quality instruction. You can find excellent ready-made materials online, such as lesson plans, activities, and worksheets. I have used Off2Class for Business English lessons, phrasal verbs, conversation classes, and teaching idioms. All the guesswork is done for you, and it is convenient for teachers on the go.

Conclusion

Teaching English online and traveling is an enriching experience. Make sure to do your research in advance, find reliable accommodation and internet connection sources, use ready-made materials to save time, and enjoy the experience! With these tips, you can combine teaching with exploring new places and cultures. So if you’re looking for adventure while developing your career, teaching English online and traveling the world could be the perfect way to do it.