| 1. Talking Way Too Much | | | | 4. Expecting an Amazing Experience from the Get-Go |
| Imagine you turn up to a salsa lesson, but rather than | | | | Yes, teaching English overseas is exciting, fun and an |
| partner up and start learning the moves, the teacher | | | | experience of a lifetime - but you need to allow time |
| sits you down and spends the lesson 'showing' you | | | | to settle in. While some people can revel in big change, |
| how to dance the salsa. While you might pick up a | | | | most people take a little while to adjust. You'll be |
| few tips, it's not really the best way of learning how to | | | | leaving friends and family, doing something you may be |
| dance is it? Well, that's what it's like in the classroom if | | | | completely new to and living in a new house in another |
| the teacher rattles on and on. While students need | | | | country that has a completely different culture. Once |
| your direction and guidance, the best way for them to | | | | you get used to the new lifestyle, you're probably |
| learn is to practice, so make sure you give them the | | | | going to love it and find it hard to leave, but just |
| opportunity. As a rule of thumb, you should aim for | | | | remember to expect some culture shock... and that it's |
| more STT (Student Talk Time) than TTT (Teacher | | | | completely normal. |
| Talk Time), and make yourself available to help and | | | | 5. Taking the First Job You're Offered |
| provide feedback. | | | | There are a lot of TESOL jobs out there, so don't |
| 2. Not bothering with a TESOL course | | | | jump at the first offer you get. Take time to go |
| So you speak English fluently and now you want to | | | | through the job conditions - working hours, holidays, |
| teach it. Easy right? Well it's not quite that | | | | sick pay, training, flight reimbursement, completion |
| straight-forward. While you can still find teaching work | | | | bonuses - it's this package that will make or break |
| without a TESOL qualification in certain countries | | | | your experience teaching English overseas. |
| around the world, there are a few reasons why | | | | If you're not happy with what you see, negotiate with |
| getting one is a very good idea! | | | | the employer, and if you don't reach an agreement, |
| Your first introductory lesson may consist of a few | | | | look elsewhere. For more information about what you |
| games and some chat about where you're from, but | | | | need to check out, take a look at this blog post: |
| what about the next 6 - 12 months? Where are you | | | | 6. Leave your lesson planning for free time during the |
| going to start, how are you going to gauge their level | | | | day |
| of English and develop lessons around it, are you going | | | | After completing your TESOL qualification you should |
| to be able to explain the ins and outs of grammar? | | | | be brimming with lesson ideas, and while you should |
| You're responsible for the learning and development of | | | | get plenty of free time during the day/directly after |
| your students, so it's unfair to turn up unprepared. | | | | work to plan your lessons for the following day or two, |
| Having a TESOL course under your belt is also going | | | | this isn't always the best idea - particularly if you're |
| to help you have a shot at the best jobs, earning more | | | | new in the role. As a newbie, it's important to establish |
| and often getting a bunch of other perks. | | | | positive relationships with other teachers and school |
| 3. Being Too Nice | | | | staff, so hang out in the staff room, attend social |
| At the end of the day you're the teacher, they're your | | | | events and always take the time to help other staff. |
| students, and while nobody wants to be the grumpy | | | | You'll find that this will make your working and social |
| teacher you can't go too far the other way either. By | | | | life a lot better, and you'll have people willing to help |
| maintaining a good balance, you put yourself in a better | | | | you when you need it. |
| position to ensure a positive and productive learning | | | | So make sure you have plenty of ideas before you |
| environment for the students - no matter what age | | | | get there and start off by planning your lessons later in |
| they are. You'll find that by being positive and | | | | the evenings or over the weekend. |
| supportive, but firm when you have to be, your | | | | What do you think? What mistakes did you make as |
| students will be more productive. | | | | a brand new teacher? |