Why You Should Teach On Your Gap Year

It’s now common place to take a gap year, or two, between graduating and settling into a long term job or graduate position, but taking a gap year doesn’t just have to be just about getting away from home for a year; it can be about so much more. With everybody experiencing the financial squeeze many are turning to teaching English on their gap year. Instead of a mere costly extended holiday, jetting around with little focus, teaching English is the preferred option for many. You get to travel, earn money, give something back, and gain some skills while you’re doing it? All that stands between you and your dream gap year is a TEFL course and a sense of adventure!

For many positions that offer flights and accommodation, all that you need to save for is your TEFL course. Many countries, including the popular teaching destinations of China and South Korea, pay for your flight in advance and have your housing pre-arranged. This means getting started on your gap year adventure much cheaper than having to save for it yourself in advance. Once you start teaching you’ll then receive your monthly salary which you can use to fund other adventures during holidays and between jobs!

Teaching English on a gap year is also far more rewarding than just travelling. You really get to put something back into the country and community where you teach. Of course, there are the highly commercial business teaching jobs, but you can still earn money teaching in many public schools and community projects and make a difference to the local people. You can also get a great deal out of the experience. It’s the perfect opportunity to develop professional skills such as planning and communication. You can also learn a language and feel a sense of satisfaction that you are really making a difference.

Employers love to see something different on your CV. You might not plan on teaching English forever, but when you do return home, having been an English teacher will make you stand out from the crowd. Instead of a gap year which wholly consists of drinking beer and asking your parents for more money, teaching English on your gap year demonstrates your ability to work internationally, that you have great communication skills and that you really love a challenge!

What are you waiting for? Teach English on your gap year, have the time of your life and make a difference!