How much does it cost to start teaching English abroad?
Being paid to travel the world is often considered an ideal but it is rarely a reality for most people. However, by becoming a qualified EFL teacher, you can do exactly that — pursue an exciting career full of opportunities while travelling to corners of the world you might never have seen otherwise.
You may be wondering about the costs involved with starting a new career as an EFL teacher abroad. There are a number of initial costs to consider, including investing in a quality TEFL course from an accredited provider such as The TEFL Org, travel, and having sufficient savings set aside until you receive your first salary. Added to this, if you’re in the position to save a little money from month to month, TEFL abroad could offer you the chance to have many unforgettable experiences.
Expenses are country dependent
The cost of living in your destination country will be relative to its average wage and living expenses. However, it could differ a great deal from where you currently live, so researching what to expect is necessary. The extent of your expenses will also depend on your employer and whether they will cover any of them.
Some employers will cover certain expenses while others won’t. Understanding what you’ll have to account for as you’re budgeting and saving for moving abroad is essential. How far your savings will go is dependent on the exchange rate and what currency you’re exchanging to and from. However, wherever you TEFL, once you’ve received your first wage, it should enable you to live comfortably in the country you’re working in.
Here are the standard costs you can expect before you start teaching abroad:
Purchasing a TEFL course from an accredited provider
The most important investment you’ll make in your new career is getting TEFL qualified. There are cheap options available but bear in mind that you get what you pay for and you could be subject to hidden costs. If you invest in a quality course from an accredited TEFL provider, which will naturally cost a bit more, you’ll get more out of it. A qualification that’s well recognised by employers offers better job prospects and will prepare you for your first teaching job.
Your TEFL qualification is the key to finding the ideal job for you as an EFL teacher. For most employers, it’ll be a requirement, so you want to make sure that you received your qualification from a respected provider that undergoes regular quality assessments.
Travel tickets
The cost of travel will depend on how far you’re travelling from home. If you’re moving continents, your flights will likely be your biggest expense. If your ideal destination looks like it’ll be too costly to travel to, consider the alternative routes available such as connecting flights or flying to a neighbouring country before catching a train to your destination.
Savings to last you until (at least) your first paycheque
It’s really important that wherever you go, you have enough savings set aside to cover your costs until you receive your first paycheque. You’ll need money to get yourself settled – accommodation, a deposit for the accommodation, food, bills, insurance etc.
If you do plenty of research before taking on your new job, none of the expenses should come as a surprise. Researching the average cost of living in your destination country will enable you to adjust your savings target accordingly so that you don’t have to be too strict with your budget when you arrive.
There are some TEFL locations where it’s easier to find work once you’re there. For those planning to find work in-country, having sufficient savings just in case the process takes longer than expected is of utmost importance.
Preparing the correct documents
You’ll obviously need a passport to travel internationally, but there are other documents you may need to get to your destination. For countries with visa restrictions, you’ll need to meet the requirements for a working visa. They vary for EFL teachers but can include a passport from an English-speaking country, a degree in any discipline, and a criminal background check.
Some employers will request you to have such documents notarised, including your TEFL certification – so this can be an additional cost too.
Expenses which could be covered by your employer
There are many generous employers out there who will make sure you’re well looked after while living away from home. From covering some of your initial expenses to making sure you’re supported throughout your contract, employee packages can vary.
Travel reimbursement
Fortunately, some employers will reimburse your travel expenses. Typically, you’ll get your money back after completing your contract, so either way, it will be a cost that you’ll need to factor in. However, knowing that your biggest expense will be returned to you at the end of your contract can be a big bonus.
Accommodation and/or utilities
Some EFL teachers, more commonly in Asia, are offered free accommodation and/or utilities with their employee packages. If offered, it’s one less thing to worry about before moving away. Knowing that you’ve got a space to live in that’s already paid for reduces a lot of the moving stress.
Even if your employer doesn’t include accommodation in their packages, they’ll likely be happy to offer you advice in finding somewhere suitable to live.
Transport
Some employers based within metropolitan cities might also offer a travel pass, which could end up saving you a lot of money in the long run. It’s even better if you can use it during your time off too!
The better you plan, the easier it’ll be to manage your finances when you make the move abroad. Once you’re there and have your first month of teaching underway, whatever salary you’re paid should cover the necessary expenses. If possible, having savings to back you up throughout your time as an EFL teacher can be a great reassurance, especially if any unplanned expenses pop up (as they often do!).
