From a West Rand local to a global English teacher

Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) has given West Rand born Burger Steyn an opportunity to live in China.

TEFL has presented opportunities to many to live and work abroad, and enjoy the wonderful things that countries have to offer, while earning and saving money. Burger, a business graduate from North West University, now teaches English in Beijing, China, and loves every moment of it.

“I graduated with a BCom in Entrepreneurship and Business Management at North-West University in Potchefstroom. In July 2019 I completed my TEFL course before moving to Beijing in October 2019, and have been here since then,” Burger said.

This has given him a chance to do something out of the ordinary and do more of what he loves to do – travel.

“The day I left, my family and I were sitting at a coffee shop at the airport and one of my cousins gave me a fortune cookie. The quote inside said ‘Every adult needs a child to teach, it’s the way adults learn’. This was so special, a bit creepy, but also reassuring that I’m doing the right thing,” he said.

About TEFL

The TEFL certificate is an internationally recognised qualification to teach English in a country where English is not a native language.

A university degree is not essential to getting a teaching job overseas, but a TEFL qualification, the globally accepted qualification to teach English abroad, is required.

Top tips to those who have set their sights on teaching abroad:

• Get the right qualification

While a university degree is not essential to getting a teaching job overseas, a TEFL qualification is always required. Not only is it a prerequisite for most schools, it also teaches important skills like lesson planning and managing a classroom.

• Be prepared to spend some start-up cash

TEFL teachers heading abroad will need capital to cover the cost of the TEFL course; flights; visas; deposit on accommodation and the first month’s rent; as well as living expenses until the first salary is paid.

• Get the necessary vaccinations

Do some research to find out if the country you’re travelling to requires any vaccinations. Taking a preventative approach will benefit your overall health and pocket in the long run.

• Get basic health insurance

In some countries, English teachers are provided with health insurance, but in many cases you will be responsible for your own. A good idea is to enquire about health insurance when interviewing for specific teaching positions. If health insurance is not provided, there are many affordable international health insurance options.

• Know what you are getting yourself into

Whether you’re heading to Brazil or the hyper-modern city of Dubai, moving to a new country means learning a lot about a new culture in a very short time, which can cause distress and discomfort. Cover everything – from average pay and cost of living to working environment and weather conditions.

For Burger, the experience is incredible and he loves the people that side.

“Call it what you want, but the perception what we as South Africans have of the Chinese people is so wrong. Most of the time people won’t understand you when you ask them something but this doesn’t keep them from trying to help,” he said.