An alternative to Teach Away: your global teaching adventure

Are you considering teaching English abroad? This is a great way to combine your passion for education with your thirst for adventure. One of the most known companies aimed at making that happen is Teach Away, which we’ll talk about in this article. But we’ll also present to you an alternative that makes the experience even more accessible, and give you tips on how to enjoy it to the fullest.

What is Teach Away and how does it work?

Teach Away is a company dedicated to international teacher recruitment and professional development. They gather different types of teaching opportunities, from ESL jobs abroad and online to administrative positions, by partnering with educational boards, Ministries of Education, private schools, and ESL institutes.

With Teach Away, you can find teaching jobs in the United Arab Emirates, Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, China, Thailand, Kazakhstan, Spain, Poland, and Vietnam, among other countries. They also offer professional development courses for educators.

Whether you’re a certified teacher, ESL instructor, or a college graduate, you can apply for teaching abroad opportunities through Teach Away. To do so, you must build your personal profile on their website, then look for a position teaching English abroad or online. To stand out from the competition, you can also get a TEFL certification with one of their courses.

The application and recruitment process for Teach Away also involves interviews and the processing of several documents, including a work visa for the country you'll be teaching in. It can be a competitive application process and not all applicants receive a response.

This is a good path for those who really want to build a career in education, or who already work in the field and want to have an opportunity abroad. If your priority is the international experience, and not necessarily becoming a teacher for life, keep reading to find out how to make that happen in a super easy way.

You might also like these articles:

• Your guide to teaching English as a second language abroad
• The easiest way to teach English in Mexico
• How to teach English in Vietnam

Common requirements for teaching English abroad

While the exact requirements for teaching English abroad vary a lot depending on the location and the institution that you'll be working for, there are a few key qualifications that are often asked for when applying through companies such as Teach Away.

TEFL certification

Having a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) or other ESL (English as a Second Language) certification is a common requirement or preference for many English teaching positions on Teach Away. 

It shows you've completed training in teaching methodology and English language skills. There are some short courses available online, but most paid teaching positions listed on Teach Away ask for certificates that involve a minimum of 100 hours of study.

Bear in mind that a reputable TEFL certificate might cost from $1,000 USD for an online, self-paced course to about $2,000 USD for a four-week, full-time, in-person course.

Other necessary qualifications

In addition to a TEFL certification, other qualifications that can be required by schools that partner with Teach Away and similar institutions are:

• A bachelor's degree (more formal teaching roles might require a degree in education, but in most cases any major is accepted)
• Prior teaching or tutoring experience
• Fluency in the language of your host country
• A clear criminal background check 
• In-person interviews

An alternative to Teach Away: Worldpackers

Are you looking for something easier and more flexible, with a focus on the intercultural experience? Then you'll probably like Worldpackers. The whole process there is a lot simpler and competition and requirements tend to be much lower.

This is an online platform that connects travelers with hosts around the world looking for volunteers to help with various projects, known as "work exchange" programs. One of the main opportunities available through Worldpackers is teaching English. 

The platform partners with NGOs, non-profit schools, small businesses, families and other types of hosts across the world to offer a diverse range of teaching positions. Whether you're a seasoned educator or a fresh-faced graduate, there's something for everyone.

Benefits of teaching English through Worldpackers

Teaching English abroad through Worldpackers is an opportunity no money can pay for. Not only do you get to immerse yourself in a new culture and make a difference in students' lives, but you also gain invaluable personal and professional growth.

Check out some key benefits of finding English teaching opportunities through Worldpackers, most of which aren't available in platforms like Teach Away:

• The vast majority of hosts doesn’t require prior experience, degrees or certification.
• There’s no need to pay high program fees: the basic plan costs only 49 USD and allows you to apply for as many work exchange or volunteering opportunities you want all around the world for a whole year.
• Unique "working holiday" feel, balancing teaching with travel/cultural activities.
• Accommodation is provided in exchange for your teaching, keeping costs down.
• Meals and other benefits might also be included.
• Flexibility to teach short-term (a few weeks) or longer-term (several months).
• Opportunities available in countries all around the world.
• Chance to gain international teaching experience even if you're just starting (it might be a great way to decide if you want to invest in this career).
• Since these aren’t paid gigs, you can travel to your destination as a tourist. There’s no need to apply for a work visa, which can be quite costly and bureaucratic.
• Ability to immerse yourself in a new culture by living with locals or spending your free time with them.
• Detailed host profiles to see reviews from past volunteers before applying.
• Ability to filter searches by type of work, dates, locations, and more.
• Access to community features to meet other travelers and get travel advice.
• The Pack Plan gives you access to Worldpackers Academy, a platform full of courses to learn new skills related to traveling and digital nomadism.
• You can count on the support of Worldpackers’ team.
• By signing up to the platform you get an insurance that you can use if the exchange doesn’t go according to plan.
• You'll join a vibrant community of like-minded travelers, forging lifelong friendships and memories.

Requirements for teaching English abroad with Worldpackers

As we mentioned, Worldpackers’ hosts don’t usually require prior experience, degrees, or certification for teaching English. Each host informs their specific requirements in the position's page on the website or app, but here are some skills that will help you succeed at the role:

• Intermediate to fluent English language abilities
• Confidence presenting in front of groups and giving clear instructions
• Ability to plan lessons and curriculums suited to students' levels
• Creativity to make lessons engaging and interactive
• Flexibility to adapt to new teaching environments and limited resources
• Cultural sensitivity to navigate living and working in a foreign country

Don't worry if you don't have teaching experience before applying to Worldpackers ESL jobs. Enthusiasm and a willingness to learn go a long way.

Comparison to traditional teach abroad programs

Traditional programs like most of the ones promoted by Teach Away and its competitors can be rigid and limited in scope. They often have strict requirements and place teachers in predetermined locations.

With Worldpackers, you have the freedom to choose your destination, teaching style, and timeline. You can find short-term placements from 1 week to 1 month, perfect for filling a summer break; mid-length exchanges of 1 to 3 months, ideal for a gap between school or jobs; and longer-term stays of 3 to 12 months for those wanting to live abroad for a season.

The platform is also very user-friendly and intuitive, and the process is usually very quick. If you start looking for a position now, you might be able to go through the whole process and get your trip confirmed in just a few days.

But what really sets Worldpackers apart is their commitment to cultural exchange and personal growth. They offer unique opportunities to volunteer, learn new skills, and immerse yourself in local communities. It's not just about teaching; it's about becoming a global citizen.

Teaching opportunities available on Worldpackers

We mentioned that the positions available on Teach Away are quite varied, right? There are also many different types of teaching opportunities available through Worldpackers, from serving as a volunteer English teacher at a local school or non-profit to leading adult English conversation practice groups at a community center or teaching English to the staff at a host's tourism business.

Destinations are also quite varied, from Portugal to Costa Rica, Thailand or Spain. To see all the teaching positions on the platform, click on "Volunteer opportunities" and select "teaching" under the "How do you help" filter. There are over 600 opportunities!

Check out some examples and testimonials by former volunteers:

1. Collaborate with a bilingual preschool in Mexico City and get a private room, breakfast, 2 days off per week, free laundry, free tours and more.

“I thoroughly enjoyed the three weeks, that I was able to spend with Pao and her family! Everyone of them is so kind that I quickly felt part of this wonderful family with their two amazing dogs and mini pig Nina. The same goes for the school: the teachers and children there are one of a kind!! I felt absolutely thankful being able to teach them and being part of their Halloween event. Even when I got sick, the family had a lot of understanding for my situation and supported me.. thanks a lot for all of the trust you put in me! We'll see us soon!”, said Romy, from Germany.

2. Stay with a local family in Madrid, Spain, in exchange for teaching the kids English. In exchange for your work you’ll get free accommodation in a private room, all meals, and 3 days off per week. 

“I loved this program! My host family was extremely welcoming from the moment I stepped off the plane & even after the program finished. They always invited me to come along with anything their family was doing & encouraged me to try new foods, traditions, and introduced me to new people & places! The structure of the program allows you to not only integrate yourself with your host family, by also gives you time to explore & be independent! Also, while you’re not there to practice English, being able to listen to all of the Spanish by the family, has really improved my understanding in Spanish!”, said Shea from the US.

3. The Big Hero Community Language Center education project, in Vietnam, is open to volunteers interested in helping with English classes. As a volunteer, you'll not only have the chance to make a meaningful impact on the local community, but also meet friendly people, immerse yourself in Vietnamese culture, and enjoy delicious traditional food. 

“We had a lovely time at the school! The staff was incredibly welcoming and made sure that we felt safe. There was always someone to reach out to if needed! It was our first teaching experience and it felt really good. The teaching mostly includes talking and listening to students, which were kind of our age. That made the conversations so easy. The teachers and students(!!) and other volunteers showed us around Hai Phong, in our free time. This place is perfect if you want to learn more about Vietnam and meet some incredible and unforgetable people! Thanks”, said Zora Juli, from Germany.

4. Teach in the morning and have free time to explore the beauty of Uttaradit City in the afternoon and weekends by volunteering at Paradanusorn School in Thailand. 

“I had the most amazing time at the school! Peter takes such good care of all the volunteers, you can tell he does that job with all his heart. The children are adorable, teaching them is so rewarding and I felt like I learned a lot during my time there. I can recommend volunteering at Paradanursorn to everyone, it was such a special experience! Uttaradit is also a cute place to stay, not too many tourists, so you really get the local/Thai experience. There are a few things you can do there, and it is a good location when it comes to taking weekend trips.”, said Malena from Austria

5. In this beautiful Eco Lodge 25 minutes away from La Fortuna de San Carlos, in Costa Rica, you'll get to teach children and adults. In your free time, you can enjoy nearby rivers, thermal waters, volcanoes, and national parks. 

“I spent a little over a week with Ruth, Sergio and Josué. The whole family is adorable, caring and funny. I had a great time with them and felt at home. I recommend Ruth's delicious cuisine, I learned a lot in her company. I will miss them!”, said Elodie from France.

Keep reading about travelers' experiences teaching English abroad:

• Teaching English and becoming part of an Italian family in Genoa
• Volunteer teaching in Nicaragua with a Worldpackers social impact program

How to apply for teaching abroad with Worldpackers

If you're ready to start your teaching abroad adventure, applying through Worldpackers is a straightforward process. Here's how to put your best foot forward and land that dream teaching gig:

Creating a profile

To begin, create a compelling Worldpackers profile that covers:

• Your background and motivation for teaching abroad
• Details on your English fluency and certifications, in case you have any
• Specific skills and experience you bring to a classroom setting
• A friendly photo showing your personality

A thorough profile helps hosts see if you're a good fit for their opportunity. If you have any teaching experience and qualifications, you should obviously include it, but if that’s not the case, add any other professional and personal experiences you might find relevant.

Applying to the positions you like

After building your profile, use the search filters to look for teaching positions in your desired locations. Search for appealing opportunities and apply by:

1. Ensuring you meet the stated requirements

2. Crafting a personalized application expressing your interest and fit

3. Highlighting your relevant skills and motivation for that specific position

4. Asking insightful questions about the role to show your engagement

Hosts appreciate applications that demonstrate a genuine interest in their post. Once accepted, communicate with the host to arrange the details of your teaching exchange and start planning the trip!

Tips for standing out to hosts

To make your teaching applications stand out on Worldpackers, try the following:

• Customize each application to the host's unique needs and preferences;
• Convey enthusiasm for cultural exchange and living like a local, not just travel;
• Clarify your availability timeline and commitment to the position;
• Proofread carefully to ensure a polished application;
• Follow up promptly if a host responds with questions.

With effort in your profile and applications, you'll boost your odds of securing a rewarding teaching placement abroad.

How to make the most of teaching away from home

Teaching English abroad offers a unique opportunity for personal growth, cultural immersion, and professional development. It can be an exciting opportunity for cross-cultural understanding, enriching both the lives of your students and your own.

However, stepping into a new environment can be daunting, especially when it's far away from the familiar comforts of home. To make the most of your experience teaching abroad, either by Teach Away, Worldpackers or any other platform, it's essential to embrace the journey with an open mind and a willingness to adapt.

Here are some tips on how to maximize your time teaching English abroad:

1. Immerse yourself in the local culture. Embrace the customs, traditions, and language of your host country. Engage with locals, participate in cultural events, and explore the hidden gems of your new surroundings. By fully immersing yourself, you'll not only deepen your understanding of the culture but also forge meaningful connections with the community.

2. Be proactive in your professional development. Teaching abroad provides an excellent opportunity to hone your teaching skills, learn new methodologies, and gain valuable international experience. By continuously learning and growing as an educator, you'll not only enhance your effectiveness in the classroom but also open doors to future career opportunities, if that interests you.

3. Step out of your comfort zone. Teaching abroad comes with its own set of challenges, from navigating cultural differences to adapting to a new teaching environment. Instead of shying away from these challenges, see them as opportunities for personal and professional growth. By pushing yourself out of your comfort zone, you'll develop resilience, flexibility, and a broader perspective on life.

4. Make meaningful connections with your students and other volunteers. Take the time to get to know your students on a personal level, understand their backgrounds, interests, and aspirations. Similarly, forge strong bonds other teachers/volunteers if there are any. Exchange ideas and collaborate on projects. Building a strong support network will not only enhance your teaching experience but also enrich your overall experience abroad.

So, if you’re looking for an alternative to Teach Away, create a free profile on Worldpackers now and start saving your favorite English teaching positions to your wish list. Take that leap, embrace the unknown, and turn your teaching dreams into a reality. Your global classroom awaits!