Katie Smith is a TEFL teacher who has been teaching abroad and online for the last four years. Here’s a snapshot of her experience- the challenges, the adventures, and how a TEFL certification became her passport to travel.
Teaching abroad can be daunting at first, taking that leap into the unknown. But since I started my TEFL journey, I haven’t looked back. It has opened so many doors for me, including working abroad and seeing the world.
I knew I wanted to travel, and that TEFL was the way to make that possible by earning an income along the way. So to get started in this career, I got a TEFL certificate online.
My TEFL Certification Took Me to Italy, Thailand, and Southeast Asia
Over the last four years, I have taught with an Italian summer camp, teaching English in Italy and Los Angeles.
This gave me so much experience, and if you are interested in short-term work, there are many TEFL summer camps all over the world. They are prepared to help teachers by paying for travel expenses, accommodation, food, and a monthly wage. I made so many friends in the TEFL industry by taking this opportunity.
Since then, I have been able to backpack around Southeast Asia by working remotely teaching my students online. All you need is a laptop and good Wi-Fi!
While on my travels, I homeschooled children in Thailand in return for free accommodation, food, and a weekly wage. This career can make travel so accessible.
Volunteering in Cambodia
I knew I wanted to give back to a community along the way. This is when I decided to volunteer at a school in Cambodia, again, in return for free accommodation and meals.
This was a very different experience from what I was used to, but I believe it has made me a stronger teacher. I still continue to work with my students in Cambodia monthly over video call.
Teaching at a Private School in Sicily
In the last few months, I was able to work in a private school in Sicily. This was an amazing opportunity, as I was really able to push myself as a teacher.
I was preparing students for their Cambridge exam, working with students of all ages, and creating homework tasks and marking.
Where TEFL Will Take Me Next
Over the last couple of years, I have grown so much as a teacher, and this is all because I said YES to opportunities that came my way.
Is a TEFL Right For You?
So, if you love to travel and want to help others along the way, then TEFL could be the career path for you. Once you are qualified, you can start teaching online through different platforms.
This gives you experience that you can later reflect on during interviews for work abroad. There are so many teaching jobs available all over the world.
For anyone considering becoming a TEFL teacher, just go for it! You will meet so many like-minded people, be able to travel the world, and make an income along the way, as well as help students learn a language. It’s time to make your dreams a reality.
Where to Find Katie Online
I post videos about the world of TEFL & travel on TikTok at “Girl and Her Camera,” as well as on Instagram at “TEFL with Katie.”
Happy Teaching and Happy Learning x
