Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) is a popular way for native English speakers to travel and work abroad. Whether you're a recent graduate looking for an adventure or a seasoned teacher seeking to gain some international experience, a TEFL job can be an excellent opportunity to do so.

But when you're looking to embark upon your next position, you will need to decide upon short-term positions teaching abroad, such as a summer TEFL job that lasts around 3 months, or long-term positions that will allow you to build a career in a new country.

In this article, our team at Teaching House offers some insight on short-term vs long-term teaching abroad, as well as tips on finding a job.‍

Short-Term Teaching Abroad vs Long Term Positions‍

‍Short-Term & Summer TEFL Jobs (Approximately 3 Months)

Short-term & summer TEFL jobs are typically temporary positions that last for just a few weeks up to around 3 months. These types of jobs are often found at summer camps, language schools, or even through private tutoring arrangements.

Short-term positions are great ways to test the waters, allowing you to gain experience teaching English abroad and see if it's something you enjoy. What's more, these jobs can act as a vehicle for travelling and immersing yourself in a new culture, even if it's only for a short period.

One potential downside to short-term or summer TEFL jobs is that they may not offer the same level of job security or benefits as longer positions teaching abroad. You may have less time to build relationships with your students and make a lasting impact on their English language learning.

Longer TEFL Jobs (3 Months+)

Longer TEFL jobs, on the other hand, are typically more permanent positions that last for over 3 months, typically a year or longer. These jobs may be found at international schools, universities, or other institutions that offer English language programs.

Longer TEFL jobs often offer more job security and benefits, such as housing, health insurance, or even paid vacation time. You'll also have more time to get to know your students and create more tailored plans to help with their progress.

With that said, longer TEFL jobs may require a higher level of commitment and may not offer the same level of flexibility as short-term positions. You may also need to have more teaching experience or advanced qualifications to be considered for these types of jobs.

The Different Types of Short-Term Teaching Jobs Available Abroad

If you're a teacher looking to gain some international experience or want to travel and work abroad for a short period of time, there are many different types of short-term teaching jobs available.

Here are some options to consider:

Volunteer Teaching

As the name suggests, volunteer teaching involves working with a non-profit organisation or charitable group to provide education to children or adults in underprivileged communities. Given how payment is no longer a factor, you will find a range of opportunities available across Asia, Africa and South America.

Volunteering can be an incredibly rewarding experience, as you'll have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of others while also gaining invaluable teaching experiences. There is a range of short-term volunteer teaching positions available abroad, and with larger organisations, you may find certain expenses, like your meals and accommodation, are covered, too.

Au pair work

An au pair is a live-in domestic assistant who helps to care for children and perform household tasks in exchange for room, board, and a small stipend or wage. While this arrangement is rare across Australia, the US and the UK, they are more commonplace within Asia and certain parts of Europe.

Some au pair positions may involve teaching English or other subjects to children in the host family. This can be a great opportunity to gain some international experience and immerse yourself in a new culture, as you'll be living with a local family and getting a taste of everyday life in your host country. Your placement could last for perhaps the 3-months of a summer break, or you could extend your TEFL jobs for as long as you wish.

Summer camp work

Many summer camps around the world hire teachers and counsellors to lead educational and recreational activities for campers. These positions are typically temporary and last for the duration of the camp season, which can be a few weeks to a few months. If you enjoy working with children and have a passion for outdoor activities, this could be an excellent option for you.

4 Tips to Find Short-Term Jobs Teaching English Abroad

If you're a native English speaker looking to gain some international experience and travel the world, teaching English abroad can be a great option.

Here are some tips to help you find a short-term teaching job abroad:

1. Research your options: There are many different types of short-term TEFL jobs available, including positions at summer camps, language schools, and through private tutoring. Determine which type of job is the best fit for you and start researching organisations that offer these types of positions.
2. Get certified: Most 3-month and summer TEFL jobs will require some form of certification, such as CELTA online. You can even make yourself a more competitive candidate by engaging in further learning, such as the Delta course available at Teaching House. These certifications demonstrate that you have the skills and knowledge needed to teach English effectively.
3. Use online job boards: Many online job boards specialise in short-term and summer TEFL jobs spanning below 3 months, such as the Teaching House TEFL Job Centre. You can search for short-term positions on these websites and apply directly to the organisations offering the jobs.
4. Network with other teachers: Reach out to other teachers who have worked abroad and ask for recommendations or advice on finding short-term TEFL jobs. They may be able to provide valuable insights and connections that can help you land a position.

Learn More on How to Get Started with Summer TEFL Jobs & Short-Term Teaching Placements Abroad

Overall, finding a short-term TEFL job abroad takes some research and effort, but it can be a rewarding and exciting opportunity to gain international experience, travel, and make a positive impact on others.

If you would like to learn more about how to get started, please contact us at Teaching House today.

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