Concerned that you’re too old to take a TEFL course and teach English in another country? You’re not too old to teach English, and we’ll show you how.
The quick answer to the question, “Am I too old to become an English teacher?” is a resounding NO!
However, as with anything else related to teaching overseas, there’s more to say about this topic. Yes, age can be a limiting issue in some nations due to things like required retirement requirements or cultural standards. However, if you are a native English speaker with a certified TEFL certification, you will have a variety of TEFL for senior’s possibilities.
Many programmes and TEFL schools may appear to mature teachers who want to explore different cultures and perspectives, but some only work with recent graduates.
While this demographic accounts for the majority of teachers, teaching abroad is open to anybody! The key to success is to approach this journey with patience, perseverance, and an open mind.
Here are some pointers on how to approach your TEFL training and locate English teaching jobs in other countries as an older teacher.
Earn your TEFL certification and get ready for university-level training
Take a moment to imagine what it will be like to read about teaching approaches, participate in class discussions, complete homework assignments, and take weekly quizzes if you haven’t been in a classroom in a while.
Many old instructors believe that a part-time online TEFL course will not provide them with adequate training, and they fail to consider how demanding a full-time 4-week TEFL course will be. Consider both course alternatives as you begin your first conversation with your TEFL Course advisor, and ask them to clarify the differences to you.
Be open
It’s an unpleasant reality that age restrictions exist in several countries, both administratively and culturally. In several Asian countries, for example, the national retirement age of 55 or 60 is a societal condition for leaving the employment. As a result, finding work as a foreign teacher after this age is difficult. Furthermore, schools in Asian teaching markets are prone to having restricted notions of the “perfect” English teacher, making it difficult for older professionals and even minorities to secure quick English teaching work.
Take Latin America and Central Europe as examples
If you’re open to it, there are countries on the other side of the planet that are willing to hire senior teachers. In Latin America, older teachers with years of experience are regarded as desirable because of the authority and work ethic they will bring to the classroom. Warm weather, scenic beauty, and historic cities are all combined in countries like Costa Rica, Mexico, and Nicaragua, which also have a low cost of living and excellent employment markets with no age limitations.
Many Central European countries are regarded as sophisticated teaching markets, making them attractive to senior teachers. Germany and the Czech Republic serve as excellent examples.
Be Reliable
Anyone who wishes to pursue their aspirations must demand them from the world! Life does not simply fall into your lap; you must seek it out and seize it. Beyond pep talks, potential English instructors must have the ability to persevere.
You cannot give up if you do not obtain the first or even fourth job you interview for! I really meant it when I mentioned that teaching overseas is for everyone! You must, however, desire it so much that you are willing to go to any length to achieve it.
Be adaptable
This is similar to suggestion #2. Flexibility, on the other hand, will apply to your schedule, the types of students you teach, and the size of the city you choose to teach in… All of your possibilities!
Many of your ideal conditions may be available to you, but others may not. So, if you can’t have the precise trip you imagined before you started planning, don’t give up on the entire voyage. Any seasoned traveller will tell you that the finest adventures occur when your plans alter and you try something you never thought you’d like!
More possibilities and opportunities will come your way the more places and jobs you are willing to examine.
Promote your life and professional experience
Once you’ve gone through the first four guidelines and into a job interview, make sure that employers in your target country understand what your seniority means. You’ve most likely been in the workforce for some time and have acquired professional skills. You’re not some flighty over-eager young traveller on a gap year; you’re trying to build a new life in a different country. Many school administrators will value your maturity and experience, which someone fresh out of college just does not possess.
