Are you dreaming of teaching abroad but unsure if you can during the coronavirus pandemic? Are you wondering if there’s still a demand for teaching English online? Do you want to get TEFL qualified but are concerned you won’t be able to use your skills just yet?
During the coronavirus crisis, we’ve been getting lots of questions about TEFL and COVID-19 and how it has affected it and will affect it in future. Although we can’t predict the future, we can provide you with some helpful insights into our most frequently asked questions to help ease your worries and help you plan for your TEFLing future.
What’s the current situation for teaching English abroad?
With many countries across the world in lockdown, lots of schools are currently closed until further notice, meaning there are fewer opportunities for teaching English abroad – but don’t let this dishearten you! Based on current information, experts estimate many schools and language institutes could reopen by June/July. In fact, some countries such as South Korea, Vietnam, China and Germany have already reopened lots of their schools. Plus, with schools elsewhere planning to reopen soon, hiring for these positions could start within the next couple of weeks, so that schools can get teachers on their books and be ready for when the lockdown is lifted. It’s a great idea to get TEFL qualified as soon as possible so that you’re ready to apply for jobs as soon as they become available.
When will I be able to teach English abroad?
Based on what experts are saying, you could be able to teach English abroad as soon as July and in some countries, you’ll already be able to find job vacancies for English teachers. But international travel is still at a standstill so, unfortunately, we can’t say exactly when you’ll be able to travel abroad to safely teach English abroad, but what we can say is the demand for English teachers across the world is huge and it’ll continue to grow. Once the virus is under control, there’ll likely be a very high demand for schoolteachers across the globe.
Can I still apply for overseas positions and are companies recruiting?
Although you might not be able to to travel right now, you can definitely still apply and secure a job overseas. Many language schools will hire teachers in advance so that they can get all of your paperwork done along with any relevant visas and be ready to get you over as soon as travel restrictions are lifted and it’s safe to do so. So, we’d suggest getting your TEFL certification as soon as you can and start applying for jobs now, you’ll be able to find lots of teaching English abroad positions on our sister company, LoveTEFL’s jobs board.
Can I still get TEFL qualified during the coronavirus crisis?
YES! All of our Online TEFL Courses can be completed online from the safety of your own home. Plus, we’re still operating the same hours as before, so we’re still here to help you every step of the way. We actually think now might be the best time to get TEFL qualified as many people are working from home and have extra time on their hands!
Is now the right time to take a TEFL Course?
Obviously, we’re in very uncertain times at the moment with economies all over the world struggling as a result of the coronavirus outbreak, but this shouldn’t put you off completing your TEFL course. Economies rely heavily on travel and tourism and will need you once all this is over! Although it might seem uncertain right now, there’ll still be a demand for English teachers and we have every confidence that once coronavirus is under control worldwide, the demand will soar! Plus, now is the perfect time to use the spare time you have to get TEFL qualified and start gaining some experience as an online English teacher. With many international language schools closed, lots of English language students are looking for teachers online so the demand is high and it’ll help boost your applications later on.
Can I still teach English online during the coronavirus crisis?
YES! In fact, now’s the perfect time to get qualified and teach English online as many schools are starting to resume their classes and lots of English language students are looking for online classes to take while they’re stuck at home. Plus, it’s a great way for you to earn a full-time income online in these uncertain times.
Can I still enrol on a classroom course with i-to-i?
Unfortunately, due to government advice and for the safety and welfare of you and our staff, we’ve postponed all Classroom Courses globally until further notice. Anyone who was booked onto a Classroom Course has been made aware and has been moved onto a flexible booking meaning they can still attend a course at a date that suits them in the future. At the moment, we are unsure when this will be, but we hope to reopen them as soon as it is safe to do so! – we are still selling Classroom Courses – just with flexi bookings instead of specific dates.
Additional points to be aware of
- Demand for English teachers online remains strong and will continue to remain strong – teaching English online is an amazing way to earn money from home if the coronavirus and lockdown continue within your home country.
- Teaching English is largely recession-proof – with English being the international language of business, the demand for English teachers will continue.
- Take advantage of the free time you have now – If you want to teach English abroad, get qualified now while you have time, so you’re prepared to take advantage when travel opens up in the future.
- Your TEFL certification is valid for life – if you get TEFL qualified with us, your TEFL certification will be valid for life, so you don’t need to use it straight away, you can save it for when you’re ready in the future – yay!
