“An ability to teach the English language is the most globally mobile skill there is,” says Susan Griffith in the preface to her 2009 edition of Teaching English Abroad [Vacation Work Publications]. While there are many ways to go about finding a teaching job overseas, the task can be daunting. Searching on the Internet brings up a multitude of opportunities, but it can be overwhelming sorting through websites and figuring out which programs are legitimate, which are worthwhile, and which fit the needs of the prospective teacher.
Griffith’s book is a comprehensive print resource that pulls together a myriad of information on how to get TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification, finding the ideal job, and preparing to move overseas. The book also has a country by country guide to programs around the world that hire native-speaking English teachers.
Susan Griffith’s Revised Edition of Teaching English Abroad
Originally published in 1991, Susan Griffith has revised and completely updated her practical guide to finding work as a teacher of English in countries throughout the world.
The first part of the book, simply titled, “Introduction,” begins by defining the variety of acronyms for English language teaching that tend to confound and confuse: ELT, TEFL, TESL, and TESOL and others. Griffith briefly and concisely covers the motives people have for choosing this adventure, the red tape involved in getting a job in a foreign country, and the rewards and risks of teaching abroad.
The author provides important information about the training that is involved in becoming an English teacher, and the variety of opportunities that abound for gaining certification. Interestingly, the book is peppered with ads by various TEFL schools, which are surprisingly helpful rather than distracting.
Griffith then discusses in detail how to go about finding an English teaching job. She discusses the merits and pitfalls of freelance teaching as well. And she devotes several pages on what to after a job is secured but before the departure date and even gives tips on what to take when moving to the new country.
A Comprehensive Country by Country Guide to English Teaching Jobs Around the World
The meat of Griffith’s book is the “Country by Country Guide” which makes up part two of the 535 page tome. This section is divided by broad geographical areas: Western Europe, Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Latin America (South America), Central America and the Caribbean, Australia & New Zealand, and even North America.
Each of those geographical areas is then subdivided by country. Each country listing has information about finding a job, regulations if there are any, the potential conditions of work in that country, and lists of employers and what their requirements are of a candidate, along with contact information.
Who Should Read Teaching English Abroad
Susan Griffith’s book will be of most benefit to people who are just starting to explore the idea of teaching overseas, or who know they want to do it and maybe even in which country, but need information about whether and how to get certified and how to locate a job. However, even people who have made contacts and are negotiating their first overseas teaching job will find some of Griffith’s information useful.
While the book was written by a British author with a British audience in mind, it does a pretty fair job of providing information that will be of use to Americans, Canadians, and Australians. Unfortunately, the embassy/consulate list in the appendices applies only to London and Washington.
There is a great need for native-speaking English teachers in urban centers and rural areas throughout the world. Spending a year or three or a lifetime teaching English in a foreign country can be exciting and rewarding. Teaching English Abroad will give prospective teachers the valuable information they need to prepare for and find a job teaching English overseas.
Margaret M. Williams - Margaret M. Williams (Peggy) has been a teacher for over 25 years. She currently teaches first grade in a classroom that combines native ...
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