Find out the dealio on jobs for older teachers abroad. ☆ What is going on with all of these kiddos heading abroad these days? You wish that it had been as easy for you in your 20’s to flee off to a foreign land to teach English abroad for an ultimate adventure. Guess what! It’s not too late. Jobs for older teachers exist! It’s not just reserved for fresh grads who are unsure of what the future may hold. Ready to retire and get out for a breath of fresh air? Whether you want to teach abroad or at home, a TEFL for seniors will help you secure that job so that you are ready to head into a brand new adventure.
The world needs teachers like you!
Yeah, yeah, it may seem a bit odd to pack up life at home and step off into the unknown. We get it. That’s why GoAbroad has programs that cater to everyone’s needs. Whether you’re off abroad for the first time and don’t quite know where to get those passport photos or if you have made a few circles around the globe pre-social media days when Google maps was a thing of the future, you’ve got it! Let’s getcha abroad and inspire brand new dreams for this next exciting phase in life—read on to learn more about TEFL jobs abroad for the 50+ crowd (and retirees!).
FAQs on TEFL for seniors
Both retired teachers teaching abroad or brand new teachers will find it rewarding to get a TEFL for seniors before applying for jobs.
What does it mean?
Getting a TEFL doesn’t mean you have to ditch the grandkids and flee abroad. Getting a TEFL opens the doors for all sorts of different opportunities. Whether you choose to go and teach in the tropics post-retirement or if you’re finally able to take that trip to Central Europe, you can do so while teaching abroad. However, it’s also great to have a TEFL if you want to volunteer abroad short term, tutor part time, or even stay home and volunteer at a local community college for students who’ve come from abroad. Having a TEFL will make you much more marketable in the ESL world!
Is there an age limit for teacher jobs?
In many ways, you are MORE qualified. But to be frank, there are no age limits for obtaining a TEFL. However, some countries have retirement requirements meaning you may not be eligible for work after 60 or 65 years old. Jobs for older teachers abroad may be more prominent in parts of Central Europe or Latin America.
Try teaching in Latin America and learn about a new culture.
Where is the best place to get a TEFL for seniors?
It ultimately comes down to your personal preferences. Do you want to get TEFL certified in your dream destination where you can enjoy sunsets on the beach every night? Are you interested in history and architecture? Is there a country you’ve always dreamt of but haven’t quite had time yet? There are tons of countries that offer TEFL courses. But keep in mind that there may be other requirements to TEACH in those specific countries. Check out some of these top countries to teach for those over 50+ years old.
Is it necessary for retired teachers teaching abroad to get a TEFL?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no. It really depends on the country that you want to teach in. If you have taught in schools your entire life and you feel comfortable in a classroom then you likely may not feel the need. However, if you have not taught English before, getting a TEFL will only further your own professional development and make you more competitive in the job market. With the world changing rapidly and new technology always popping up, it’s best to get a certificate with professionals who specialize in teaching ESL. Having a TEFL will enhance your resume and help you feel more confident about your role as an English language teacher.
What kind of technology do I need to deal with?
This will depend on if you are taking your class online or in person. If you are taking your course online, you’ll need decent computer skills, but nothing too complex will come about. If you are taking a course in person, you likely will have some homework that may require a computer, but many centers offer that technology on sight.
Don’t worry, you don’t have to be a technology expert to teach abroad.
How much money will this cost?
TEFL courses vary from a few hundred dollars up to $2,000. Remember that you get what you pay for. If heading abroad for your course, you will need to take into account flights, meals, housing, and transportation. Some TEFL centers include housing or offer assistance, but you will need to view different package options through those agencies.
[Breaking Down the Cost of TEFL Certification]
Should I take my course online or in person?
While online courses have the benefits of flexibility and working from home, in-person courses are beneficial in the sense that you meet a community of like-minded learners and get real life practice. Ultimately, it comes down to your course goals and expectations. Do you want to move abroad NOW or are you flexible and just toying with the idea? Think of your list of goals and see what fits you best.
How long does the course take?
TEFL courses can be done in as little as three weeks but span up to multiple months. If you are taking an in-class TEFL, you likely will be signing up for an intensive four week course (although some can be done part-time and be extended into a few months). If you take an online course, you have the flexibility to get it done within your own time frame.
What other things should I think about…?
Do lots of research to figure out what’s best for you!
- What’s your main goal with getting TEFL certified? Make sure to do some proper research and reach out to TEFL course online advisors before signing up for your course. If you want to get a TEFL to be guaranteed job access in Thailand, think twice. There’s an age requirement for teacher jobs abroad here. You don’t want to have to deal with that hard news after graduating from your TEFL course. Write down a list of goals and the reasons why you are choosing to do this post-retirement.
- Keep your family in the loop. Whether you’re family is on board or slowly easing into the idea, make sure that you let them know what you’re doing and why. With the internet, it’s way too easy to keep in touch with close ones while abroad. Make sure you’ve made your Facebook account, an Instagram to stay in touch with the grandkids, and download Whatsapp to make free phone calls back home while abroad. Having a smartphone or iPad will help tremendously with staying in touch with the fam.
- Get your health check-ups before departure. Before you head abroad, talk to your doctor, make sure you’ve got the meds you need, and look into travel insurance for when you are getting a TEFL abroad.
- Prep for culture shock and stay open-minded. If you plan to take a TEFL course abroad, read up on some of the history and culture of your desired destination. This will ease you into what to expect and make the transition a bit smoother. You will be in a brand new atmosphere that may feel a bit uncomfortable at first, but that’s part of travel! If you can stay flexible and open-minded, you’ll have a much more rewarding experience.
- Be ready to make some new friends. If you’re taking an in-class TEFL certificate, you are going to meet people of all ages from all over the world! You may surprise yourself and become best friends with someone you would have least expected.
Recommended TEFL courses & jobs for older teachers abroad
1. International TEFL Academy
ITA offers one of the highest ranked TEFL programs you could enroll in. They have various options to get TEFL certified online, in a four-week intensive course, or part-time over multiple months. ITA has a slew of online advisors to walk you through the application process and answer all your tedious questions. This makes it easy to have the support you need and not feel overwhelmed while checking off your to-do list pre-course. You’ll also get help with job guidance for life once you complete your TEFL course.
- Where? 25 countries and counting
- More info: Read ITA reviews
2. International TEFL & TESOL Training
ITTT also offers the option to get TEFL certified online, in person, or a mix of each! The perk that ITTT offers is that you can opt for a shorter course of 60 hours if you are looking to teach abroad as a volunteer or for a brief stint. This opens the door for short term gigs, but if you are looking for a better job, you’ll want to get the full certificate. The most beneficial course will be the in person four-week intensive course. An online course can be done at your own speed which is great if you want flexibility. If you want the best of both worlds you can complete the online portion and then move abroad to complete the remainder of your requirements in person!
- Where? Dozens of TEFL centers around the world
- More info: Read ITTT reviews
3. i-to-i TEFL
If you’re not quite ready to pack up yet, you can take a course through i-to-i TEFL solely online. This course is affordable and flexible. There are four different packages to choose from. Whether you want to go abroad and volunteer as an English teacher for a few weeks or if you want to be qualified to teach business English, you can pick what TEFL certification option is best for you. Because the course is online, you have the freedom to complete it at your pace. And just because it’s online doesn’t mean you need to stay home. Head to the beach, sip a cold mango shake, and study abroad! The support staff will also be available to walk you through the process, answer questions, and help with job placement once you complete the course.
- Where? Online
- More info: Read i-to-i TEFL reviews
4. Premier TEFL
Premier TEFL offers a unique TEFL course if you want to get both online and in-person learning. Although the course can be done completely online, for a very affordable rate, you can immerse yourself in parts of Central Europe while getting real life classroom experience as well. These blended course packages come with hotel accommodation, meals, and support staff to answer all of your questions. You can still take the course at your pace, but you’ll be doing it abroad.
- Where? Hungary, Poland, Romania, Czech Republic, Thailand, Taiwan, Brazil, Argentina, China, South Korea, Vietnam, Cambodia, Colombia
- More info: Read Premier TEFL reviews
[Browse ALL TEFL Courses for Retired Teachers Teaching Abroad]
Don’t let age limit for teacher jobs abroad stop you!
You’re a teacher, you can do anything!
You convinced yet? With over a billion people around the world learning English, the world NEEDS more teachers, especially those with life experience. All you need is a TEFL, some enthusiasm, and the desire for adventure and you’ll be good to go! Be patient as the jobs may not be thrown at you immediately, but with the support of your TEFL program advisors, you’ll be able to smoothly transition into ESL teaching life.
Don’t let the 20-somethings intimidate you from chasing your dream. The world is becoming smaller and more accessible than ever before. You may retire from your career, but retirement can open a new door to chase other dreams that you’ve got in mind. A TEFL for seniors will enhance that opportunity and make your travels abroad much more meaningful!
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