Finding Your Own TESOL Job

Want to find your own TESOL job? Discover three easy ways to find teaching English work overseas with our expert TESOL job advice.

TESOL Jobs Chat

Talking to other TESOL teachers on forums is one of the best ways to find work. Here are the three best sites we’ve seen:

Chalkboard

Our own community site has thousands of members who are teaching English overseas. And it’s usually got a few people advertising TESOL jobs too: www.onlinetefl.com/tefl-chalkboard

TEFL.net Forums

This is a good place to discuss all things TESOL. The career forums usually have job listings too.

ESL Jobs Forums

The TEFL Jobs Forums on ESL Employment lets you search by region. So it’s a top choice if you’ve already got an idea of where you want to teach.


Top Tips for Finding Work Independently!

We asked English teachers who use Chalkboard to give us their top job-hunting tips – this is what they had to say:

Search the Web

“My top tip for finding a job independently is to scour the internet for it. Go to well known websites such as Dave’s ESL Café, which is updated constantly with the latest jobs. Don’t be worried about rejection and don’t stop after one interview – try to get as many offers on the table as possible. The schools that need the teachers urgently will probably negotiate the salary if you can start ASAP.” Robert Clarke, who’s out teaching English in Southern China

Get Networking

“Some of the best jobs I have had have been recommended by friends. I recommend networking: check out the groups on Chalkboard, utilise your Facebook contacts (don’t be afraid to add more acquaintances!), go on expat forums… and there’s always friends of friends. Someone always knows someone who has had a TESOL job abroad! When you’re looking for a job always put the word out – you never know what might come your way.” Emma Foers is our in-house TESOL guru, having taught in Japan, Egypt, Portugal and Italy

Check Your School Out Properly

“I had an offer from a Kuwaiti school and loved the school's website. But when I Googled them to find more out I read nothing but page after forum page about all these HORRIBLE things like teachers being threatened and such... make sure you find that out before you start accepting jobs!” Christina Spiwak, teaches English in Serbia

Keep Your CV Up to Date

Make sure you update your CV, as this is what will get you an interview. If you have no teaching experience, explain what your TESOL course(s) covered and how many hours of study were included, as well as any teaching practice or volunteer work done. Any previous jobs which required particular skills, such as managerial duties or a position which required creativity, could also work in your favour.” Lesley Voss, who teaches in Southern Italy

Keep On Keeping On!

“Since you're digging on your own... never give up the search. Realise it's not always roses and it's much harder to do on your own than to get someone else to do it for you. But it's much more rewarding knowing you are the one who busted your ass to get where you are. Always believe you'll find something. Your first or second TESOL job might not be the paradise you wanted to start in, but if you don't give up, you'll get to your dream destination.” Christina Spiwak teaches English in Serbia