If you are undertaking or have recently finished a TEFL course, you might be wondering where your qualification is going to take you. By completing an online TEFL course, you will have opened up a world of opportunities for teaching! Many students decide to undertake a TEFL internship once they finish their online TEFL course. There are many options out there for you. You just need to decide on the one you like the look of. Or the one that’s best suited to you and your needs. There are multiple reasons as to why they might choose to do this:

Why take a TEFL internship?

1. TEFL Internships are often shorter commitments compared to full-time positions, so they are great for anyone who wants to test the TEFL waters out. If you’re unsure which country you’d like to live in, it can also help you “try out” a country to see if it’s the right fit for you. Perhaps you have other commitments and don’t want to spend too long away from home. Undertaking a 3 or 6 month internship is perfect for you if you fit this profile! You can also find summer placements if you want a seasonal adventure!

2. TEFL internships include accommodation and a living stipend, so you don’t need to worry about finding somewhere to live when you go. Your TEFL provider and employers will assist with legal processes such as visas or opening bank accounts. This takes the stress out of moving abroad. You are guided along the way!

3. The orientation and training provided during an internship can be invaluable. This way, you’re not thrown in at the deepend but provided with training and a big welcome! You’ll learn about important goings on in the school and in your classes, your timetable and any cultural points you should be aware of. This is also a great opportunity to meet other new teachers in the same position of you. Firm friendships have been made from orientation!

4. Undertaking a TEFL internship can give you a lot of confidence and give you some experience before you head out on your own. This is especially useful if you don’t have any teaching experience. You can learn the ropes being guided by your school alongside other teachers. After the internship, you might feel that you want to do another one or feel ready to go it alone!

5. You can choose your location (and often city). Rather than you seeking out positions and where you can go, you can be presented with options for an internship. This can help you if you feel overwhelmed choosing where to go. It’s like picking something out of a catalogue!

Where to go on your TEFL internship?

Spain

Spain is one of Europe’s most popular TEFL destinations, and it’s easy to see why. This country is a lot more than the sun and sangria. You can find a rich culture, fantastic architecture and beautiful villages. Travelling around Spain is easy with its extensive transport network, and you can explore the different cultures and languages of the regions. An internship here gives you the opportunity to explore the Mediterranean.

Germany

This is one of the least explored countries in Europe in terms of TEFL. You could spend your summer teaching in a summer camp in Germany and exploring the Black Forest on weekends! Germany is also full of exciting, multicultural cities to visit. Don’t forget the famous Oktoberfest, which actually starts mid-September. This could be a great add-on experience at the end of your summer!

Japan

If you want to go further in the field, Japan might be calling you! You can get short-term and long-term internships in the biggest city in the world (Tokyo) or explore another beautiful gem of Japan, such as Kyoto or Osaka. An internship will help you settle into a new culture and prepare you for any cultural differences that might pop up in the classroom. It will also help you navigate the language barrier and find your accommodation, so you don’t have to worry about this if you don’t speak Japanese.

Cambodia

Cambodia is a great all-round choice for Asia as it is open to applicants with or without a degree. It is a small country with a big history that is ready for you to learn more about. Cambodians are very friendly and would love to welcome you into their country. You can explore very quickly and even visit nearby countries in your holiday time, such as Singapore, Laos, Thailand or Vietnam!

South Korea

South Korea is an exciting gem of Asia. If you’re looking for a mix of the modern and traditional, this might be the right option. Undertaking an internship here will involve a welcome orientation and cultural classes to help you adapt to your new surroundings. You’ll be cooking up a Korean storm in no time!

How to make the most of a TEFL internship:

You will want two main things from a TEFL internship – to get experience teaching and have the time of your life. To do either/both of these, you need to jump into the experience head on and make the most of it!

Make friends 

The people you meet in your orientation and your school could be valuable connections for your TEFL journey. After all, they are going through the same experiences that you are and will be good friends to rely on throughout the process. So when someone invites you with the group to grab a drink or a cake after work, try to go and get to know them. Your experience will be much better with people alongside you to support you and have fun with! You can also think about joining local clubs to meet those with similar hobbies to you.

Learn from your colleagues and mentors 

You are most likely undertaking a TEFL Internship with little to no teaching experience, so now’s your chance to learn the ropes! You will often be paired with a mentor during your teaching stay so that you can learn from them and ask any questions. Take the opportunity to learn from the knowledge of more experienced colleagues and pick up some teaching tips during your internship. This is your chance to put your TEFL knowledge into practice – it’s okay if your classes don’t go perfectly planned; this is all part of being a teacher! Take the opportunity to learn from it and improve! 

Keep going!

Moving abroad can be hard and it’s not without its challenges. Typically, the further you go, the more difficult it can be. Language barriers, culture shock, and homesickness can all be factors when you’re undertaking an internship in another country. The first few weeks might be the worst as you get used to your surroundings, and you might feel overwhelmed by all the sudden changes. It can be a lot to adapt to a new home and a new workplace. Remember why you’re there – to have fun! Keep pushing through the first few weeks, and remember that others will be feeling the same as you. At the end of your internship, you might not want to leave!

Embrace the culture 

Even if you are only a few hours away from your home country, you might experience some culture shock. Each country has their own culture and traditions and varying levels of international influence. No matter where you are, embrace the culture you are living in. This might be respecting the local customs or attending the local festivals. Countries like Spain and Thailand are famous for their big festivities – go and check out what they’re all about! Just ensure that you are respectful to the locals – they will love showing you their local traditions!

It’s important to be aware of local customs and culture so that you don’t inadvertently offend anyone in your classes or outside of school. Simple things such as a dress or hand gestures can mean something completely different in another country. Learn some of these before you go by researching the country online. Your orientation will go through this, too, but getting a leg up on it is good! Make sure you have appropriate attire to wear to school – some schools like you to dress professionally, and others are happier for you to be more laid-back.

Learn the lingo

This is one of the best things you can do when living in another country. Learning the local language can be highly rewarding if you are in a country where the locals speak a lot of English. You might feel less motivated to do so as you will have help setting up accommodation and your visa applications, but you should still make an effort. Start by learning the basics before you go, and then go from there! You might want to partake in local language exchanges or attend classes to improve. Locals will appreciate your efforts and welcome you even more. There’s nothing like the smile you see from a local when you’ve made an effort to communicate with them in their own language. It might even help you in trickier situations, such as travelling around the country alone or going to the bank.

Wherever you decide to do a TEFL internship, you are starting your TEFL journey and global teaching adventure. Remember that you are there to start teaching, get experience under your belt, and also have fun! Teaching abroad is a whirlwind that can give you lifelong memories and a fantastic life, embrace every aspect of your internship and learn all you can from it!