Absolutely, many couples and friends venture abroad together to teach English. In fact, some schools may even hire them to teach at the same institution. However, before embarking on this journey together, it is essential to consider and plan for various aspects of living and working in a foreign country.
Table of Contents
Where can couples or friends teach English abroad together?
Do TEFL employers tend to employ couples or friends?
When is the best time for couples or friends to find work teaching English?
Where can couples or friends teach English abroad together?
If you plan to set off abroad with a friend or partner, it is vital that you choose a destination where you both have a good chance of finding employment. Although you might dream of working in a tropical beach resort with swaying palm trees and a laidback lifestyle, this may not be realistic as the limited number of jobs and a high level of competition could make things difficult. In contrast, most major cities across Europe, Asia and Latin America have a high demand for teachers, making employment for you both much more likely. It is also worth remembering that in some destinations it is difficult for anyone who is not a native English speaker with a college degree to find an ESL teaching job. If one or both of you are in this position, a little research on the requirements of your preferred destinations should help you to make an informed decision on the best place to find work.
Do TEFL employers tend to employ couples or friends?
TEFL employers exhibit varied preferences when it comes to hiring couples or friends. While some schools might hesitate, fearing that if one person decides to leave, the other will follow suit, many others actually appreciate hiring pairs. The belief here is that mutual support and familiarity can ease the transition into a new country and potentially lead to a longer commitment. Thus, the stance varies from one institution to another.
When is the best time for couples or friends to find work teaching English?
For couples or friends aiming to teach English together, timing is crucial. In regions like Europe and Latin America, there are specific hiring seasons when most teaching vacancies arise. To maximize your chances of finding concurrent positions, it is essential to align your job hunt with these periods. Arriving outside of these peak hiring windows might pose challenges in securing desirable roles for both parties.
