Gap Years That Build Futures: Teaching English Abroad as a Pathway to Global Skills

Are you struggling with post-high school anxiety? Should you head out straight away into the world of work, or go on to further study? The decisions you make at this point in your life can make a huge difference to your future career, so it is no surprise that so many young people find themselves confused and uncertain.

If you'repreparing for university study, you may be weighing up whether or not to have a gap year between finishing school and embarking on a degree course. Many people who have taken one in the past think that they're a great idea, but is it the right choice for you, and if so, what should you spend that valuable time doing?

Why Take A Gap Year?

Gap years have been popular for some time now, and it isn't hard to see why. There are manybenefits to taking some time out before heading into higher education.

If you've been feeling overwhelmed and burned out by your final years in high school, a gap year could be the perfect solution. It will give you a much-needed break from being a student while allowing you to seek out adventure and learn more about yourself. A gap year could even give you a life-changing experience that will set you in good stead for your future career while creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Evidence shows that a well-structured and thought-out gap year can help young people better focus when they do attend higher education. Thanks to their year out, they’re much more likely to be diligent and dedicated learners in the future. It's also often easier to adapt to the new way of life in college or university after enjoying a gap year that has improved communication and teamwork skills.

There's another significant advantage, too, in that universities and employers see the value of taking a gap year. They find that those who have taken one have better 'soft skills' than those who have gone straight from school into higher education. With that in mind, you could improve your future career prospects by taking that all-important year out.

Why Teach English Abroad During Your Gap Year?

If you're considering taking a gap year, your next decision is what to do during that time. There are many different options, but one of the best is to teach English overseas, as it gives you the chance to pursue your dreams of travel while living and working abroad. You'll have the opportunity to become fully immersed in a completely different culture and to learn more about others' ways of living that you simply cannot obtain from a vacation alone.

Compared with many other gap year possibilities, teaching English overseas is a far better option as it allows you to earn money while travelling. You'll be able to save towards your future study expenses and enjoy a more comfortable lifestyle when you do go to university.

Teaching English overseas in your gap year will also allow you to hone your existing foreign language skills or even learn an entirely new language. By living and working in another country, you'll find it easier than you imagine to pick up key words and phrases that will be helpful to you in the future.

If you decide to teach English as a foreign language during a gap year, you'll build up a wealth of skills and experience that will stand you in good stead during university, the workplace, and beyond. Teaching will develop your interpersonal and communication skills, teach you how to problem solve and deal with challenging situations effectively, and provide a huge boost in your confidence, independence, and self-reliance.

Finally, you'll find teaching English abroad a truly rewarding experience. You'll be satisfied knowing you're making a difference in your learners’ lives. By helping them develop their English language skills, you're making it possible for them to improve their work prospects and, in turn, improve living standards for themselves and their wider families.

How Do I Teach English Overseas?

Some people are put off teaching English overseas during their gap year because they think they need to have a degree. However, that isn't actually always the case. While some educational institutions and countries require English teachers to have already successfully passed their university course, many more are happy to accept those on a gap year who are keen and eager to work, who have English as their native language, and who have the necessary skills and knowledge to deliver lessons effectively.

The best way to find a job teaching English overseas is to obtain TEFL certification. This internationally recognised qualification will enable you to work as an English teacher in countries all over the world. When choosing a TEFL course, you should make sure to choose one that is a minimum of 120 hours and that is accredited by a reputable body, so that you can be certain that you'll have the best possible chance of securing a position with one of the best language schools. This will allow you to command a higher salary and enjoy the most beneficial working conditions.

You can take a TEFL course either in-person near your home or online, working at a pace, time, and location that meets your needs. This makes it easy to obtain the qualification that you require to launch your overseas English teaching venture.

When yougain your TEFL certification, you'll be ready to enjoy the gap year you've always dreamed of. You'll have the opportunity to develop those all-important global skills and explore the world while earning an attractive salary – it's the perfect preparation for university life!