Short Term TEFL Contracts – Travel the World in One Year

It is feasible to teach four short-term contracts with employers from different countries in just one year.  This will allow you to get paid to visit and work in a range of cultures and earn money in the process without having to spend a penny on flights.  The one main disadvantage that seems to be mentioned by teachers who do this is that just as you are settling in to a place and getting to know your students and colleagues, you have to repack your suitcase and head off to your next contract/adventure.  Here teflhub suggests where you might find short-term contracts as well as a few organisations who recruit.

The British Council, worldwide

The British Council hire teachers for their schools all over the world, occasionally these are short-term contracts.  They do hire teachers annually for their two-month business English courses for university students in Morocco early in the year, around February and March.  You will receive a pro-rata salary calculated using the standard British Council salary scale which is more than enough to enjoy a good social life in Morocco.  They will also pay for a return flight and help with accommodation.  The teacher we interviewed was allowed to arrange the dates of the flight so that he could have a few weeks to explore the fascinating and diverse country after completing the teaching contract.

Westgate Corporation, Japan

Westgate recruit hundreds of teachers each year to teach both extra-curricular and accredited courses at universities mainly located in Tokyo.  There are two contracts a year, one from April to June/July and the other from September to December.  The very efficient staff will organise your accommodation and commute to work.  They will also meet you at the airport and accompany you to your new home as well as the offices you need to visit to sort out visas etc.  You’ll receive the standard Japanese TEFL salary, return flight, and subsidised accommodation unless you wish to arrange your own.  The contracts can be intense but there are usually numerous public holidays which provide you with an opportunity to explore – particularly in the winter semester.

EAP (English for Academic Purposes) courses at universities across the UK during the summer

These courses should not be confused with the English language summer school contracts held at language centres – you will usually need an MA and TEFL certification with a few years of teaching experience to be considered for a position at some of Britain’s most prestigious universities.  The role involves preparing overseas students for their post-graduate degrees by familiarising them with standard British academic writing practice.  The classes of students are usually small, highly motivated and engaging.  Usually the courses range from two weeks to ten, with around 16 teaching hours per week.  The environment, remuneration and workload of these courses make them highly desirable and so teachers often return to their particular university every summer.

Summer Schools, worldwide

Language centres all over the world will host summer courses, especially for teenage students of English year-on-year.  These courses usually involve English lessons in the morning and excursions or activities in the afternoon.  This type of teaching contract usually appeals to younger teachers or university students considering a career in teaching, but will require experienced teachers too.  You can find job ads for these contracts from spring onwards.

Voluntary organisations, worldwide

Although many voluntary organisations will want teachers for long-term contracts there are some who hire just for the short term.  You should be able to find one which will offer free accommodation, a living subsidy and perhaps a contribution to your flight.  Keep an eye out for teflhub’s up-and-coming ‘Where Can I Volunteer?’ directory of organisations around the world.

‘Walk-ins’

You might be already travelling and find a place that you’d like to stay for a while.  In the same situation, some TEFL teachers have gone to the local language centres and found temporary work to suit them and the school.  Please ensure that if you do so, then you are not breaking any laws in terms of your visa status.

Peace Boat

The Peace Boat is a voluntary organisation which aims at promoting peace, human rights, equal and sustainable development, and respect for the environment.  There are regular voyages that will literally take you around the world.  To find out more read our blog on the Peace Boat’s latest recruitment drive for its 95th voyage.

teflhub ambassador, worldwide

A bit of self promotion here, but it would be remiss of us to not mention this superb opportunity for you to travel the world working as teflhub’s ambassador.  It’s a nine-month contract with a salary and benefits amounting to £2,000/month, with three return flights included and two two-week paid holidays for you to recharge your batteries in between all that travelling.  You will have to visit schools and create annotated youtube videos about aspects of teaching in the countries you visit.  You will also have to write one two-page article (maximum) per week for teflhub’s blog and keep everyone updated on your adventures on social media.  Other than that, the time will be yours to explore and soak up new experiences.  Visit our blog or see the job post for more details.

If you know of an organisation that offers short-term contracts, then please let us know at info@teflhub.com.