TEFL gap year tips & guide

Embarking on a gap year can be one of the most amazing experiences of your life. From exploring other cultures to learning more about yourself, spending a year overseas has the potential to be truly transformational.

And when it comes to the best things to do during a gap year, teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL)  is right up there. 

Sign up to a foundational TEFL course and you can become an English teacher in just four weeks, then work as a TEFL teacher to support yourself during the rest of your gap year. 

Why take a TEFL gap year?

It can be incredibly rewarding

Teaching English as a second language enables you to make a difference in the lives of others, giving them a valuable life skill that has the potential to change their lives.

You’ll gain new skills and abilities

Training to teach English as a foreign language will not only give you a deeper knowledge of English grammar and a new appreciation for language learning, it will also give you a wide range of soft skills – from communication and creativity to time management and problem-solving. You’ll also find yourself with a newfound confidence to take charge of a classroom!

You can explore the world while earning money

They say travel broadens the mind and gives you a new perspective on the world. English abroad during your gap year does exactly this, opening you up to a world of exploration and providing you with the opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture and learn about different ways of life around the world. And all this while earning a living to finance your adventure!

You’ll earn a qualification to teach TEFL anywhere in the world

A TEFL certification provides you with a globally-recognised qualification, meaning you’ll be eligible to teach English as a foreign language everywhere, from Spain to South Korea.

You can learn a new language 

Teaching English overseas affords you the opportunity to learn a new language yourself, gaining another new life skill to add to your teaching experience.

Taking a TEFL gap year: Top tips

1. Look for an accredited TEFL course

You want to make sure the TEFL course you’re signing up for is legitimate and recognized by the TEFL industry and employers around the world. A fully accredited course needs to meet certain standards set by an independent organisation. This could include the likes of leading universities and national exam boards, as well as independent accreditors such as TQUK, ACCET and IATQuO.

2. Choose your destination wisely

Thinking of taking a gap year in South America? Or maybe you’re heading off on an adventure to the Far East? Or perhaps you’re looking to teach English while living in the buzzing city of Barcelona?

Either way, it’s crucial to do your research and find a quality TEFL school that can best prepare you for working in your chosen location, can help you find work after you graduate, and also helps you to immerse yourself in the local culture while you study. 

Some countries require a visa to study and work, and there may be all kinds of bureaucracy to navigate. Make sure you’re clued about the requirements to study, teach and live in the country of your choice, while choosing a school that supports you during your gap year.

3. Plan your gap year with precision

Lots of people say a good gap year comes down to luck. Well, luck is where opportunity meets preparation – be prepared, and you’ll give yourself the best chance of having the time of your life. Look into the kind of accommodation you’ll need, look into the cost of living of your destination and research strategies for managing your finances during a gap year. Don’t forget… the best TEFL schools offer job support and assistance to help you plan your gap year after you complete your TEFL course.

4. Embrace the challenge

A TEFL gap year is not all smooth sailing. There will be challenges ahead, from adjusting to a new culture and finding new friends to adapting to coping with an intense study programme. You’ll probably have moments of self-doubt and you’ll more than likely feel at least a tinge of homesickness. But pressure makes diamonds – these are the kinds of challenges that build resilience and adaptability, helping you to become a stronger, more self-reliant person.

5. If all else fails, home is your safety net

Having said all that, it’s so important to remember that home is always there if you need it. Taking the giant leap to move abroad and teach English can be scary! It’s not an easy decision to make. Those who make it show huge courage. That’s important to remember if things don’t go as planned and you decide it’s not for you. Don’t feel like you’ve failed… you've still undergone a life-changing experience, and there’ll be plenty more of those to come!

Take a gap year in Spain with TEFL Iberia

At TEFL Iberia, we’re the leading TEFL course provider in Barcelona. We’ve helped thousands of students move abroad to Spain to embark on an overseas teaching journey. As well as a friendly and supportive learning environment, we provide expert assistance to make sure our students settle into life in one of the world’s best cities, helping them meet amazing new friends from different cultures, gain a highly-regarded TEFL qualification and fully immerse themselves in a life-changing adventure!

Take a look at TEFL Iberia’s available courses and take your first steps to planning a gap year that will change your life!