Can I teach English abroad in my gap year?

I'm planning a gap year after high school and thinking about teaching English overseas. Is it possible to do that, and what are the requirements or steps I should take to make it happen?

Absolutely, teaching English abroad during your gap year is a feasible and rewarding experience in many ways. On the practical front, it allows you to build strong communication, leadership, and intercultural skills. Moreover, it can also be a transformative life experience, exposing you to different cultures and allowing you to travel.

Here are some steps you can follow to make it happen:

1. Research Placements: Begin by researching programs or placements that offer opportunities to teach English abroad. There are many programs designed for gap year students. Look for ones with good reviews and reliable support systems.

2. Program Requirements: Make sure to check the specific requirements of each program. Some might require a minimum age or even a bachelor’s degree. However, as a high school graduate, there are still programs available such as LanguageCorps and Greenheart Travel which caters specifically to gap-year students.

3. TEFL Certification: Many programs will require, or at least prefer, a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification. This doesn't take long to acquire - you can do an online course in as little as 2 weeks, but it's generally recommended to spend 1-3 months on it for a more comprehensive grasp.

4. Decide on a Country: If you have a particular country you'd like to live in, that can guide your search for a program. Teaching English in Asia, like in China, South Korea, and Vietnam, is particularly in demand. Each country will have its own requirements and cultural quirks, so do your homework.

5. Costs: Consider the costs. While many English teaching gigs are paid, you may not earn a lot especially after you take into account flights, accommodation, and daily living expenses. Some programs do offer benefits like free housing or flight reimbursements, so take those into account when considering the overall cost and benefits.

6. Visa Processes: Check and follow up on visa processes for the country you are planning to teach in. Some organizations will assist with this but if not, you need to apply for a work visa independently.

7. Health and Safety: Make sure you're aware of the healthcare system in the country you're traveling to and take appropriate precautions. This might include getting specific vaccines, purchasing travel insurance, or understanding the local emergency services.

Finally, have a backup plan in case things don't work out the way you expect. Uncertainties are a part of life and it always pays off to be prepared for any changes of plan. With determination and a good amount of research, a gap year spent teaching English abroad can be an incredible experience and an opportunity to grow personally and professionally.