Is Age a Barrier to Teaching English Abroad?

Last Updated on June 20, 2024

Are you considering a new adventure and wondering if teaching English abroad is still an option for you? Age is often perceived as a barrier to many opportunities, but you might be pleasantly surprised when it comes to TEFL. Whether you’re nearing retirement, seeking a mid-life career change, or simply yearning for a new experience, teaching English abroad can be a rewarding and viable path. This journey offers the chance to immerse yourself in a different culture and allows you to share your knowledge and make a meaningful impact. Let’s explore why age shouldn’t hold you back from pursuing your TEFL dreams.

How can I strengthen my position as a potential candidate for a role?

The first and most important step is to ensure you are properly qualified through a reputable company. The minimum requirement is a 120-hour TEFL qualification. Avoid cutting corners by choosing cheaper, unaccredited courses, as these are typically not recognized by employers. Such shortcuts can render your certification useless, making it difficult to secure a teaching position abroad. Prioritize quality and accreditation to enhance your job prospects and credibility in the field.

If you’re a mature student new to teaching and pursuing your TEFL qualification, be prepared for in-depth learning and intensive training. Expect to engage in class discussions with multiple students, complete and submit assignments, take tests, and concentrate during long lessons. This preparation will help you succeed in the program and build a solid foundation for your teaching career.

Consider your TEFL course options carefully to determine whether you want to study full-time or part-time. Part-time courses usually take 8-10 weeks, while full-time courses can be completed in 4 weeks. However, full-time studying can be quite challenging, and there is no harm in taking a slower pace. In fact, it can be beneficial as it allows your brain time to process and understand the subject matter thoroughly.

Opting for part-time study also provides the opportunity to explore the subject more deeply and cover aspects not included in the course. Additionally, gaining volunteer experience in an educational setting can significantly boost your chances of becoming a successful English teacher abroad.

If you’re unsure which option to choose, course advisors are available to help you discuss your options and find the best fit for your needs.

Be open-minded

In some countries, age restrictions apply both culturally and administratively. For example, some Asian countries have mandatory retirement ages of 55-60, making it more challenging for mature teachers to find work. Unfortunately, these countries often have narrow-minded views about what constitutes the ‘perfect teacher,’ with a strong preference for youth. Consequently, older teachers and even minorities may face significant difficulties securing teaching positions in these regions.

Choose your country carefully

Even if teaching in some Asian countries is not an option, it’s important to carefully choose where you want to teach because certain countries offer distinct advantages. Latin America, for example, is an excellent choice for older teachers.

Age is often viewed positively, as it brings experience, a strong work ethic, and classroom authority that younger teachers might lack. Countries like Mexico, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica have robust job markets for mature teachers. Additionally, they offer warm weather, beautiful scenery, fascinating cities, a low cost of living, and virtually no age restrictions—making them ideal destinations for teaching.

Be persistent

If you fail at the first, fourth, or twentieth interview, get up, dust yourself off, and keep applying. Set aside any disappointment, as it has no place in the positive mindset you need to maintain. Persistence is also one of the key qualities of being an English teacher.

Flexibility

Whilst you may not have a young family to consider or sizeable debts to pay off like the 20-somethings probably do, you still need to have a degree of flexibility in your working life. You need to decide what your ideal is and see how far you’re prepared to compromise. Which age group of students would you like to teach? What sort of timetable do you want? Would you prefer a city teaching post or somewhere more rural? You will have all of these options so stay open-minded and realistic. Some things just may not pan out so don’t be disheartened if this happens to you.

Positive thinking

You should focus on the positives of your age—because there are many. Life experience is a significant asset. When you secure an interview, take time to ensure your potential employer recognizes the benefits of your age:

• Enhanced professional skills
• A serious commitment to settling down in a new country, unlike recent graduates who may be looking for a temporary job to fund their travels
• Passion for teaching, which should be evident in your interview
• Maturity and experience that someone straight out of college might lack. These qualities, learned through life, are invaluable.

Additionally, if you have any background in education or teaching, highlight it during your interview, as it will strengthen your position.

Conclusion

Being an older English teacher is not a barrier to having a successful and fulfilling career. You just have to bear in mind that the opportunities open to you won’t mirror those of recent graduates and younger teachers. But that doesn’t matter because you still have plenty of options open to you and the chances are that you’ll be able to find your dream job in a country that you love.