The Expat Student’s Guide: Teaching English While Earning Your Degree Abroad

So, you’re dreaming of returning to your roots to study, but the practical question looms: how will you support yourself? Combining university studies with teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) is a path chosen by many globally-minded students. It’s a compelling strategy that offers more than just a paycheck.

Why This Path Makes Perfect Sense

For those with a personal or legal connection to a country, this plan has significant advantages. You bypass the major hurdle of visa sponsorship, which makes you an immediately attractive candidate to language institutes. Your intrinsic cultural understanding is a huge asset, allowing you to connect with students on a deeper level.

This isn’t just a job; it’s integrated living. Your daily life becomes your classroom, enriching both your academic and teaching experiences.

Choosing Your TEFL Certification: Online vs. In-Person

This is the first major decision. The world of TEFL certifications can be confusing.

• The Online Route: Affordable and flexible, perfect for someone preparing for a big move. A high-quality, accredited online TEFL certificate (typically 120+ hours) is widely accepted, especially when paired with your existing right to work. It allows you to become certified on your schedule and budget.
• The In-Person Abroad Route: Programs in places like Spain offer immersion and hands-on practice. However, they are a larger financial and time investment. Be cautious of programs that seem to “bundle” a guaranteed job—always research the school’s reputation independently.

Key advice: Your legitimacy as a teacher comes from a recognized certificate, not necessarily from the country where you earned it.

Finding the Right Teaching Opportunity

Your goal is to find a teaching schedule that complements your university timetable.

• Seek Flexible Institutes: Many private language academies need teachers for evening and weekend classes. This can align perfectly with a daytime study schedule.
• Consider Private Tutoring: Offering one-on-one lessons provides maximum scheduling control. You can set hours that work around your exams and lectures.
• Leverage Your Unique Profile: When applying, highlight your legal work status and cultural fluency. These are powerful benefits for employers tired of navigating visa paperwork.

Balancing the Books and the Books

Time management is your new essential skill.

• Start Lightly: In your first semester, consider taking a slightly reduced course load or teaching fewer hours until you find your rhythm.
• Communicate Openly: Be upfront with your employer about your student status. A good academy will appreciate your honesty and may help you build a suitable schedule.
• Integrate Your Worlds: Studying the local language or sociology? Use those insights in your English classroom. Teaching gives you practical examples for your degree.

A Practical First Step

1. Get Certified: Invest in a reputable, accredited online TEFL course.
2. Research Your Target City: Before you move, identify universities and language schools in that area. Reach out to them to gauge opportunities.
3. Network Early: Connect with local expat or teacher groups online. They are goldmines for unadvertised job leads and honest advice about specific schools.

This journey is about building a cohesive life where your work supports your studies, and both deepen your connection to your chosen home. With careful planning, you can turn the challenge of funding your education abroad into one of its most rewarding experiences.