Page 28 - FWG Issue 8_2022

Travel

HOW TO LEVERAGE

VISA-FREE TRAVEL

TO TEACH ABROAD

fter two years of lockdown, travel Countries that are open to South Africans as a Foreign Language) qualifications..
doors have finally opened up. include Thailand, Hong Kong, Ireland and
South African passport holders can Brazil – and these are some of the most “From earning potential to safety, lifestyle,
Anow access 105 countries without popular destinations for people looking to and a lower cost of living – there are a
obtaining a visa. secure work teaching English as a foreign number of reasons why South Africans are
language. interested in finding work abroad. Foreign
For those looking to spread their wings English teachers typically make enough to
now that the hard lockdowns associated “With local unemployment rates at an all- save between 30% and 40% of their salaries
with COVID-19 are over, there is an time high, tapping into the international after expenses, allowing them to cover their
opportunity to see the world, without job market exposes locals to a wider pool bills while still enjoying the culture and
the cost and hassle of long embassy of available positions, in countries with lifestyle of their chosen country. Travelling
queues and visa paperwork. If you are greater economic stability. Teaching English regionally is also far easier, so for example,
considering embarking on a life abroad, is a great way to fund an extended overseas those teaching in countries like Spain can
you can leverage the power of your South stay, since it provides an opportunity to explore France or Portugal when they have
African passport to scope out your dream earn an income while travelling and living some time off,” says O’Sullivan.
destinations, get a feel for the local culture, abroad,” says Rhyan O’Sullivan, Managing
meet with potential employers, and plan Director at The TEFL Academy, South Africa’s To secure a job overseas, prospective
your living arrangements. leading provider of TEFL (Teaching English teachers require a TEFL qualification – the

Fourways Gardens • 26 • September 2022