Why Would I Want To Teach English in a Summer Camp?

Following on from the  recent post on summer jobs here is a guest post from Helen Hargreave of onlinetefl.com on the advantages of spending some of your vacation teaching english as a foreign language:

There’s snow on the ground…yet now is the prime time for summer job applications. If you’re looking to get some great experience working abroad this summer (yes, with real summer weather!) then deadlines for teaching English in a summer camp are approaching…

Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) in a summer camp is just one way to ensure that you have an incredible summer before University starts again or before you start the job hunt! It will not only provide you with some great skills and a decent wage but it will also look great on your CV.

Here are a couple of reasons why you should consider working at a summer camp:

To try it out to see if you want a future in teaching 

Never thought of teaching before? This is a great opportunity to try out something new and exciting!
Summer teaching positions can be anything from two weeks to a full summer so whether you just want a taste of TEFL or a jam-packed and varied summer – the decision is up to you.

One of the best things about teaching at summer camps is the fun atmosphere. Although your role is to teach English, students are also there to have fun! So if your first thought is “I’ve never taught before”  then this is a great environment for you to meet like-minded teachers in exactly the same situation as you – plus you’ll have an instant group of friends!

To get some practice

If you are considering teaching English on a more permanent basis in the future – a summer camp will provide you with a relaxed atmosphere to perfect your TEFL training.

Annie taught in a summer camp in Finland with no regrets!

“I didn’t realise at this point that my time at summer camp was just what I needed to get the confidence and experience in teaching to secure a full time contract at a language academy in Spain later that year.  Summer camp was the perfect way for me to get started and it I would recommend it to anyone!”

A few facts:

How much can I earn?

Residential summer camps will often provide you with free accommodation, food and a wage. Salaries will often vary from country to country and employer to employer but a standard wage would be from €250 a month. For more information on teaching in summer camps try this article.

Which countries can I teach in?

As a UK citizen, you are allowed to teach all over the EU without a degree. Popular summer camp destinations include: Spain, Finland, France, Italy and Switzerland to name a few!
Want to stay in the UK? There are also plenty of positions a bit closer to home.

What sort of training do I need to teach at a summer school?

To teach in a UK summer camp you will need to hold a recognized level 5 TEFL qualification i.e. an EDI CertTEFL, Trinity TESOL or a CELTA. In Europe, you will find that many employers will ask for some TEFL training beforehand – to find out more about getting qualified make sure to download this free Graduate Guide to Teaching English Abroad

Changes for International Graduates Wanting to Work in the UK

From April 2012, the legal arrangements allowing international students to work in the UK after they graduate will change when the current scheme is replaced by a new provision under the new Tier 2 Sponsored Skilled Workers programme. Full details may however not be released until as late as March 2012.

The information on the new Tier 2 scheme is that applicants must have a job offer from an employer before their student visa expires (currently the length of the course, plus 4 months), and must be paid a minimum salary that is likely to be in the region of £20,000 (or the salary specified in the Standard Occupational Code published by the UKBA). The individual also has to meet points requirements. The employer will not have to apply the Resident Labour Market Test, unlike the main scheme under Tier 2 arrangements for those looking for long term employment in the UK.

Possible sources of help for those affected by the changes are:

• Tier 2 Register of Sponsors

• UKBA Employer Helpline: tel 0300 123 4699 or via email

• UKCISA advice line open from Monday to Friday, 1pm - 4pm: 020 7107 9922

Source: AGCAS

Useful Web References for International Students on Working in the UK

The following information has been provided by Karen Shaw, Senior Adviser (Academic Liaison) at the University of Cumbria following the introduction of new restrictions on the entitlement of international students to work in the UK:

Once in the UK, the majority of EEA nationals are able to work unrestricted hours, nor do they require permission to do so. However we would advise students to confirm this by visiting the UK Border Agency website for further details. Students will require a National Insurance (NI) number and can apply for one by visiting the application page on the Directgov website.

Any non-EEA nationals in the UK should have a visa which indicates the restrictions relating to employment. Visit the UK Border Agency working in the uk webpage for more information.

Normally students on a Tier 4 visa studying in the UK on a full time course which is level 6 or above are restricted to a maximum of 20 working hours per week during term time (except if the work is part of the course and you have permission to do so from the University of Cumbria). Visit the UKCISA working in the uk during your studies webpage for more information.

Students on a Student Visitor visa are not able to work in the UK.

Students who wish to remain in the UK to work after completing their course should refer to UK Border Agency working in the uk webpage UKCISA working in the uk after your studies for information.

Please be advised that it is your responsibility to ensure that you do not break the conditions of your visa. If you are in breach of your visa, you are likely to be asked to return home.