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

Update on Teaching in Ireland and Northern Ireland

An article on the Irish Teaching Council website states that students commencing teacher training courses in other European states after 1st January 2011 must also complete an induction/NQT year in that country before applying for recognition to teach in Ireland.

If taken literally, this directive looks certain to affect Irish teachers who train in the UK.

Full details are available at http://www.teachingcouncil.ie/latest-news/important-notice-for-those-commencing-a-teacher-education-qualification-outside-of-ireland-from-2011.513.html

Meanwhile, the Department of Education (Northern Ireland) suggest that vacancies are advertised in the Belfast Telegraph, Irish News, News Letter and in Educational Journals.

Teachers there are employed by Management Committees, a list of which is available at http://www.deni.gov.uk/index/85-schools/10-types_of_school-nischools_pg.htm#board_addresses

It is also possible to apply for substitute (supply) teaching contracts through the Northern Ireland Substitute Teachers' Register

Spend a week at the EU Parliament!

This is an extract from a letter sent by Philomena Taylor, Head of UK Country Liaison Officers for MEU 2011:

Model European Union 2011 is a project taking place inside the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, bringing together 180 skilled Europeans. For one week participants have the opportunity to better understand how the European Union works and to achieve strategy, decision, debate and cooperation skills. The project aims to simulate the decision making process in the European Union, and it is implemented with the direct support of the European Commission through the Youth in Action Programme, the European Parliament and the Robert Bosch Foundation.

We need photographers and journalists for the event!!!

Through participation in the project not only will you be able to meet other young people from across Europe, but you will also have the chance to explore the beautiful city of Strasbourg!

For more information check out our website

If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact me