The Summer School Alternative

The northern hemisphere may still be in the depths of winter, but savvy teachers are already planning their summer 2010 short-term teaching jobs. While many of us opt  for relaxation and enjoyment during the summer period, there are lucrative teaching  opportunities for those who choose to have their annual break a little earlier or later. It could be just the thing if you're coming to the end of a contract; want some mixed nationality teaching experience; or simply, want to top up your income.

The Deal
Certainly in the UK and Ireland and, to some extent, in north America, from July to September the face of TEFL/TESOL changes to one of a large summer camp. 'English' is to be fun, incorporating any number of other activities; a real experience of the home culture through living and interacting with 'the locals'; and a holiday!

Therefore, staff on these courses require to have a dynamic mix of professional qualifications and experience; other talents, skills and attributes; plus more than a peppering of stamina. 

Some examples of what centres are looking for are:-

• an ELT qualification
• experience ranging from one to four years
• ability/interest in a wide variety of sports, music, drama, project work
• high levels of energy
• an interest in cultural exchange and a willingness to share one's culture through participation in excursions and social events
• some also look for PE trained teachers or staff trained in life-saving and first aid

Compensation:

•  contracts of 2-12 weeks duration for teaching/activity timetables ranging from 20-25 hours per week plus one or two hours additional 'social' activities. Optional weekend activities paid in addition.
• £290 - £500 per week. c £1700+ per 6-week contract.
• paid or subsidised board and lodging.
• some also offer an orientation course.

Something more exotic?
If life back in 'ole Blighty' is not quite what you want this summer, how about teaching young children anything from English to cow milking and cheese making in Turin. Or mix ELT with sports and cultural activities in a summer camp in Odessa or Crimea. Alternatively, if you have experience of Business English and Management training, you could opt for 'top of the market' residential business and management English courses in a luxurious country setting where conversation over dinner forms as much a part of the course as the specifically targeted and designed course programme.

Take the initiative
If you can't find the job you want why not take the initiative and persuade your current employer (if you are working abroad) of the value of sending groups of students to an English-speaking country for a summer school experience with you, as an accompanying guide and monitor. The advantages are numerous. The students' fluency can accelerate far beyond the equivalent of a year's study in their home country. 

Their knowledge and understanding of the target culture is massively enhanced and, having someone known and trusted, i.e., you, to accompany them offers security and care in what can be a potentially risky undertaking and, in the case of younger learners, will certainly help allay the understandable concerns of parents considering abandoning their offspring to all that is foreign to them. In addition, your school can earn prestige at home by offering this extra service plus commission from the host centres and you can earn a trip, a vacation salary and an exciting and challenging summer assignment. Check out our ELT Agents page for schools to contact.

View all the latest Summer Teaching Vacancies.