Digital Nomad Jobs: Teach English Online While You Travel

Reviewed by [reviewed_by]

Digital Nomad Jobs – Just graduated from university and searching for a way to spend your summer travelling before starting a graduate job? Looking to jump straight into an exciting career that could take you anywhere in the world? Or perhaps you’re hoping to earn a little money on the side while you hop from one location to the next?

Whatever your travel or career plans are, why not combine them with work by becoming a digital nomad? Digital nomad jobs are for people who can carry out their day job wherever they are, as long as they have the necessary tech and an internet connection. They often work abroad, and are always on the move, discovering new locations as they go.

If you’ve got an interest in teaching and helping others work towards a goal too, then consider qualifying for TESOL. Teach English as a Second Language (TESOL), one of the most popular career choices for digital nomads.

ESL teachers can work all over the world in a variety of teaching posts, but if you want to be in control of where, when and how often you work, then teaching English online is a great choice.

How do I become a digital nomad English teacher?

If you’re motivated to succeed as a digital nomad you’ll need the right qualification. Ideally, you’ll complete a 120-hour TESOL course, as it’s often the minimum accepted by employers. Anything less will make your job search a lot more difficult, and might not sufficiently prepare you for the job ahead.

You could even go the extra mile by taking further training. It’ll help your employment prospects and there are many courses available, focussing on more specific teaching including teaching English online to help you turn it into a full-time career.

Demand for online English teachers

The demand for English language teachers online is always growing. More students than ever are using the internet to get the specific learning support they need

There are lots of teaching routes you can go down online – teaching English to school and university students, preparing students for upcoming English exams, teaching Business English to professionals, helping individuals build their interview skills in English. And that’s to name a few!

Digital Nomad Jobs Work wherever you are

Rather than work wherever your job is, take your job wherever you are. As long as you have internet access and a laptop/computer with a decent webcam then you really can carry out your lessons anywhere. We do, however, recommend that you make sure your makeshift workspace is as distraction-free as possible so that you and your students can stay on task.  

Get hired by an online teaching company

Once you’re qualified to teach English as a foreign language with an accredited provider, you’ll be anxious to get started. But where to begin? Starting out as an ESOL teacher by teaching online via an online teaching company is ideal if you’re looking to pick up hours right away and build on your knowledge from the course, as well as gain essential teaching experience.

We recommend applying to multiple online teaching companies as some can be more competitive than others in terms of recruitment. The best online teaching companies are already established with lots of students signed up. Recruiting students and marketing classes won’t be entirely your responsibility. Some companies even have lesson plans for you to follow. All you have to do is show up and deliver to the standard that’s expected of you.

Changing time zones doesn’t have to be an inconvenience

As a digital nomad moving from one time zone to the next, the continuous time differences can be exhausting and can consequently affect your energy levels.

Fortunately, ESOL teachers can factor in the effects of changing time zones by adjusting their schedules in advance. Online English teachers are typically contracted to complete a minimum number of hours per week, but it’s entirely up to you how you distribute these hours. Some students will book classes last-minute anyway, so if you feel a surge of productivity you can schedule classes.

Plus, it’s quite possible that your students will be from all over the world and the time differences will allow you to literally teach at any time of your day.

Earn enough to sustain your lifestyle

Experienced TESOL teachers can expect to command higher earnings and more ease with booking lessons. If you’re entirely new to online teaching it’d be unrealistic to expect to make enough money to support your travels right away. It can take some time to build up a regular flow of students, so if you start teaching before you go you’ll have a better idea of your earning potential. When you have regular students it’s much easier to manage your budget. 

Always showing up on time for lessons and putting in the effort to prep well for classes, as well as supporting your students in their learning should mean there’s little reason why you couldn’t earn a steady income.

This digital nomad lifestyle is relatively new and quickly becoming a popular choice for those who’re able to make it work. Going by the opportunities to combine work and travel, it’s easy to see why.

What to Look for on Your First Skiing Vacation