Teachers PortalAre you passionate about teaching English and eager to embark on an exciting adventure abroad? Imagine immersing yourself in a new culture while sharing your language skills and making a positive impact on the lives of others. The world of teaching English abroad is brimming with opportunities, and for those aspiring educators seeking financial support, scholarships can be a game-changer.
In this comprehensive guide, we unveil a curated list of scholarships that cater to individuals who wish to teach English in foreign countries. Whether you dream of exploring the historic streets of Europe, embracing the rich heritage of Asia, or discovering the vast landscapes of Latin America, these scholarships offer a pathway to turning your aspirations into reality.
From prestigious government-sponsored programs to grants provided by educational institutions and philanthropic organizations, there is a diverse range of scholarships available for English language teachers. We have compiled an extensive list that covers a variety of regions, teaching levels, and eligibility criteria.
Not only do these scholarships alleviate the financial burden associated with teaching abroad, but they also offer an opportunity for professional growth, cultural immersion, and invaluable experiences. Many scholarships include benefits such as travel allowances, accommodation, living stipends, and language training, ensuring that aspiring teachers can focus on their teaching responsibilities and fully embrace their international teaching journey.
1. Premier TEFL
The scholarship is specifically aimed at individuals who are interested in teaching English abroad.
The scholarship includes the following features:
- Fully-Accredited Online TEFL Certificate: The scholarship covers the cost of an online TEFL certification course. TEFL certification is a widely recognized qualification that prepares individuals to teach English to non-native speakers.
- 3 Weeks of Teaching Practice in Central Europe: As part of the scholarship, the recipient gets the opportunity to gain practical teaching experience through a 3-week teaching practice program in Central Europe. This hands-on experience helps aspiring English teachers develop their skills and confidence in a real classroom setting.
- Worldwide Teaching Certification: Upon successful completion of the online TEFL course and the teaching practice program, the recipient will receive a TEFL certificate. This certificate qualifies them to teach English in many parts of the world.
- Reduced Cost: The scholarship significantly reduces the cost of the TEFL certification. The exact amount depends on the scholarship and the specific program chosen, but the statement suggests that recipients may pay as little as under $650 for their certification. Furthermore, if the recipient chooses a shorter-week program, the cost may be even lower.
2. The JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching) Program
The JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching) Program is a scholarship program that allows individuals from English-speaking countries to teach English in Japan. It is a Japanese government-backed program that has been in operation for over 30 years. The program aims to promote cross-cultural exchanges between Japan and other countries by placing English Teaching Assistants (known as ALTs) in Japanese schools.
If you have been accepted into the JET Program, there are additional grants available to you through CLAIR (the Council of Local Authorities for International Relations). CLAIR offers two types of grants: the TEFL Grant and the JLPT Grant.
The TEFL Grant is intended to assist selected JET participants in offsetting the cost of obtaining TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification. TEFL certification is not a requirement to participate in the JET Program, but it can be beneficial and enhance your teaching skills, so the grant helps to make it more accessible.
The JLPT Grant is designed to support JET participants in obtaining the JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) certification. This grant helps cover the expenses associated with taking the JLPT, which assesses a person’s proficiency in the Japanese language. Having a JLPT certification can be advantageous for teaching English in Japan, as it demonstrates your language proficiency and understanding of the local culture.
3. English Language Program Fellowship
The English Language Programs Fellowship is a 10-month fellowship program that offers an opportunity for experienced teachers to support cultural exchange and ESL (English as a Second Language) teaching programs abroad. This prestigious fellowship is funded by the U.S. Department of State and aims to promote professional growth and foster connections with government organizations and universities in foreign countries.
Participants in the fellowship are provided with several benefits. These include housing arrangements, roundtrip airfare to the host country, and a small stipend to cover living expenses. The fellowship offers a unique opportunity for teachers to expand their teaching skills, gain international experience, and develop a deeper understanding of different cultures and educational systems.
To be eligible for the English Language Programs Fellowship, applicants must meet certain criteria. They should already be experienced teachers with either a Master’s degree in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) or a 120-hour TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate, along with a valid teaching credential for their state. Additionally, applicants must have at least two years of teaching experience.
The application process for the fellowship typically opens in the early fall, and the deadline for submission is usually in late November. It is important to adhere to the application deadline, as late submissions are not accepted.
By participating in the English Language Programs Fellowship, teachers have the opportunity to contribute to the field of ESL education, enhance their professional development, and establish valuable connections with educational institutions and government organizations abroad.
4. Teach Abroad Scholarship
The Teach Abroad Scholarship is a scholarship program offered by ELC, a social enterprise dedicated to providing training and employment opportunities for English language teachers. This scholarship aims to support individuals who want to teach English abroad.
To apply for the Teach Abroad Scholarship, you can visit the ELC website or search for the scholarship online. The scholarship may have specific requirements or eligibility criteria that you need to meet. It’s important to carefully review the application process and deadlines.
In addition to the Teach Abroad Scholarship, there are numerous other scholarships available to individuals interested in teaching English abroad. To find more scholarship opportunities, you can conduct an online search or reach out to your local English language school or organization. They may have information about scholarships specifically tailored for English language teachers.
When searching for scholarships, it’s recommended to start your search early. Many scholarships have application deadlines that are months in advance, so it’s important to give yourself enough time to gather the necessary documents and complete the application process.
It’s also essential to be specific in your search and look for scholarships that align with your qualifications and goals. There are scholarships available for different types of individuals, such as those targeting specific regions or countries, specific teaching programs, or specific teaching levels. By narrowing down your search, you can find scholarships that are most relevant to your needs.
Lastly, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Your school, local English language school, or organization may have valuable resources and information about available scholarships. They can guide you in your search and provide assistance in finding suitable scholarship opportunities.
Remember to carefully review the requirements and guidelines of each scholarship and submit your application before the stated deadlines. Scholarships can provide financial support and open doors to valuable teaching experiences abroad.
Teachers Portal
