Who to Teach?

[Niko]

Teach Children or Teach Adults

New teachers heading overseas, often ask:

Should I teach children or should I teach adults?

Like most things in life, there are advantages and disadvantages with each. You need to consider your own preferences and strengths before making the decision.

Characteristics of Teaching Adults:

• Opportunities can arise in other non-teaching related work. Eg: proofreading, editing, translation etc.
• Higher hourly rates.
• Sometimes students are tired due to work and family pressures.
• Friendship and romance possible amongst students.
• Mentally stimulating conversations.
• Teaching hours usually in the evenings.
• Smart casual or business attire required.
• Show few signs of learning progress.

Characteristics of Teaching Children:

• Virtually no class cancellations.
• Cheerful and always smiling students.
• Possible monotony with teaching the ABC's, singing the same songs etc.
• Teaching hours usually during the day.
• Casual dress code.
• Big teaching blocks.
• Require high energy levels to teach. Expect to jump around, run, sit, stand and move much of the lesson.

Teaching English to children is the easiest entry into teaching abroad. Teaching English to adults generally requires prior teaching experience and/or a few years work experience in one's home country.