In your first month, do three things: finish your registration paperwork, plan every lesson with a clear aim, and watch other teachers. Most early problems come from unclear instructions, talking too much and trying to cover too much, not from weak grammar knowledge.
Admin deadlines abroad
Check with your school, because requirements depend on the country and visa. Reported deadlines include:
- Spain and Italy: Irish citizens can stay three months without registering. After that, register: in Spain, a Certificate of Registration containing your NIE; in Italy, the Anagrafe. In Italy you need a codice fiscale to work.
- Japan: Recruiter guidance says you should register your address at the city or ward office within 14 days of arrival, and you receive a Residence Card at the airport.
- South Korea: Recruiter guidance says to register for your Alien Registration Card within 90 days, and that your employer arranges the health check in the first weeks.
- Thailand and Vietnam: The school normally handles the work permit. Do not work before it is issued.
Keep copies of every document and your contract. Open a local bank account only when you have the right ID, and confirm the pay date and any deductions in writing.
Planning lessons
Write a one-line aim for each lesson, such as: by the end, learners can ask for and give directions. Then choose a warm-up, one clear presentation, controlled practice, freer practice and a short feedback stage. Plan how long each stage takes and what you will cut if time runs short. The lesson plan template has a simple layout.
In the classroom
- Give instructions in short steps, demonstrate them and check understanding by asking a learner to do the first example.
- Reduce teacher talking time. Learners learn by using the language, so aim for them to speak far more than you.
- Use pair work before whole-class answers so quieter learners rehearse first.
- Correct errors that matter for the lesson aim and note others for later.
- Use the board for the target language, and keep it tidy.
- Learn names quickly, and arrive early to set up.
Common beginner mistakes
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
| Over-planning content | Plan one aim and one main activity. Extra material is a bonus. |
| Speaking too fast | Slow down and use short sentences, especially with beginners. |
| Asking 'Do you understand?' | Ask a question that shows understanding, such as 'What do you do first?' |
| Ignoring cultural norms | Ask colleagues about local expectations of teachers and classroom behaviour. |
| Working unpaid extra hours | Check the contract for hours and ask before agreeing to extras. |
A week-by-week outline
| Week | Focus |
|---|---|
| 1 | Meet colleagues, learn the building and timetable, confirm pay date and contract details, observe classes. |
| 2 | Teach with a simple plan for each class. Ask for feedback after the first week. |
| 3 | Add variety: pair work, a game, a short project. Begin tracking each class's level and needs. |
| 4 | Review what worked. Adjust timing and routines. Sort any visa or registration deadlines still open. |
Look after yourself too. Teaching on little sleep in a new country is hard, so keep a regular routine, get to know a few people outside work and learn enough of the local language for daily life. Homesickness is common in the first weeks and usually eases once you have a routine.
Handling the first difficult class
Every new teacher has a class that goes badly. Usually the cause is fixable: instructions were unclear, the task was too hard or too easy, or the room was set up poorly. After the lesson, write down what happened, what you expected and one change for next time. Ask a colleague to watch the class and say what they notice. Avoid blaming learners or yourself; look for the specific moment where the lesson drifted.
If a school is not paying on time or is changing the terms, tell someone: a colleague, your embassy or the recruiter. Read the red flags page for the signs.
Ask your school if you can watch two or three lessons by experienced colleagues in your first fortnight. It is the quickest way to learn how local classes work.
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Compare TEFL coursesThis is an affiliate link. See our affiliate disclosure.Frequently asked questions
How many hours should I plan for each lesson?
Allow enough time to write a clear aim, prepare materials and decide what to cut. Start simple and shorten with practice.
What if my learners do not respond?
Check your instructions are short and demonstrated, then use pair work before asking for whole-class answers.
Who should I ask about local rules?
Your school's coordinator first, then the embassy for visa and registration questions.