Last Updated on April 11, 2025 by Tanya Janse van Rensburg
Life as a student isn’t cheap—you know that better than anyone!
Between rent, groceries, transport, and all those course materials, loans and grants don’t always stretch far enough to cover everyday expenses.
And with tuition fees constantly going up, many students become experts at budgeting, thrift shopping, and finding clever ways to save—like buying second-hand textbooks, kitchen gear, or discounted groceries near their expiration date.
But for some, cutting costs isn’t enough and making money—not just saving it—becomes necessary.
Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) can help solve the financial obstacles that you might face at university.
Flexibility, cultural experience, and professional development are other advantages of teach english abroad programs that college students can enjoy.
Why Teaching English as an Interior Design Student
At first glance, teaching English and interior design might appear two worlds apart. However, you would be surprised to know they share some striking similarities.
The core aspect both professions share is that they rely heavily on creating safe and welcoming environments.
In TEFL, the classroom environment is where teachers deliver lessons with engaging activities and where learners develop their language skills while shaping interactions with their peers.
Similarly, interior designers shape their clients’ moods by developing the functionality and appearance of indoor spaces with the careful and creative use of color, layout, and lighting.
To achieve this ambitious goal, both TEFL teachers and interior designers must make careful plans and precise analysis of their learners'/clients’ needs.
They also need to have strong communication skills and a deep understanding of the desired outcome.
Teaching English Abroad or Online: The Two Sides of the Same Coin
Teaching English as a foreign language, either online or in person, is more than just a way of making ends meet.
It’s a flexible job that pays well and helps you build skills that’ll be useful long after graduation.
Sure, teaching English to non-native speakers takes some dedication (and yes, it can feel a bit intimidating at first), but it’s a rewarding way to earn cash and gain experience. Here’s how:
- It boosts your employability – Shows you’re serious, professional, and qualified. Teaching helps you develop skills that future employers will love. You’ll learn to multitask, think on your feet, and manage a classroom.
- It makes you stand out – Proves you can adapt to different learners’ needs. The life experience and self-awareness you develop by interacting with different cultures will help you understand and connect faster with your future clients.
- It builds transferable skills – Like communication, patience, and creativity. Standing in front of students—whether online or in person—does wonders for your confidence and public speaking skills.
Things to Know About TEFL Abroad
One of the most exciting parts of teaching abroad is choosing your destination.
Moving to a different country and experiencing a new culture firsthand is a big commitment and it can feel a bit daunting. Let’s see how you can make your move less stressful.
First and foremost, you need to understand what you want to achieve from this experience and what kind of lifestyle you would like:
- Think about the climate: sunny beaches, snow-capped mountains, or something in between.
- Consider your personality. Would you prefer to be at the center of the action in a busy city or enjoy a deeper cultural immersion in a quiet village?
- Identify your goal. If you are aiming at big salaries, some countries in the Middle East—like Kuwait—are ideal. Alternatively, you can head further east, where South Korea and Japan offer among the highest TEFL salaries in the world. If you are thinking about a cultural adventure, China—with its 55 different ethnic groups—would be an unforgettable experience. If you are considering making a positive impact on society, countries like Ghana support teachers who want to support local education.
Now that you have an idea of what you want from this experience, you need to check which country requirements match yours.
Some countries have strict rules about:
- Age limits – Myanmar, for example, won’t hire TEFL teachers older than 52.
- Higher education – Some countries, like Vietnam, only hire TEFL teachers with a university degree. However, other countries, like India and Cambodia, are much more lenient. Since you’re already a student, you’ve got an edge over people who haven’t been in higher education.
- English proficiency – If you are not a native speaker, some countries might require you to demonstrate your proficiency level.
- Training and previous experience – Every reputable TEFL employer anywhere in the world will require their teachers to hold a 120-hour TEFL certification. Getting certified takes time and effort (and a bit of upfront cost), but it’s an investment that pays off fast. Having previous teaching experience is an advantage, but plenty of language schools are willing to hire newly qualified TEFL teachers.
Things to Know About TEFL Online
If your studies don’t allow you to teach abroad, you can still get into TEFL by teaching English online.
This opportunity is ideal if you want to earn some money wherever you are, even in your campus dorm!
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Your tech is your bread and butter. You need reliable equipment, but it doesn’t need to be expensive. It might be something you already have! A decent laptop with a built-in camera and mic works fine for most teachers as long as you update your software. A stable, high-speed connection is a must. If your Wi-Fi is unreliable, consider upgrading.
- There should be a designated on-screen/teaching area. It should be quiet and well-lit. A clean, neutral backdrop makes you look professional, but adding simple teaching aids (a whiteboard, flashcards, or posters) can make lessons more appealing.
Online teaching can be done independently or through platforms. Each option has pros and cons, but only you can decide what’s best for you:
- Independent teaching gives you full control over your rates, schedule workload, and students. On the other hand, it requires more work behind the scenes. You’ll be in charge of handling the marketing, legal and financial aspects of the business.
- Teaching through a platform gives you the freedom to do what you’ve set out to do: just teach. The online school finds the students and manages the bookings, the marketing, and the legal aspects on your behalf. The downside is that you have slightly less flexibility. You won’t be able to decide how much you’re getting paid, and you’ll have to guarantee a minimum of teaching hours per week/month. However, this option can save you a lot of time since some online schools have lesson plans and materials ready-made for you to use in your lessons.
Conclusion
Handling the financial situation while studying at university is a huge challenge for many students.
Despite saving money and cutting costs, making ends meet has become increasingly difficult.
Teaching English as a foreign language can offer more than just extra income—it develops personal and professional skills useful in future careers.
Ultimately, TEFL and interior design aren’t so different after all!
