There’s something unforgettable about summer schools — the mix of languages and laughter, late-night talent shows, messy group projects, and those small, breakthrough moments when a shy student finally speaks up in English. For new TEFL teachers, they offer a fast-paced, high-reward environment that goes beyond the typical classroom. You’re not just teaching; you’re part of an experience.
Summer schools are also a smart move professionally. Employers love seeing them on a CV because they show you’ve already handled real classrooms, worked as part of a team, and learned how to manage both lesson plans and teenagers — often at the same time. If you’re just starting your journey abroad or looking for a meaningful way to spend a few weeks overseas, this is one of the best places to begin.
You’ll grow quickly, both as a teacher and as a person. And if you bring the right mindset and skill set, chances are you’ll be invited back year after year.
Teamwork: The Backbone of Every Great Camp
Summer schools are built on collaboration. You won’t be in a classroom alone with your students for hours on end — instead, you’ll work closely with other teachers, activity leaders, and support staff to create a cohesive and fun learning environment. From organizing talent shows to planning scavenger hunts to simply managing a lively dinner table, your ability to work as part of a team will shape the entire experience.
Great summer camps run like clockwork not because of one superstar teacher, but because the whole team supports each other. That means stepping in when a colleague needs help, brainstorming lesson ideas together, and staying upbeat even when it’s the fourth time you’ve sung the camp song that day. Being adaptable and maintaining a good sense of humor go a long way.
Leadership: Guiding Your Group with Confidence
Even if this is your first teaching job, you’ll be in a position of authority the moment camp begins. Students will look to you for guidance, and your fellow staff members will rely on you to manage your responsibilities. That doesn’t mean you need to bark orders or run a classroom like a drill sergeant — far from it. The best summer school leaders are those who lead by example: calm, confident, and consistent.
You’ll be responsible for your own group of students, sometimes throughout the entire day. That includes keeping an eye on their well-being, helping them make friends, enforcing camp rules, and encouraging them to participate — especially when they’re nervous or unsure. Whether you’re helping with morning check-ins or directing an afternoon performance, your ability to stay organized and take initiative will have a major impact.
Leadership in a summer school context is more than classroom control — it’s about being a steady, positive presence in the whirlwind of camp life.
Young Learner Expertise: Teaching Beyond the Textbook
Most summer schools are geared toward kids and teens — which means your teaching needs to be more than just well-structured. It needs to be age-appropriate, emotionally aware, and, above all, engaging. Children won’t respond to dry grammar drills or hour-long lectures. They want to move, play, laugh, and learn without even realizing they’re doing it.
This kind of environment calls for teachers who understand how young learners process language and emotions. You’ll often wear multiple hats: educator, entertainer, counselor, big sibling, and cultural ambassador. Kids might be away from home for the first time, nervous about speaking English, or simply full of energy that needs channeling. How you handle those moments defines the experience for everyone.
It’s worth exploring techniques like TPR (Total Physical Response), storytelling, role-playing, or songs and chants. These methods not only help with comprehension but make the lessons memorable. The more fun your students are having, the more they’ll engage.
Having an advanced TEFL qualification in young learners is a big plus, but what matters most is that you treat your students with respect and warmth. When kids associate English with fun, trust, and creativity, they walk away with a whole new motivation to keep learning — and that’s a win far beyond the summer itself.
Problem Solving: Staying Calm When Things Go Sideways
At summer school, things don’t always go to plan — and that’s half the challenge (and the fun). Maybe your classroom gets double-booked, your lesson props vanish right before an activity, or a student bursts into tears halfway through a game because they miss home. Being able to respond with calm, creative thinking is one of the most valuable skills a TEFL teacher can have.
You’ll quickly learn that emotional regulation isn’t just for your students. Summer schools are intense — high energy, tight schedules, and big personalities all in one place. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed at times, especially if it’s your first experience leading a group. But it’s also a perfect setting to grow. You’ll start recognizing your own stress triggers and figuring out how to manage them without letting the situation spiral.
What matters isn’t avoiding every issue — it’s how you handle them. Can you adapt quickly? Can you communicate clearly when there’s a misunderstanding? Can you comfort a homesick student while keeping the rest of the group engaged? These moments are where great teachers stand out.
And you won’t be handling it all alone. Summer schools thrive on team support. You’ll lean on your colleagues, and they’ll lean on you. Whether it’s stepping in for someone who’s lost their voice or helping a nervous teen get through their first presentation, knowing when and how to help each other is part of what makes the camp experience work.
Creativity: Teaching with Energy, Imagination, and Joy
Summer schools aren’t meant to feel like regular school — and the best TEFL teachers know how to bring lessons to life. When you’re working with young learners, creativity isn’t a bonus; it’s essential. Your classroom might be a field, a stage, or even a beach, and your “textbook” could be a song, a skit, or a homemade board game.
What makes you memorable to your students is how you make them feel. Can you turn a grammar point into a game show? Can you lead a song that gets everyone clapping and laughing? Can you design a scavenger hunt that has students using new vocabulary without even realizing it? These are the lessons that stick — and the memories that last.
Creativity also helps you stay fresh. Teaching the same students for multiple weeks means you’ll need to keep things engaging and varied. Repeating the same games won’t cut it. This is your chance to test out ideas, experiment with performance-based learning, and find your own teaching style.
Creativity in TEFL isn’t about being the loudest or flashiest. It’s about making your students feel safe to try, excited to learn, and proud of what they’ve accomplished — all while having fun.
Cultural Sensitivity and Global Awareness
Summer schools bring together students and staff from all corners of the globe — and that means you’ll need more than just strong English skills. You’ll need the cultural awareness to help everyone feel seen, respected, and included.
From managing language barriers to understanding different classroom expectations, being a culturally sensitive teacher means listening more than you speak, asking questions instead of assuming, and encouraging dialogue between students from diverse backgrounds. What seems “normal” to one student may be totally new to another — and part of your role is to gently bridge those gaps.
You’ll also be part of a global team of teachers and counselors. Some might approach lessons differently, or have different ideas about discipline and group dynamics. Staying open-minded and collaborative helps you learn from each other — and makes you a better teacher, no matter where you go next.
More than anything, summer schools are places where friendships form across borders. Your role isn’t just to teach English — it’s to help students form bonds that transcend language. Encouraging intercultural exchanges, creating space for diverse voices, and modeling respect are some of the most powerful things you can do.
And these are skills that carry forward into every future TEFL role — whether you’re teaching in Japan, Brazil, Morocco, or online. In a world that’s more connected than ever, cultural sensitivity isn’t just nice to have. It’s essential.
Professionalism in a Casual Setting
It might feel like summer schools are all fun and games — and in many ways, they are. You’ll be running activities, joining themed parties, and laughing through group games most days. But don’t let the light-hearted atmosphere fool you: professionalism is what keeps everything running smoothly, and it’s one of the top traits recruiters are looking for.
Being professional doesn’t mean being stiff or formal. It means showing up prepared, on time, and committed — every single day. It means reading the schedule the night before, planning lessons thoughtfully, and stepping in when a teammate needs help. It means taking feedback seriously and being flexible when the day shifts unexpectedly (which it will).
Students and staff notice the small things: are you organized? Are you kind under pressure? Do you follow through on what you say? Do you treat every student with the same level of care? These are the habits that build trust, and trust is what makes students feel safe and excited to learn.
TEFL recruiters often say they’re not just hiring a teacher — they’re hiring someone who represents their entire camp culture. Bring a sense of joy, but also treat the role with the respect it deserves. That’s how you turn a summer job into an open door for future opportunities.
Bonus Skills That Make You Stand Out
Beyond the essentials, there are a few extra skills that can truly set you apart when applying to summer schools — especially the most competitive ones.
- First-aid or safety training: Many camps value teachers who have CPR or first-aid certification, especially if outdoor excursions are part of the program.
- Experience with teens: Whether you’ve worked in childcare, youth groups, or sports coaching, showing that you know how to engage with this age group adds weight to your application.
- Multilingualism: If you speak another language or have lived abroad, you’ll be better equipped to relate to students and bridge cultural gaps — a huge asset in multinational summer schools.
- Performance or creative arts: Drama, music, dance, or even just a willingness to sing camp songs loudly can turn you into the camp favorite. Summer schools love teachers who aren’t afraid to perform.
Think of these not as requirements, but as bonuses that make you memorable. If you’re choosing between multiple job offers, these “extras” could be what tip the scales in your favor.
What Recruiters Are Really Looking For
After speaking with multiple summer school recruiters, a few clear themes emerge — and they often have less to do with experience and more to do with attitude.
Recruiters want:
- People who take initiative without needing micromanagement.
- Teachers with empathy for homesick or shy students.
- Staff who show resilience when plans change or energy dips.
- Candidates who are adaptable, upbeat, and solutions-focused.
They’re not just scanning your CV for certificates. They’re reading between the lines: How do you speak about students? Do you ask smart questions? Are you curious, reliable, and friendly in your emails? Even your video call background or tone of voice says something about how you’ll show up at camp.
Application tips:
- Share real stories that demonstrate teamwork, adaptability, or care.
- Highlight your passion for working with kids — not just for travel.
- Be clear, warm, and punctual in all communications.
Final Thoughts: Why Summer Schools Are Worth It
Summer schools are more than a stepping stone — they’re a launchpad. Whether you're looking to travel meaningfully, gain experience for long-term TEFL work, or just do something different during your break, few opportunities offer as much energy, growth, and impact in such a short time.
You’ll leave with a stronger CV, better teaching instincts, and a sense of confidence that only comes from handling real classrooms and real challenges. But you’ll also leave with inside jokes, shared stories, and connections that often outlast the camp itself.
Most of all, you’ll make a difference. For many students, summer school is the highlight of their year. You might be the teacher who sparks their love of English, helps them feel seen in a new country, or gives them the courage to speak up.
If you’re ready to dive into this rewarding experience, check out our open summer school teaching roles — or prepare yourself with a Young Learners TEFL course to sharpen your skills and stand out.
Adventure, growth, and community are waiting. All you have to do is say yes.
Helping teachers find jobs they will love.