Its something i was looking at getting into and i just figured itd be good to talk to some people about how it is before i went just about how it is etc. just to get a general idea of how it is. so if youve done it please specify how it was like, what country you went to, was it easy to communicate with people, was it easy to have fun?
I have not but I know many that have. From everyone I know that have done it they say that getting a good assignment is really difficult if one goes thru a professional organization. Europe is one of the harder plces to teach unless you are willing to go to one of the more underdeveloped countries in the east.
Spain is also a good place to go. Especially in the southern region of Andulucia where English isn’t widely spoken (except by all the soddy Britons that have bought up all the good property along the Med)…plus its a blast to live there.
I have some good friends that teach in Seville, illegally…ironic, huh? It is real hard to get documentation to work in many European countries that have high unemployment.
You should check out the certification courses online. They are expensive but almost guarantee you a job upon successful completion. Though, as I stated earlier its nearly impossible to go where you want to.
That’s what I’m doing right now man.
I started in Prague(TEFL course) and I’ve been teaching in Istanbul, Turkey for the past 3 years. I’m planning to go to South America when I have enough money saved up.
The answers to your questions vary from person to person. What are your expectations? What are you in it for?
To learn new languages? see new cultures/places? meet new people? Make money?(sort of difficult but possible) Most teachers I know earn better than the natives of the country in which they teach but it’s pretty hard to run into one that has actually saved money. Most of the ones I know struggle to get a ticket back home.
But again, it all depends on the person… Some are thrifty, some aren’t. ‘‘to get by’’ has a different meaning for everybody depending on their lifestyle.
If you have habits such as going out a couple of times a week, smoking a pack a day, having coffee here n there(Starbucks, Gloria Jeans…etc), getting by on a teacher salary might be hard considering the fact that you have to pay rent…etc.
But no matter what I or anybody else tells you, it changes and you never know what you’re gonna run into, what life has in store for you:)
Here’s one of the most helpful teahcer websites that I know of. www.eslcafe.com I hope it gives you an idea but please hear me out when I say; ‘‘U never know what you’re gonna run into.’’
Don’t hesitate to pm me if you have any questions… Would do the best I can to help.
Good luck:)
I rented a room to a guy who did that here. He gave private lessons, taught in school, and eventually moved up to editing legal documents for a radio station.
It pays more if you can work with kids or know “business English”. It also pays more in smaller towns because there are few or no foreigners there, but it’s pretty hard to survive there without knowing the local language or being married to someone who does.
A good place to teach English is the Philippines. Not only are the people hospitable, but they can understand English quite well. All you need to do is to teach how to speak, read and write fluent English.
I have taught in Bangkok, Thailand for 15 years. I’ve only been doing substitution work on the weekends for the last 2 years, but I still teach a couple of days a month.
It is very easy to get work here; even if you’re not qualified. Both children and adults can be fun to teach. Having fun and not being too serious is an important part of many Thais’ personality. However, many students, particularly adults who are just doing classes for a laugh, show little progress no matter what you do.
Of course, the pay sucks compared to a job in the U.S., but you can live a fairly comfortable lower middle class existence in Thailand if you work full-time.
I’ve heard that for decent money Saudi Arabia is the place to teach.
I taught in japan for a half year while in college - it was awesome.
It’s always a learning experience to teach in a different country. For example, in Japan, you learn that you can’t really call on anyone to answer a question. You have to ask if anyone would like to answer, because of the honor system and the principle of saving face. If you call on a student who is from a more up-to-do economical standing, and they can’t answer it, then you call on a student from a lower class and they can, you place them both in a very bad situation, where to rich one is shamed and the poor one is forced to ‘shame’ them. So, it was a great learning experience.
It’s hard at first to get the hang of things - it’s just completely different. Some places given you a curriculum that you must follow strictly. Others say figure something out and leave you alone.
The way the kids treat you varies by country. In japan, some were shy, others were ‘skeptical’ of the american, and others were outgoing and asking a million questions, showing off, etc.
The other teachers were generally good towards me. The japanese people as a whole are very respectful, so it was nice.
Japan itself is an awesome country. The tv shows are awesome, the stores, the festivals, the food, the gyms, hot springs, everything. I have actually debated moving there on several occasions.
yeah ive always wanted to go to Japan. Although i hear nowadays you’re required to have a college degree to teach there but its alright as i dont plan to get TEFL certified until after i obtain my associates. Other countries ive thought of are Brazil, Thailand, and anywhere in Europe really. Id prefer Italy or Spain of course but i understand its hard to obtain work visas there but i guess its easier to get a job once you move there first.
Im not too worried about saving up money to bring back. I just want to see the world and i like working with people especially in a teaching manner plus what better way to see a new place than to become part of it and live amongst the people?
My biggest worry is going there and having a hard time finding fun. Id like to spend most of my recreational time at the clubs or beach lol so hopefully either other teachers or classroom natives would provide some company/be my tourguide so to speak.
thanks to everyone for the input as well. ive still got some time before i make any final descions but this is something i really think id like to do.
oh, and of course having good gyms nearby is also a huge plus.
Well, if you go to Japan, they have some really nice Golds Gyms. It’s really interesting to see how differently people behave there. Japan as a whole is more private and respectful than most places, and it makes the gym a nice place.
As far as meeting people, I can’t say for other places, but in Japan, it’s actually really easy. As long as you can speak their language, the people are usually very excited to talk to you, especially in places were visitors are less likely to visit.
As long as you aren’t a complete introvert, you’ll have no problem finding friends.
The only thing is, visitors to Japan now have to be photographed and finger printed and interviewed by a customs agent when arriving, and some people are uncomfortable with that.
If you do go there eventually, try the squid, shrimp, tuna, mayo pizza. It’s awesome.
I can hardly even speak English never mind teach it so I guess my input here is minimal (even though I’ve lived here most my life).
However. Squiggles, I find your name, outlook, and avatar combination extremely attractive. PM me!!!
I just got back from Korea (Air Force) last year; While I was there I dated a girl who taught English in Seoul. From what I gathered from her, it’s a challenging yet rewarding experience.
yeah i dont speak any languages aside from English but i think so much of the world speaks it anyway it wont be that huge a problem (i mean thats what im going to do anyway lol). honestly, im pretty used to communicating with people who have very very little English ability. the city i live in, the school i go to, extremely diverse.
[quote]Renton wrote:
I can hardly even speak English never mind teach it so I guess my input here is minimal (even though I’ve lived here most my life).
However. Squiggles, I find your name, outlook, and avatar combination extremely attractive. PM me!!![/quote]
Admit it - it was really my choice of pizza toppings that caught your eye, wasn’t it?
[quote]Squiggles wrote:
Renton wrote:
I can hardly even speak English never mind teach it so I guess my input here is minimal (even though I’ve lived here most my life).
However. Squiggles, I find your name, outlook, and avatar combination extremely attractive. PM me!!!
Admit it - it was really my choice of pizza toppings that caught your eye, wasn’t it?
[/quote]
Anyone that eats chicken, banana and custard pizza is ok in my book!
I’m in my 4th year of doing it in China.
2nd best decision in my life. Found some of the best people I’ve ever met. Job is only 16 hours a week (+prep time) and will leave plenty of time for 2nd/3rd jobs (if you need the money) or to follow other interests.
For “fun,” it all depends on what city you’re in. Bigger cities, of course, have more of what you’re looking for.
Teaching can cover the full spectrum of emotions, let me tell u.
PM me if you’d like.
AD
Heading to South Korea asap next year.
Not really a career move, just an opportunity to do something different, perhaps rewarding, have a cultural experience, and earn a bit of money to do some more travel. As far as I know, South Korea is the best place in terms of salary vs cost of living and the potential to save money.
so for those of you whove done it how was the process of getting a job? did you have to wait a long time for an offer? did you get many at once and have to decide? how long does the process take on average or does it vary from person to person?
Depending on the country, it could be up to a few months in advance or totally last minute.
I get offers (once I post availibility on websites, and post resume) throughout the year, but moreso in June/July/August (as they are preparing to hire for the next school year).
Remember, I teach uni, so it’s quite different than teaching kids (which pays more, but is more energy/work hours). Most kids schools hire year long unless they are fully staffed.
Yeah, it depends on the country, and also the economy in that area.
For Japan, the hiring requirement tend to make westerners feel weird.
I had to go there and do job hunting. Looked for ads in the paper, etc. Once I found a place, I contacted them the first time. They told me to go ahead and send along the info.
I had to fax my resume, a copy of my transcripts, a full-length photo of myself, and my ‘business’ card. Business cards in Japan are important, even though it only has a name, address, and phone number. Its an honor thing.
It’s also common in Japan for prospective employers to request a photo with the resume.
I was invited for an interview, and they were interested. I then had to have lunch with the owner of the school. He gave the ‘okay’ for step three. I had to stay overnight at one of the teachers homes. Yes, this was part of the job application. They do this so they can try to get a feel for your attitude, morals, the way react to things, and they way you are in everyday life.
Odd, but definately a cultural experience.
So, just prepare for the unexpected, try to stay relaxed, and enjoy the experience.
wow, umm…different is all i can really say about that lol. since you worked in Japan did you also work 6 days a week since thats how many days people go to school?
im guessing a front double-bi wouldnt be an appropriate picture either?