Comments on: Teaching English Abroad

By: Travis Taylor

Travis Taylor — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 16:23:50 +0000

Although having a TEFL certificate is a valuable asset, you can find teaching opportunities that do not require a course. I work for a company called Volunteer Visions that places volunteers in communities where they are needed throughout the world.

We have multiple teaching possibilities in countries from Costa Rica to Vietnam and everything in between.

Rather than taking a class that you might only use once, I think its a better idea to immerse yourself for a few weeks first and then continue with a more intense course and longer experience.

If you interested or have any questions feel free to email me at socialnet@volunteervisions.org

By: heidi1122

heidi1122 — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 20:18:00 +0000

Three years ago, while living as an exchange student in Norway, I took an online TEFL certification course. The course cost about $300 and was extremely easy to complete. I thought it would be a sure way to stay in Europe for a while after finishing school. Yet, the downfall is that I have not oficially used the certificate since my completion of the course.

It is very discouraging that every advertisement on the TEFL website prefers to employ EU citizens, as they do not need working permits in order to stay in Europe. And as most Norwegians speak perfect English, there was not a big demand for English classes.

However, over the past three years, I have met a number of other foreign exchange students and working individuals living in Norway that need to improve their English skills. I was really surprised at how many foreigners had actually come to Norway to learn English!

Luckily, I have been been able to earn money teaching English to private students as well as in small groups. So it is possible to teach English in Europe, you just have to be flexible and willing to bend the rules a bit.

By: Allaina

Allaina — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 17:56:00 +0000

I have heard nothing but horror stories from people who teach in South Korea, including a tale from a friend who is Korean. Japan has a higher cost of living, so it is harder to save up as much money. China is cheaper, but pays less, though teachers receive several times the amount a local would make. In countries in SE Asia and Africa, you may pay them to defray the cost of being there. In the end, forget the money if you can and go to the place that interests you most.

By: Student Travel Hostels

Student Travel Hostels — Sun, 25 Feb 2007 18:10:00 +0000

I have learned that the hot spot to teach abroad right now is South Korea. They pay $30-$40K a year, plus the cost of living is really low. And you don’t need a TEFL certificate.

But I have also learned you need to be careful, because a lot of shady operators have language schools here. I recommend you get your contract to give you 50% upfront if you are on a contract. If you are on salary, you will know after a month if they are really going to pay you or not.