How do people teach english abroad?

[Bricona]

Hey guys, a few of my friends have been telling me that I should teach english overseas. It's supposedly a really great gig that pays well, puts you in a good room, and pays for your food and utilities. But, I can't seem to find an actual program online. Especially because it's like traveling through a mindfield of possible scams.

Anyone ever do this type of thing? Anyone go abroad with a program and teach english?

[aelle]

Most of my friends here do this. In Korea, the best way to do it is to go through a recruiter, and choose your recruiter by word of mouth - to avoid scams, as you said. Always Google the school they offer you to check that they have a good reputation. Have other teachers read your contract before you sign anything to make sure that it's up to standards.

My friends recommend the following recruiters: adventure teaching.com, footprints.ca - although they admit that all recruiters come with a dose of sleaziness.

Dave's ESL Cafe is a toxic place in general, but to fish out these particular informations it's a good source.

Do you know which country you would like to go to?

[180]

I've done it before and I'm doing it again in September. I think Aelles does it too based on her location pots.

There are 3 Major areas in Asia where you can teach, Some in the middle east that require higher degrees and some in Europe which are harder gigs to get.

I personally know Asia the most
1) Japan
2) China
3) Korea

1) Japan is the one that everyone wants to go. However, there is still bigotry and racism there. It's expensive but you get paid nicely. The problem is, it's very difficult to save money. The average cup noodle costs $1.50 there. A meal at Mcdonalds is almost like $10. It's expensive... You can save money but the cost of living is incredibly high, rent takes most of it. However, most people who went to japan especially the "otakus" like it there. The japanophiles. Personally, It's my end destination after my stint in Korea. Japan is nice, they have the toliets that wash your bum, people are nice and friendly, and it's incredibly safe. Don't expect pretty women though and "Yaeba" is all the rage there (Crooked Teeth). If you're an anime freak and like video games though, you can learn the language and make a niche for yourself there. Nerds Paradise....

2) China is a mixed bag. A growing economy, demand of language teachers, and availble women who want to marry you for your green card, what more could you ask for? The growing economy is a good way to land you some high positions at schools. The problem is that again, it's hard to save money. The cost of living is CHEAP. The average GOOD salary is 9000 RMB (6000RM low end) which approximately $1500 usd. You won't be able to save much to send home but if you want to party, it won't cost more than 300RMB for a weekend of liquor and women (if you're into that sort of thing, I'm too old for that). Plus China is a growing economy so it's possible to make connections that will help your future growth. I got several job offers there and I can tell you if you want to ride the next economy wave and secure your future, China's is today's best bet.

3) Korea, I've taught there 2 years and I'll be going again in September. Without a doubt, Korea is safer than China but not as good as Japan. However, expect to be paid $2000 USD with room and board covered. If you want to save money, Korea is the way to do it. The cost of living is relatively cheap sans parts of Seoul, but there are always ways to save and make money. If you illegaly (or legally tutor) you can bang out $4000 USD a month which is what I did. You have to be intelligent it about it though and not get caught. A lot of people speak english, much more so than Japan and China, and you won't really have too much of a hard time meeting friends because Koreans want foreigner friends and there are plenty of foreigners to meet there. I do caution though that the teaching culture is poor there. Most school want a "in class clown" to have a white face and entertain. This can be in your favor if you like games and candy but serious teachers dislike this methodology. I have nothing against it, but it's a hot topic.

I have a lot more to say, mostly about Korea. But what are you thinking?

Also, I've heard very good things about Dubai, but you need at least a MA in TESOL or applied lingusitics to even teach there. If you're just starting out I recommend

1) Gepik
2) Epik
3) Smoe

These are 3 Korean public school programs. Some teachers get scammed so it's much safer to apply to these programs. However you missed the august deadline and will have to apply for Feburary.

Please ask any questions if you need more. I'd perefer posting because PMS not everyone can read and share info

[Bricona]

Originally Posted by aelle

Most of my friends here do this. In Korea, the best way to do it is to go through a recruiter, and choose your recruiter by word of mouth - to avoid scams, as you said. Always Google the school they offer you to check that they have a good reputation. Have other teachers read your contract before you sign anything to make sure that it's up to standards.

My friends recommend the following recruiters: adventure teaching.com, footprints.ca - although they admit that all recruiters come with a dose of sleaziness.

Dave's ESL Cafe is a toxic place in general, but to fish out these particular informations it's a good source.

Do you know which country you would like to go to?

I'd really like to go to Europe, the Middle East, Russia, South America, or Australia. That's just preference. I wouldn't mind going to Japan, Korea, or China.

When you say sleazy, what do you mean?

[Bricona]

Originally Posted by 180

I've done it before and I'm doing it again in September. I think Aelles does it too based on her location pots.

There are 3 Major areas in Asia where you can teach, Some in the middle east that require higher degrees and some in Europe which are harder gigs to get.

I personally know Asia the most
1) Japan
2) China
3) Korea

1) Japan is the one that everyone wants to go. However, there is still bigotry and racism there. It's expensive but you get paid nicely. The problem is, it's very difficult to save money. The average cup noodle costs $1.50 there. A meal at Mcdonalds is almost like $10. It's expensive... You can save money but the cost of living is incredibly high, rent takes most of it. However, most people who went to japan especially the "otakus" like it there. The japanophiles. Personally, It's my end destination after my stint in Korea. Japan is nice, they have the toliets that wash your bum, people are nice and friendly, and it's incredibly safe. Don't expect pretty women though and "Yaeba" is all the rage there (Crooked Teeth). If you're an anime freak and like video games though, you can learn the language and make a niche for yourself there. Nerds Paradise....

2) China is a mixed bag. A growing economy, demand of language teachers, and availble women who want to marry you for your green card, what more could you ask for? The growing economy is a good way to land you some high positions at schools. The problem is that again, it's hard to save money. The cost of living is CHEAP. The average GOOD salary is 9000 RMB (6000RM low end) which approximately $1500 usd. You won't be able to save much to send home but if you want to party, it won't cost more than 300RMB for a weekend of liquor and women (if you're into that sort of thing, I'm too old for that). Plus China is a growing economy so it's possible to make connections that will help your future growth. I got several job offers there and I can tell you if you want to ride the next economy wave and secure your future, China's is today's best bet.

3) Korea, I've taught there 2 years and I'll be going again in September. Without a doubt, Korea is safer than China but not as good as Japan. However, expect to be paid $2000 USD with room and board covered. If you want to save money, Korea is the way to do it. The cost of living is relatively cheap sans parts of Seoul, but there are always ways to save and make money. If you illegaly (or legally tutor) you can bang out $4000 USD a month which is what I did. You have to be intelligent it about it though and not get caught. A lot of people speak english, much more so than Japan and China, and you won't really have too much of a hard time meeting friends because Koreans want foreigner friends and there are plenty of foreigners to meet there. I do caution though that the teaching culture is poor there. Most school want a "in class clown" to have a white face and entertain. This can be in your favor if you like games and candy but serious teachers dislike this methodology. I have nothing against it, but it's a hot topic.

I have a lot more to say, mostly about Korea. But what are you thinking?

Also, I've heard very good things about Dubai, but you need at least a MA in TESOL or applied lingusitics to even teach there. If you're just starting out I recommend

1) Gepik
2) Epik
3) Smoe

These are 3 Korean public school programs. Some teachers get scammed so it's much safer to apply to these programs. However you missed the august deadline and will have to apply for Feburary.

Please ask any questions if you need more. I'd perefer posting because PMS not everyone can read and share info

I'm not exactly into anime or video games.

So are these programs free? Do I have to pay to work to get paid?

You mentioned that China pays 1,500 dollars USD and Korea is 2,000 USD. Is that per month? And how much does Japan pay?

What type of legal documents do I need to own?

And, when you say that I missed the cutoff and have to apply for February, when is the application process for February?

Thank you Aelle and 180 for giving me some much needed advice.

[Bricona]

Originally Posted by aelle

My friends recommend the following recruiters: adventure teaching.com, footprints.ca - although they admit that all recruiters come with a dose of sleaziness.

I just checked footprints.ca and found that it's about hollistic healthcare. Are you sure that's the website?

1) Gepik
2) Epik
3) Smoe

are these .com's, .net's, .ca's, or .org's?

[aelle]

Originally Posted by 180

I think Aelles does it too based on her location pots.

Nope, I'm an engineer. I'm not even an English native speaker, so I couldn't get hired to teach ESL here if I wanted to.

And...

Originally Posted by 180

Most school want a "in class clown" to have a white face and entertain.

This isn't exclusive to the teaching industry

Originally Posted by Bricona

When you say sleazy, what do you mean?

Well, the way I see it, there are 2 cultural tendencies in Korea that rub us Westerners the wrong way.
The first is to value the relationship over the written word (like, gee, I don't know, a contract). The contract mattered on the day you signed it (because it was a reflection on your relationship on that day), but the current relationship matters today. So if there's a disagreement between you and your employer over the interpretation of your contact, your recruiter can't be expected to mediate in an objective manner. He will most likely encourage you to smoothe things over and find a compromise, even if you believe that compromise goes against your rights.
The second one (which is more specific to Korea, while the first one is more broadly East Asian) is a certain clan-ish tendency... A Korea mediator, even if he should technically be working for you and for your benefit, can tend to side with other Koreans.

The combination of these 2 tendencies can make you feel like your recruiter isn't always being straight with you or is attempting to screw you over. It's part of the tribute you pay to work in a radically different culture.

[aelle]

Originally Posted by Bricona

I just checked footprints.ca and found that it's about hollistic healthcare. Are you sure that's the website?

Heh, that's the address they gave me. I guess now it's Teach English Overseas - FREE Teaching Job Placement - HIRING NOW

[180]

Well first before even getting into it you have to consider your priorities.

What's the most important?

1) Money
2) Comfort
3) Dating
4) Social needs
5) Exploring

Overall I recommend either Korea or Japan. Europe is hard to get into and you need a TESOL degree. You cannot enter blind like in Asia which has much lower standards.

The choice between Japan and Korea comes down to Comfort/novelty versus Money. Japan for most people is a much more mind opening experience. People tend to love Japan more for its culture and people. People will be MUCH kinder than Korea. Korea is where you'll make the biggest bank and it's easier to get into. You can have an awesome time like Japan but Japan is just... wow. Toliets that wash your ass? comeone can't beat that.

Depending on the level of each thing you should subscribe your search and narrow it.

The programs I mentioned are for free. They give you a weeks training (a joke really, it's like fill out a form) and they will reimburse you later for the flight to Korea (aprox 2000 usd.)

Yes it's per month. China tends to pay bi monthly and Korea pays monthly. I don't know about japan but I heard it's bi montly in some places.

LEGAL documents? Depends. China doesn't require much. They don't all require FBI background checks or apossitles (documents stamped by your secretary of state). Korea requires all of that.

1) Degree - Notarized and then Apossitled
2) College Transcripts
3) 2 Letters of recommendation
4) FBI background check. This is the biggest pain in the ass. The others are easy. But you have to get fingerprinted sent to Pennsylvania, and then it has to get stamped again in Washington DC OR your secretary of state if you're lucky enough. It's complicated.

etc... I can't remember the rest.

Japan pays about $2200 for most places, but again, money is relative. Japan you most likely have to pay for room. It's nothing to scoff at since in Japan it usually comes out to 1/3 your salary. Korea you don't pay for room.

If you want to apply for the programs I mentioned, Do it ASAP. Background check takes 12 *weeks. The earlier you apply the much better your chances. And in this economy it's a HUGE battle for those jobs. 2 years ago I got into the Epik program easy pezy. But now there's a lot of competition and it filled up fast. I waited too long, and instead and had to apply to a private school. I wasn't able to get into EPIK.

[Bricona]

Originally Posted by 180

LEGAL documents? Depends. China doesn't require much. They don't all require FBI background checks or apossitles (documents stamped by your secretary of state). Korea requires all of that.

1) Degree - Notarized and then Apossitled
2) College Transcripts
3) 2 Letters of recommendation
4) FBI background check. This is the biggest pain in the ass. The others are easy. But you have to get fingerprinted sent to Pennsylvania, and then it has to get stamped again in Washington DC OR your secretary of state if you're lucky enough. It's complicated.

etc... I can't remember the rest.

Ouch. I don't have a degree. I have a high school degree.

[180]

Originally Posted by Bricona

Ouch. I don't have a degree. I have a high school degree.

To cut it clear, it's gonna be illegal then.

However, you can have a job at what's called a "hagwon", an afterschool academy. Technically you are required to have a college degree for most of them but some of the shady ones will hire you with just a high school degree. But you need to research them because some of them won't pay and you kick you out month 11, forcing you to pay for your own ticket home.

Without a college degree it's going to be hard because it's illegal but I have heard of cases where people will hire you. It depends on your "morals". If you really think it's wrong then that's fine. If you still want to be hired it's possible, but more likely that you'll have to be a little on the handsome side. Schools care more about looks than degrees and if you're appealing you can still get a job. Just protect yourself from getting scammed and kicked at the 11 month.

[elucidate]

I've also heard that in some asian school, like in China say, they can make you stay the full year of your contract even if you decide you hate it and want to leave...is this true 180?

I've been studying TESOL for a while now, and am just gonna teach from home until I save to travel.

Also, I've heard conflicting stories about the prices in japan. One guy I know who has a japanese wife and has lived there a few times, says that it's really not that expensive, you just have to steer clear of touristy areas and find the cheaper places.

You also don't need a degree in japan according to an old school buddy I ran into who just got back.

[aelle]

Originally Posted by 180

To cut it clear, it's gonna be illegal then.

However, you can have a job at what's called a "hagwon", an afterschool academy. Technically you are required to have a college degree for most of them but some of the shady ones will hire you with just a high school degree. But you need to research them because some of them won't pay and you kick you out month 11, forcing you to pay for your own ticket home.

Without a college degree it's going to be hard because it's illegal but I have heard of cases where people will hire you. It depends on your "morals". If you really think it's wrong then that's fine. If you still want to be hired it's possible, but more likely that you'll have to be a little on the handsome side. Schools care more about looks than degrees and if you're appealing you can still get a job. Just protect yourself from getting scammed and kicked at the 11 month.

I wonder, under what kind of visa do people go in these situations, since they don't qualify for F2 or any other work visa? Tourist visa + visa run every 3 months? That **** gets expensive. You also run the risk of being denied entry at any of your visa runs (my boyfriend is in this situation, although he doesn't work so he's doing nothing illegal. Still, every border check is a little tense).
Or are they straight up undocumented?

Moonlighting in your own country is one thing. Personally, I would never do it abroad. Deportation is not an experience that's on my travel bucket list.

[180]

Originally Posted by elucidate

I've also heard that in some asian school, like in China say, they can make you stay the full year of your contract even if you decide you hate it and want to leave...is this true 180?

I've been studying TESOL for a while now, and am just gonna teach from home until I save to travel.

Also, I've heard conflicting stories about the prices in japan. One guy I know who has a japanese wife and has lived there a few times, says that it's really not that expensive, you just have to steer clear of touristy areas and find the cheaper places.

You also don't need a degree in japan according to an old school buddy I ran into who just got back.

Offical public schools it's impossible to teach without degrees, however any private school is capable of hiring them as long as they don't care. Personally, I'm not morally objected to it.

Some schools will try to force you to stay, especially in China. Although, technically there is nothing they can do to make you stay there. Some of them will ask the teacher for their passport when you get there, but never do that. You never give your employer your passport as it is your lifeblood and I have heard of schools losing it or using it as a bargaining chip. Never ever give out your passport, and always remember to scan it or keep it on file in case you lose it. It speeds up the process by weeks.

I've also heard of a guy living in Japan who saved up a lot of cash. Like your guy he said avoid the tourist areas and you can save. I'm sure there are ways, especially avoiding ginza tokyo, osaka, and all metro areas. But even then there are always cheap ramen places to eat. I heard of this one guy who was basically a hermit who was able to save $1500 in Japan. I honestly don't know how. But he did it. Said he bought rice and vegtables mostly and lived without most comfortable amenities like beer or junk food.

As for TESOL degree, you doing it online or at an organization? I got mine at linguaedge. It was cheap $275. Finished 100 hr course in 60 hours lol.

[aelle]

Originally Posted by elucidate

Also, I've heard conflicting stories about the prices in japan. One guy I know who has a japanese wife and has lived there a few times, says that it's really not that expensive, you just have to steer clear of touristy areas and find the cheaper places.

If you try to live like a Westerner (eat meat, fruit and dairy, eat at McDonalds, own a car....) it's very expensive.
If you try to live like a Japanese (eat rice, fish and seaweed, pack your lunches, use a hand fan and a sweat towel rather than AC, ride a bike) it can be very cheap. For sure, it helps if you know the language and the customs, and all the more if you have a local partner to guide you through it!

During my year in Japan I spent under 10,000€ (board excluded) (1.200.000 yen at the time), while eating out on a regular basis and traveling twice a month.

[180]

Originally Posted by aelle

I wonder, under what kind of visa do people go in these situations, since they don't qualify for F2 or any other work visa? Tourist visa + visa run every 3 months? That **** gets expensive. You also run the risk of being denied entry at any of your visa runs (my boyfriend is in this situation, although he doesn't work so he's doing nothing illegal. Still, every border check is a little tense).
Or are they straight up undocumented?

Moonlighting in your own country is one thing. Personally, I would never do it abroad. Deportation is not an experience that's on my travel bucket list.

I've heard of some people escaping immigration altogether. Most things don't ever require your ARC card you could effectively do nothing, including not renewing your visa. I'm not a person to take such a risk but I've heard some people do fine. I heard of one guy living in korea without visa documents for several years running. He worked at the same Hagwon school and they never asked for documents because they don't put him under pension or medical. Although completely illegal, he never requires ARC and he was lost in the system. He just lives in Korea... statusless...

I've also heard of Visa runs but it can be expensive depending on where you go. For Korea the most common run is to Fukoka which a ferry from Busan. (One of the things I have to do next in Korea) It's only about 30,000 won and if you're from Seoul taking KTX it'll be another 30,000. Altogether I estimate it's probably 100k won for the whole visa run, I don't know about the renewal fees though.

Where does your boyfriend do it? He's not flying is he? How does he do his visa run. I haven't heard too many people get rejected for Tourist visas. The only real way to stay in Korea without any more visa crap is to get an F4 by marrying a Korean.

Would your boyfriend be up for that?

[elucidate]

Originally Posted by 180

Offical public schools it's impossible to teach without degrees, however any private school is capable of hiring them as long as they don't care. Personally, I'm not morally objected to it.

Ok thanks.

Some schools will try to force you to stay, especially in China. Although, technically there is nothing they can do to make you stay there. Some of them will ask the teacher for their passport when you get there, but never do that. You never give your employer your passport as it is your lifeblood and I have heard of schools losing it or using it as a bargaining chip. Never ever give out your passport, and always remember to scan it or keep it on file in case you lose it. It speeds up the process by weeks.

This is good to know, thanks. Can they simply refuse you if you refuse to give up your passport? Would they stoop to stealing it from your room when you are in class?

I've also heard of a guy living in Japan who saved up a lot of cash. Like your guy he said avoid the tourist areas and you can save. I'm sure there are ways, especially avoiding ginza tokyo, osaka, and all metro areas. But even then there are always cheap ramen places to eat. I heard of this one guy who was basically a hermit who was able to save $1500 in Japan. I honestly don't know how. But he did it. Said he bought rice and vegtables mostly and lived without most comfortable amenities like beer or junk food.

I'm quite good at saving and don't really drink beer or eat junk. I'm also a bit of a hermit, and would be there mainly for the experience and exploration, though I would also socialize at times, but not all the time...depending though, on the people I meet there and if I gel well with them I guess?

As for TESOL degree, you doing it online or at an organization? I got mine at linguaedge. It was cheap $275. Finished 100 hr course in 60 hours lol.

It's an online course, but I print off the individual units and do them off line and just fill in the blanks, as I can't concentrate online, the screen messes with my eyes too much.

The opportunist in me came out when I was homeless and my case worker said they could pay for me to do the course...so I grabbed that one. It was in the vicinity of $2000 for the level 4 course. At least I got something for that experience. Being homeless pays sometimes.

[180]

Originally Posted by aelle

If you try to live like a Westerner (eat meat, fruit and dairy, eat at McDonalds, own a car....) it's very expensive.
If you try to live like a Japanese (eat rice, fish and seaweed, pack your lunches, use a hand fan and a sweat towel rather than AC, ride a bike) it can be very cheap. For sure, it helps if you know the language and the customs, and all the more if you have a local partner to guide you through it!

During my year in Japan I spent under 10,000€ (board excluded) (1.200.000 yen at the time), while eating out on a regular basis and traveling twice a month.

Which perfecture were you living? :>

[aelle]

Originally Posted by 180

I've also heard of Visa runs but it can be expensive depending on where you go. For Korea the most common run is to Fukoka which a ferry from Busan. (One of the things I have to do next in Korea) It's only about 30,000 won and if you're from Seoul taking KTX it'll be another 30,000. Altogether I estimate it's probably 100k won for the whole visa run, I don't know about the renewal fees though.

I've done it. Actually, you have to pay taxes at the harbor and the ferry ride alone ends up costing upwards of 150.000 won (round trip). Still beats flying.

Originally Posted by 180

Where does your boyfriend do it? He's not flying is he? How does he do his visa run. I haven't heard too many people get rejected for Tourist visas.

He usually comes with me on a busines trip, so he doesn't have to pay for taxis and hotels. We go to Japan, most of the time.

You can get refused entry if they suspect that you have been employed illegally.

Originally Posted by 180

The only real way to stay in Korea without any more visa crap is to get an F4 by marrying a Korean.

Would your boyfriend be up for that?

Er, no. He would qualify for a dependent visa if he married me (I'm D7, expat) so that would make more sense...

[elucidate]

Originally Posted by aelle

If you try to live like a Westerner (eat meat, fruit and dairy, eat at McDonalds, own a car....) it's very expensive.
If you try to live like a Japanese (eat rice, fish and seaweed, pack your lunches, use a hand fan and a sweat towel rather than AC, ride a bike) it can be very cheap. For sure, it helps if you know the language and the customs, and all the more if you have a local partner to guide you through it!

During my year in Japan I spent under 10,000€ (board excluded) (1.200.000 yen at the time), while eating out on a regular basis and traveling twice a month.

I just read this now, must have missed it before.

yes, this is along my way of thinking too. I would probably invest in buying a big old bag of rice and just buy fresh produce at the markets and live more simply, and carry a wet towel for the heat and keep one bottle to fill with water, that sort of thing. I'd splash out occasionally, but I wouldn't be decadent all the time.

My priority is to explore, learn, experience...and I don't think you have to spend a lot to have fun. I might buy a cheap bike etc.

[180]

This is good to know, thanks. Can they simply refuse you if you refuse to give up your passport? Would they stoop to stealing it from your room when you are in class?

I've heard of some schools put up a fight, but legally they cannot take your passport, or even should take your passport. If you're the type like me to be over accomadating and nice, especially in a new country, I think it's best to photocopy both digitally and hard copy your passport. That way you can feel moderately safer giving it to them. IF they take it you always can go to your embassy explain what happened, give them the hard copy and you'll be ok. Some cases they reissue you a new passport in a month. I read stories about people failing to make passport copies and then have no job, waiting to leave the country eating dollar noodles everyday. Waited 2 months, and it was hell.


I'm quite good at saving and don't really drink beer or eat junk. I'm also a bit of a hermit, and would be there mainly for the experience and exploration, though I would also socialize at times, but not all the time...depending though, on the people I meet there and if I gel well with them I guess?

If you're like me, you'll meet a host family that will take care of you. This is kind of a phenomenon that some foreigners if they get close enough to an older co-worker, the older folks will take care of you. I had THREE host families. They basically took me to all the most expensive restaurants, best places, best sights, all for free. I was their "adopted child". I think based on your personality on the forum you're sure to find several older folks to take care of you. :>. Not to sound bias but being a white female grants you additional points. White females are highest in demand in Asia's elementary ESL market. So in demand, that people with MA's in TESOL get overlooked. So if you play your cards right, you'll make good connections with people who are willing to pay for your dinner. Or get a boyfriend. A white girlfriend in Asia is an extreme premium. Boys would literally wine and dine you and you wouldn't have to put out (I know I sound weird when i say this but it's the case). I'm not saying you will take advantage of them, because dating a white girl alone grants a lot of social status to the Asians that they would be willing to pay for everything. Anyways, Asian guys are traditional and they pay for everything anyways.

It's an online course, but I print off the individual units and do them off line and just fill in the blanks, as I can't concentrate online, the screen messes with my eyes too much.

Yeah, there is so much reading it's not even fun.... I had to buy an offhand pedagogy book to read to review the concepts. Although I always forget the methods and their name, grammar translation, audiolingual all that.

The opportunist in me came out when I was homeless and my case worker said they could pay for me to do the course...so I grabbed that one. It was in the vicinity of $2000 for the level 4 course. At least I got something for that experience. Being homeless pays sometimes.

That's actually a decent price for a good TESOL course. One thing you have to check though if it has ITAA accreditation. Some places won't take it if it's not internationally accredited. Don't freak out though, that's only some places. Others will most definitely take it, but it's something to check because some employers specifically state "International accreditation accepted only"


Lastly, where you thinking of applying to Elucidate? Japan?

[aelle]

Originally Posted by 180

Which perfecture were you living? :>

4 months in Tokyo, 8 in Ibaraki. But my boyfriend was in Osaka and we travelled together every other weekend and I saw pretty much all of Japan except for Shikoku (and including Okinawa and the Izu islands, which most people skip. Here's a map of my travels).

I went on a grant for 15,000€ and housing, and came back with 5,000€ that paid for my MBA. To be honest, most of the other participants way outspent their grants, and saw less of Japan than me. I hear I have mad frugality skills.

[elucidate]

Originally Posted by 180

I've heard of some schools put up a fight, but legally they cannot take your passport, or even should take your passport. If you're the type like me to be over accomadating and nice, especially in a new country, I think it's best to photocopy both digitally and hard copy your passport. That way you can feel moderately safer giving it to them. IF they take it you always can go to your embassy explain what happened, give them the hard copy and you'll be ok. Some cases they reissue you a new passport in a month. I read stories about people failing to make passport copies and then have no job, waiting to leave the country eating dollar noodles everyday. Waited 2 months, and it was hell.

I'll definitely remember this advice, thanks.

If you're like me, you'll meet a host family that will take care of you. This is kind of a phenomenon that some foreigners if they get close enough to an older co-worker, the older folks will take care of you. I had THREE host families. They basically took me to all the most expensive restaurants, best places, best sights, all for free. I was their "adopted child". I think based on your personality on the forum you're sure to find several older folks to take care of you. :>. Not to sound bias but being a white female grants you additional points. White females are highest in demand in Asia's elementary ESL market. So in demand, that people with MA's in TESOL get overlooked. So if you play your cards right, you'll make good connections with people who are willing to pay for your dinner. Or get a boyfriend. A white girlfriend in Asia is an extreme premium. Boys would literally wine and dine you and you wouldn't have to put out (I know I sound weird when i say this but it's the case). I'm not saying you will take advantage of them, because dating a white girl alone grants a lot of social status to the Asians that they would be willing to pay for everything. Anyways, Asian guys are traditional and they pay for everything anyways.

That does sound good...the adopted child thing.

I do understand that being white would make me somewhat of a fascination for asian men, so I'm not against being wined and dined, as long as there are no expectations later. If I want to though...that's another story. It's not really my priority, as I can pay for my own dinner of course, and I'm not much into being the token status bringer either, but if I like the guy then I might?

I know that I could take advantage of this if I wanted to, but I'm not really into that, unless I really need to, like if I'm stranded and penniless with no job prospects etc.

Yeah, there is so much reading it's not even fun.... I had to buy an offhand pedagogy book to read to review the concepts. Although I always forget the methods and their name, grammar translation, audiolingual all that.

I also felt really dumb for a while because I realized that even though I've spoken english my whole life, I've never really had to think about grammar, so some of the components put me right back in kindergarten going "Huh"? Luckily I discovered on the tesol forum that I'm not the only one and many other native english speakers were also struggling with it.

That's actually a decent price for a good TESOL course. One thing you have to check though if it has ITAA accreditation. Some places won't take it if it's not internationally accredited. Don't freak out though, that's only some places. Others will most definitely take it, but it's something to check because some employers specifically state "International accreditation accepted only"

I think it was more than that, but I didn't pay a cent and that's all that matters to me. I think it is accredited but it's worth noting and checking just in case...thanks for the reminder.

Lastly, where you thinking of applying to Elucidate? Japan?

Well, I really want to visit Japan at some point, and think probably asia is a good place to start just for the sheer number of jobs available and the perks etc...plus you can live like a queen and save in vietnam, and some other places. Russia is on my list, Poland and Prague. I have an EU passport thanks to my father being Maltese, so I'm pretty much set in that regards. Brazil has been calling me lately, and mexico...so pretty much everywhere, I just need to finish the course and save up money to pay for the flights.

[moimoi]

Hi,

I'm a teacher of English and teach in Hungary, EU.

[Bliss Sage]

Originally Posted by Bricona

mindfield

Learn English first . Otherwise your students may end up correcting your spelling and grammar and you will lose your credibility. Or else you could teach absolute beginners who won't know (or learn) correct English. I took the TEFL certificate and I watched that happen over and over again with my peers during our teaching practicum. Students don't like teachers who know less in their subject than they do.

Take a TEFL course that helps with job placement and then go wherever you want that has a job offer. They (at the TEFL school) don't actually care if your English is correct, or even if you are any good at English at all. I learned that from my own TEFL course. The schools hiring teachers abroad trust that TEFL certificate holders are good enough in English to teach it.

[Fighter]

Originally Posted by 180

1) Degree - Notarized and then Apossitled
2) College Transcripts
3) 2 Letters of recommendation
4) FBI background check. This is the biggest pain in the ass. The others are easy. But you have to get fingerprinted sent to Pennsylvania, and then it has to get stamped again in Washington DC OR your secretary of state if you're lucky enough. It's complicated.

How exactly do you get some of this stuff done? I have my college transcripts and letters of recommendation should be easy enough, but where would I go to get my degree notarized or start the FBI background check part? And just curious, but what all would they need for the FBI background check? Is it just something I apply for and then they go do it?

I'm considering TESL in Korea, so this would help me a lot

[CoolBee]

Not only make sure you are up to speed with grammar and so on yourself, but ALSO know the differences between British and American English!

I had a argument with one class (adults) because 5 minutes before I started the lesson, the head of the school (and they are a law unto themselves so forget contracts, rights and so on) pushed a book in my hand and said 'teach the speaking bits' never mind my careful several hours preparation beforehand. (Quite normal).

Anyway, turned out it was an american english text book not British english. The first exercise was around words you can use with subway.

Now, apart from being a chain of sandwich stores, the word subway in British English simply refers to a passage under a road. It does not in any way shape or form imply the underground railway or metros. Therefore, I had to stop and try and 'think American' about the various co-locations.

Two of the guys in the class complained to the head because I was having to 'think too much' (and we're talking a few seconds of not having off-pat answers here!) - she didn't prepare that's not what we pay for. (Despite the fact that I had spent 5 hours preparing a 1.5 hour lesson and the head had totally overridden it). I said to him 'did you explain that you only gave me the book 5 minutes before the lesson' but it was water off a duck's back.