I recently graduated college in May, and I am looking for a way to experience a new culture while getting paid. I would love to backpack, but I don't have the money and I just need a way to support myself while living in another country. I've been looking into TEFL as an option for awhile now, but I'm completely overwhelmed with information. I have no teaching experience or certifications. Some of the countries I've been considering are Thailand, China, or South Korea.
I was looking into American TESOL Institute, but they charge a course fee of $950. They offer free accommodation and 4-5 months teaching. Is this a reasonable cost? I guess what I really want to know is what kind of costs can I expect with TEFL? Will I have to put money upfront? I know some programs don't require you to have a certification. Any advice would be helpful.
Ha! I know what you mean. My first few weeks teaching in Taiwan was definitely a 'trial by fire.' I quickly caught on though, but I feel now that a TEFL course would have prepared me better.
I know from teaching English in South Korea with the EPIK program that a TEFL certification will pay for itself and more after just your first year. In 2008 a non-TEFL salary was 1.8 million won and a TEFL salary was 2.0 million. Over the course of a year that is a difference of $2000 USD. My TEFL course was $750. Enough said.
Thanks. I have since taken your advice and enrolled in a TEFL course. This is sooo exciting!
i paid a grand to get a TEFL course off i-to-i and found a job teaching English in a good university in Ecuador about three years ago (it was $8 an hour but that was enough for accommodation, food, and beer :)
i have friends who have gone over to japan and south korea to teach english and come back to australia with 25K in the bank :O
South Korea is definitely a popular place to teach English these days. There are a lot of great governments positions available with the EPIK, GEPIK, and SMOE programs that pay well and provide a lot of support for their teachers.
As far as lifestyle choices though, I think I would still pick Ecuador over Korea any day :)
Glad to hear that you enrolled in a course. It will definitely give you much better opportunities, a better salary and piece of mind. I didn't get a TEFL and I was lost when I first starting teaching in S. Korea. I feel bad for my poor students as it was pretty clear that I didn't have a clue what I was doing then.
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