Where’s
the best place for a TEFL “newbie” to start?
Where's the
best place to start teaching English overseas?
With a degree
Only my opinion - probably Korea. And this
recommendation comes from my own limited personal
experience in the TEFL world. I am sure there are many
other great options out there.
Korea offers the best combination of minimal
expectations for a newbie teacher, combined with free
housing, airplane tickets - and a good salary that
allows you to save US$1000 or more per month.
If
you don't like Korea, or hate teaching - bailing out
will not create a financial hardship - as it might in a
few other countries where you were just barely making it
on the provided wages.
No
Degree
Probably China, Indonesia, South and Center America your
best options.
Factors to Consider
Your "best place" may not be, and probably isn't, my
"best place." Take a look at financial issues like how
much it will take you to get set up. How much money
will you spend out of your pocket before you get your
first pay check. Know that most countries pay only
monthly - and you may not get paid until the middle of
the month after your first month of work. So -
six weeks of work may pass before the first money starts
to come in.
Housing
Do
you need to rent your own housing - what about deposits
- how much out of pocket will you be before your first
pay check?
Air
Tickets
Do
you need to pay for these or will they be reimbursed?
Some jobs require that you work a specific amount of
time before you are reimbursed.
Your First Job
Just my thinking, but until you have lived and worked
overseas as an English teacher - for at least six
months, try to minimize your spending. If you decide
this occupation is NOT for you - you might prefer that
you didn't spend too much to find out.
Keep a Reserve
When you head out - make sure you have a reserve to get
you back home and back on your feet - just in case.
Personally, I think you'll do fine - the great majority
of people who try TEFL do just fine. Good to be careful
though.
