Teaching English Abroad

[Kazz]

So I've put a lot of thought into teaching English lately. This is sort a long term goal of mine, and where as most of my focus is being diverted towards two impending trips (Cuba and Europe) I thought I'd just ask you guys for some info regarding teaching English overseas.

It won't be for another four years or so, because I'm actually studying English/writing off at college. During this time my girlfriend (we're going to the same university, and are very close) is studying zoology and conservation type of things.

After we both graduate we plan on heading off to any nation that could use the both of us. Her for animal related fields, me for teaching English. I sort of figure the zoology part will be harder to find work for, so I guess I'll go pretty much anywhere she takes me and try to find work. I also expect that her work will take the both of us to the Third World, and I'm more than okay with that.

If I'm not mistaken, Captain Asshat, you did this for some time? Does anybody have any advice or stories relating to teaching English overseas? How would one go about setting this up? I'm just starting to do research now... but are my plans far fetched? What all do I need to know?

Thanks in advance for all replies. http://www.totse.com/bbs/smile.gif (http://www.totse.com/bbs/smile.gif)

[Captain Asshat]

quote:Originally posted by Kazz:

If I'm not mistaken, Captain Asshat, you did this for some time? Does anybody have any advice or stories relating to teaching English overseas? How would one go about setting this up? I'm just starting to do research now... but are my plans far fetched? What all do I need to know?

I haven't done it myself yet, but I know someone who has. The good news is that considering you're studying English in school, you're going to be in a very good position for finding a job. Many schools in the less developed parts of the world don't even require a degree or experience.. being a native speaker is enough. Having a degree in English will open plenty of doors. If you wanted as many options as possible, finish your degree and get a TEFL/SL certification. It usually doesn't take long or cost much and there's plenty of information on the internet. One of the best information sites out there is Dave's ESL Cafe @ http://www.eslcafe.com/

Assuming your situation stays the same and based on what I know, I think China might be a really good destination for you two. The Chinese take their zoology seriously, so she might have a pretty good chance of getting a job.

Visas are an issue of course. It'll just depend on what you can put together before you leave. If you had plenty of time, you could probably secure offers for both of you before going. It's not always necessary though.. a lot of people offset travel costs by stopping here and there to teach temporarily, so you can find spur of the moment positions if you look.

[darkwonders]

I met this Kiwi woman while traveling that did this. I know in Japan, you can teach English if you have a college degree (doesn't matter what it is) and the pay is very decent but living expenses are a little steep. Almost any developing country will let you teach English without a formal education if you are a westerner, but unless you like adventures and roughing it, the pay is going to be absolutely minimal, still it's a great way to maintain yourself in many exotic locales and highly rewarding.

[5150]

i met someone who taught english in laos, no degree or anything, just get your ass to mars and start earning kip

probably not as much as in china but it is really cheap, cheaper than thailand

[Kazz]

Yeah, I'd be totally okay with the low income, assuming between the two of us we could at least support ourselves. I don't want to be starving in the streets for what I highly consider charity work, but i have no problem roughing or dealing with a very low standard of living. I almost think working under these conditions would in the long run, be more rewarding.

I'll have to look into the china stuff, captain. I think that would be a beautiful culture to immerse in, and i know my Kendra absolutely loves panda bears... haha.

[DerDrache]

quote:Originally posted by Kazz:

Yeah, I'd be totally okay with the low income, assuming between the two of us we could at least support ourselves. I don't want to be starving in the streets for what I highly consider charity work, but i have no problem roughing or dealing with a very low standard of living. I almost think working under these conditions would in the long run, be more rewarding.

I'll have to look into the china stuff, captain. I think that would be a beautiful culture to immerse in, and i know my Kendra absolutely loves panda bears... haha.

I don't think it'd be "very low standards of living". I mean, trying to teach in a third world country versus say...France is obviously going to have it's disadvantages, but...well, you get my point.

I'm thinking about doing this too. I'm going to finish university first, and this would be a great way to travel. Spend a year or so in various places, move around, etc. etc.

[chickenpoop]

I know two people who have done it.

one guy did it immediately after high school, im not sure if he even graduated or not. HE wa the biggest pot head and burn out i knew. but he had no trouble getting a job teaching english in china.

the other was a girl who had a college degree, and she did it in mexico and some other asian country. she had no problem getting the job.

im not sure what their rates of pay were for that. but its not too hard to get that kind of job if you go to a shitty country.

[davethefukin_rave]

I had an English teaching job in China for about six months. Pay was about $600 a month which for a shitty little Chinese town is enough to live like a king. if you want any specific give me a shout