Job Discussion Forums

Jaqueeta · Joined: 04 Oct 2006 Posts: 8 Location: Red Sox Nation, MA

Has anyone had any experience with InterExchange/Working Abroad? I was just checking out their teaching abroad program. You teach abroad to a family for 15 hours and in exchange you get free room and board. I like the idea of the program and the commitment is only 1-3 months. Any information would be great. THANKS.

tedkarma · Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2007 12:07 am Post subject:

It sounds like a good way to stick your toe in the water and see if you like it. Assuming, of course, that you are not paying a fortune to do it.

Do know though, that actually living with a family can be a fairly intimate experience - and maybe not always like it would be if you were actually in your own home/apt. and working at a school.

BUT - these kinds of programs are often a good way for people to get an overseas living experience without selling the farm first.

Jaqueeta · Joined: 04 Oct 2006 Posts: 8 Location: Red Sox Nation, MA

Thanks for the advice Ted. I actually lived with a family for a month in Costa Rica and I really enjoyed it.
I am very interested in teaching English. I got my TEFL certificate in February and did some private teaching in CR. The thing is I have been trying to look for jobs, but many want experienced teachers and a commitment of a year. A year commitment seems too long. How am I suppose to get experience if no one will hire me? I am going back to CR in a couple weeks and may stay again. I was hoping to go to another country though. This TEFL stuff is frustrating me. I know I could go to Asia, but i don't have any interst in going there except maybe Thailand. SO here's my question: What is the best advice for a beginner TEFL teacher?

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

You could try someplace like Prague - it's an easy place for a certified teacher to get started. But the schools will all want you to stay Sept - June, and you will have to pay for your own airfare and start-up. You wouldn't be able to save any money, but you could probably break even at the end of the contract period if you live frugally.

tedkarma · Posted: Sat Sep 01, 2007 7:09 pm Post subject:

Most serious/reputable schools are looking for a one-year commitment. It is a bit of a problem if you wish to establish yourself with but brief exposure/commitments. You need to look at it from the other side of th coin as well. What school would hire someone for just a few weeks/months if they really need someone long term? Remember that there are sometimes long complicated and expensive processes for them to go through to make your employment legal.

Jaqueeta · Joined: 04 Oct 2006 Posts: 8 Location: Red Sox Nation, MA

I understand that and 6 months or a bit more is fine. 1 year just seems like so much time. So much can change in a year. I worked here as a teacher in a special education class from September to June. That wasn't too long. Oh well, I'll just keep looking.