Job Discussion Forums

[XelaNiamas]

Hello, I'm sure there are other topics just like this, but i'll give it a shot.

I'm 25 y/o Male, Caucasian, BA in Sociology, no teaching exp., but really want to pursue the idea of teaching English in a foreign country (preferably Korea).

I have a job now, but it sucks, and basically I am just saving up money for something like this while paying back my student loans. I was just wondering if someone could point me in the right direction as to where I could go, what I prepare for the future.

I spoke to someone from Korean Global Connection, Anna Jeon, and she was very polite and courteous and answered my initial questions about the job, however I told her I'd need to save some money and do some more research into the subject. I think Korea would be a nice fit for me because I am familiar with Korean culture somewhat (from growing up and having a lot of Korean friends, previously dated a Korean girl, i love Korean food).

I am just wondering if anyone could maybe break the ice to me and tell me the first steps they did when looking for TEFL jobs - what to look for, what to avoid - things like that. Any positive feed back will be greatly appreciated!

[Sashadroogie]

Get some teacher-training, if you haven't already. Will be a big help.

Good luck.

[Glenski]

[XelaNiamas]

Thanks for the replies.

Well the reason I want to teach in English is because I think it will be a good experience and something I would enjoy doing and be successful at. The job I have now is just something to keep me busy and to pay my bills, it really is draining to me.

I plan to take a TEFL course shortly, just to get some experience under my belt.

[tttompatz]

[Glenski]

[mimi_intheworld]

Glenski, I'm not sure that's pertinent information for the entire board. A person with the OP's quals can get by well enough in Korea (his choice) or China. If he has debts to pay, SE Asia probably won't suit his needs, nor South America. He doesn't have the quals (or, it seems, the interest) for the Middle East.

Xela, you do need to register separately for the Korea boards. And do a search here for reputable TEFL courses before you shell out the cash (there's plenty of good info to steer you in the right direction on here).

It seems that there is a glut of potential TEFLers, and you're not going to make the great money Korea might have offered several years ago, but it should still be a good enough living to pay off (at least in part) your student loans.


Having said that, I'm only going off what I've read on the boards over the past few months. My experience teaching English has primarily been as a certified English teacher in Western countries up 'til now. I've never taught in Korea or even been to China or Japan. (I did teach in Thailand, but there's no money in that, just a nice time - and it was ages ago.) So take whatever I just said with a huge grain of salt.

Get thee to the Korea forums.

[Sashadroogie]

Impertinence seems to be the order of the day. And not just today.

[XelaNiamas]

Thanks for the feedback guys, yeah i registered for the Korean boards - i was unaware I needed a separate log in info. Like I said, I'm a newb, so be gentle.

Glenski - what I meant to say was that I am just "working" like every other person to pay said bills. Doing something I'm not enjoying because of that. Without delving too much into my personal background - I have experience working with children throughout my life, none in a classroom setting however - I think teaching overseas would be a good experience for me and something I could really grow to like and be successful at, unlike my present situation now. Sorry if I misguided you or you misread what I was saying.

Thanks again everyone., I will check out the Korean forms for more poignant information on the subject.