Job Discussion Forums

[nomad soul]

The topic of start-up money came up in another post and can be the most important (and daunting) factor for those starting out in TEFL. Some of us--myself included--are fortunate to receive employer-paid roundtrip flights, housing, etc., and pretty much show up in country with just pocket money for day-to-day spending/incidental expenses. (It's always smart to have emergency funds available, however.) But what about the initial costs for newbies contemplating their first TEFL job? What about the experiences of those of you seasoned TEFLers who have changed jobs from one country to another and have had to foot the bill, or who may be feeling stuck due to the costs associated with job-changing?

[Shroob]

The set up costs are certainly a factor for me, I spent most of my savings on the CELTA course, leaving me with just enough to cover the airfare to my destination and and a bit extra for the first month. It's one reason I'm favouring Asia for my first job, despite the fact that most of Europe isn't interested in me due to my lack of experience, most jobs offer accommodation, so that's one big thing I don't have to worry about. I think it will be daunting enough starting in a new job, city, country and culture without the hassle of finding a home.

I know that if things are absolutely awful, my parents have enough for a return ticket home.

[denise]

In my early days, I got incredibly lucky. When I left to get my TEFL certificate in Prague, I had enough savings to cover the cost of the course & living expenses, and me being Little Miss Sensible, I probably had enough to cover a flight home just in case. I got a job offer before the course ended, and the school paid for housing--so no awkward in-between time, looking for housing and wondering when my first paycheck would come. When I left two years later, I had accumulated a whopping $400 in savings--but that was after my flight home was paid for.

And then I got lucky again with Japan. Got a job with a phone interview that started just weeks after I finished my MA. They paid for my flight and housing. Really, it was very smooth--I landed at the airport and my supervisor met me there and took me to my fully-furnished apartment.

On to South America: I had a job in Chile before I arrived (phone interview while still in Japan--BIG mistake--should have been more adventurous and just flown down there). Neither housing nor airfare provided, but I had saved enough in Japan to cover them. Then on to Peru--again, had the job before I arrived--phone interview while in Chile. Housing provided but not paid for; flights mostly paid for.

And then Oman. Going from Peru to Oman, I was nearly penniless, but things turned out OK. Again, I had the job before I arrived (very common in Oman). They picked me up at the airport and took me to my apartment. Annual flights paid; housing provided and paid; two months of paid vacation. When I left in June, they paid for not only my annual flight, but also an end-of-contract repatriation flight. Plus a nice contract completion bonus.

And now back in the US. With the savings I built up in Oman, settling in was no problem. I got here in June and don't start working until September, and all of this vacation time is no problem financially.

There are some common themes from my experience: 1) luck. The end of my time in one country just kind of flowed naturally into the beginning of my time in the next country, and I always landed on my feet. 2) phone interviews. Not always the way to go. In some countries, they are the norm, but in others, the better options are to be found once you're in country. I was never courageous enough just to go somewhere without a job, unless you count Prague, where I went for my TEFL cert. Oh, and 3) a safety net. A lot of newbies mention that they don't have family/friends who can or will help them out. Again, I got incredibly lucky. I had people storing my stuff and forwarding my mail, and, although I never needed it, I'm sure they would have helped me if I had needed to be bailed out & flown home.

Wow, sorry to be so long-winded!

d

[denise]

Oh, and an addendum (because my first post simply wasn't long enough!):

I waited for two years before I moved to Prague. When I finished university, I didn't have enough money saved up to be able to pay for a TEFL course & all the other necessities (flight, accommodation, start-up costs). I did generic office work for two years just to save the money. There are people who don't want to wait/hate their jobs & just want to start NOW. Those folks really need to make sure they've got plenty of luck and a safety net!

d

[nomad soul]

When I decided to change careers to TEFL, I was fortunate to have had a high-paying job (non-teaching related) and education reimbursement from my employer, so I didn't have any student loan debt from my masters program. I also had plenty of savings.

My first teaching job was with AMIDEAST, an American non-profit that provides EFL lessons throughout countries in the Middle East. They paid for my flight and provided housing, while I was responsible for the monthly utility and Internet bills. However, not all AMIDEAST branches offer the same benefits. Point is, if you're interested in a specific country but the start-up costs make you cry (or scream), then consider teaching in your home country or some other locale where those costs won't suck everything out of your wallet, and you're still able to build your teaching experience and hopefully, your bank account. I hate to say it, but beggars can't be choosers. Be realistic.

[ancient_dweller]

i started up in Moscow and It took about 2/3 months to get a pay check. Before that I had forked about �1500 on living and accommodation. (but you earn more than that in a month, so wasn't too bad.)

My flight was a 3 month return because i need a new visa every 3 months. (although, long story, managed to get one extended the second time)

[Glenski]