Job Discussion Forums

[Kara Murray]

I'm a US citizen and I'm trying to find a student loan that would cover TESOL certification either in Europe or Asia. I'm trying to see if I could work something out with Sallie Mae, but I'm not sure how likely that is.

If anyone's had any luck, I'd love to hear about it!!

Thanks!

[spiral78]

Sorry, I can't offer specific information regarding financing for a certification program. But I can offer advice that MIGHT apply to your situation.

It's seriously risky to move overseas without a decent financial cushion. Maybe you aren't planning to do this! But in case you haven't yet done all the research you'll need, here are a few things to consider.
Most schools don't pay for your flights. Many schools start paying employees one month after they begin working (so if you get work the day after you complete a certification course, you will have at least eight weeks living expenses before your first paycheck). Many landlords will want one month's rental up front plus the first months' rent in advance. If you have any medical expenses you may have to pay up front.

Basically, one important question to ask is how much financial cushion you should have before moving to your desired location. Obviously, it's different from country to country - but don't go without some funds in reserve!!!! You can get a lot of specific advice on this forum, if you'll post exactly where you want to go.

The scariest scenarios I've ever seen in my eight years in the field are those two girls I saw on separate occasions crying and begging on street corners in Prague, all their luggage piled around their feet, because their expenses had caught up with them and they needed to buy plane tickets home. I was a newbie at the time, and I have never forgotten! It only takes a little bad luck to cause a big problem if you don't have enough money always in a reserve account.

Please forgive my rant if this is not your case - I am only extrapolating from your desire to find funding for the intital course. In any case, whether you needed this particular advice or not, it's worth posting again from time to time for newbies. Take care!

[Cdaniels]

Sallie Mae and other financial aid offices give aid for domestic programs with the purpose of providing employment within the USA. You could try enrolling in a TESL program at an US college or university. I have found even then, most ESL/EFL programs are offered to people who are either already have a teaching cerificate, or are working towards one, and generally have a strong bilingual or linguistic studies background. I've been very frustrated trying to get into teaching English as a second language here in the States. I've found getting education for this requires long-term commitments that work against seeking and obtaining employment in foreign countries, which was my original intention for learning to teach English! So, from the opposite side of the issue from spiral78, I can't see getting financial aid as a realistic option. A person whose family comes from the particular country they want to teach in does have some advantages, as there are "heritage" organizations that encourage cultural exchange. If you have family from Sweden, for example, you might have better luck finding teaching internships in Sweden. (random example) Good Luck, though!

[spiral78]

Just to totally clarify, I'm not saying that there is anything wrong whatsoever with trying to find funding for your training. Only that this hints at a lack of funds in general, without which your overseas adventure is much riskier. Again, that may not be the situation of the O.P. at all....just had a bit of time on my hands and wanted to offer a caution for those many would-bes who do head off without a safety net.

[Chris_Crossley]

I had absolutely no safety net in terms of $$$ (well, UK pounds, really!) when I first started in the TEFL game four years ago, especially as I had $$$ to pay to credit cards and my bank.

Fortunately, I managed to pay off all my UK creditors by last Christmas (hurray!), though now I have a mortgage to pay for since my wife and I have a brand-new flat of our own.

However, thanks to my own financial situation being much better than it ever was, even that is manageable. Even so, a $$$ safety net would still be a good idea.

[Cdaniels]

I should clarify too. I didn't mean opposite side of the issue from spiral78 so much as someone who is already overseas and teaching. I have the point of view as someone whose yet to start teaching overseas. That should change for me early next year To get political- as a US citizen and someone who has worked in health care, I would hate to go overseas and come back without health insurance. Not that you wouldn't receive health care in the US, but an illness or serious injury could ruin one's credit rating, etc. I beleive catastrophic illness in a family is the number one reason for people declaring bankruptcy in the US. This is something that is a different issue for Canadian and UK citizens and (I think) Aussies and NZer also. I don't know if it's that much better for them, but it's different.

[Babala]

spiral78 made some good comments. I am guessing you are anxious to go abroad and teach but going to a foriegn country without that safety net money would be a mistake. There are so many things that could go wrong and without money, you may find yourself in a situation that you can't get out of. What about taking one year to work, do your course and save some money?

[dmb]

I left the Uk with very little money. I figured in my first month(before the first pay check) I would spend it getting to the know the area, studying, practicing the local language and as newbie teacher(so long ago it seems) I would be be planning classes and learning English Grammar.So no time to spend money.

[Kara Murray]

Thanks so much for all the advice - it's great to hear from people who actually know!