Job Discussion Forums

[mparent85]

From all that I've read, it seems like no matter what some startup money is neccessary. Whether you're just hopping a plane and showing up in another country to look for a job, you need some rent and food money until you do get hired; Or if you go through Languagecorps, or the CIEE program, JET, etc, you need the money for all their fees.

If I'm going to spend a few grand, I'd like a guarantee that I'm going to get a job - so I'm leaning towards going through a program like CIEE, TEFL International, or Languagecorps.

So I guess my question is for anyone that has actually used these. Was it worth it? Do they live up to their claims? Some say they make sure the school lives up to its contract, they say they get you housing rent-free (I'm assuming they just deduct it from your pay).. and so on.

I'm not looking to live in 5 star accomodations, or eat western food all the time - I just dont want to be jerked around. Obviously I don't believe everything on their websites, I mean, they are selling a product, and they do have an agenda - But has anyone dealt with any of these agencies?
I just want to know that I'll have a job, and a place to live when I show up.


And in case it matters, I'm looking at China, South Korea, or Thailand. Nightlife is not a big issue, I'm not looking to waste all my money in a bar each night - maybe once in a while though, haha. Free time is a huge plus, if there are any programs that get you a liveable wage without having to put in 40 hours a week, my main draw is to Thailand since I'm training in Muay Thai, and it would be cool to be able to continue training there (and yes, I have researched a few gyms), but from all the journals and blogs I've found online, it doesn't seem like there's much free time for that in the life of an ESL teacher.