Job Discussion Forums

katchiben · Joined: 20 Apr 2009 Posts: 7

Hi, I've recently decided that I would love to travel abroad to teach English. However, this is a fairly new idea in my mind and I'm still doing my initial research on how to get into this field.

A little about me: I am from California with a bachelor's degree, and hoping to teach with my boyfriend (who also has a bachelor's degree). We still aren't sure where we'd like to teach, but probably somewhere in Asia, Latin America, or Eastern Europe (I know, a little broad..)

I've found programs like www.ciee.org and reachtoteachrecruiting.com. I see that they charge a fee, but also help with job placement, rent, getting a visa, etc. My question is, does anyone have experience with programs like these and know whether they would be worth the money, or would it be more worth it to just go ahead and pay money for the TESOL or TEFL classes, and later go find a job on our own?

After lurking around this board for a bit it seems that most people suggest going to the country that you wish to teach in to get certified, and find a job after that, but does anyone have experiences teaching through these programs?

I am just a little bit nervous to travel to a country without a job setup, not knowing what's in store for us, and I seem to be finding the "security" and "help" of these programs attractive... but maybe that's their goal-to lure in chumps like me... Confused

Also, I know that these programs might help my boyfriend and I get placed together, whereas if we try to get jobs on our own, there might be one opening here and another there, or maybe none at all....

Anyone have any advice?

Jim Agostino · Joined: 14 Feb 2008 Posts: 12

My advice is to read this:

http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=13054

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

The first post alone is so negative I never made it past that.

And, it doesn't apply to everyone anyway.

katchiben · Joined: 20 Apr 2009 Posts: 7

yeah, thanks for the link, but I'm not exactly planning on making a "career" out of this anyway. I'm already stuck doing the 9-5 cubicle life and just would like a year or two adventure away from that before I get older and have to settle down.

Another question I forgot to ask is I have a minor misdemeanor under my sleeve that's about 2 years old. Will this have an impact on my getting a visa?

Chancellor

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

Don't pay for placement.

If you're not worried about a career in TEFL and money isn't that important., just apply for jobs. There are LOTS out there. Sure, they don't pay heaps, but you usually have lots of free time to travel, learn the language, etc.

As for visas, Asia and E. Europe are probably easier than Latin America., Mexico is easy for visas as well. Asia sometimes pays for flights and housing

katchiben · Joined: 20 Apr 2009 Posts: 7

Thanks for the advice, everyone!