Job Discussion Forums

[juliette123]

Hello everyone,

Here are some real newbie questions for everyone!

I'm almost 31, and I am seriously considering teaching English abroad. I am a UK citizen with a UK passport, and a Batchelor or Arts degree, 2:1. I currently work with young children, and I would consider teaching children (probably primary aged children), teenagers, or adults. I would love to teach in Italy (that would be my first choice) or maybe somewhere else in Europe. I'm not totally closed to the idea of going further afield, but ideally I would be in Italy, or perhaps Greece or Spain. Now to the questions...

1) So it seems that most places in Europe need you to have a TEFL qualification. From what I have already read (mainly online), the best way to to this is to get onto an intensive, month (or so) long course. I have heard about these being held in different locations around the world, and I see that there is one in Florence, Italy. Has anyone ever been on this one, or one like it? Any hints, tips, or pointers? Any other places or companies you could recommend?

2) I know this is a bit of a silly one as there are so many factors, but is there anywhere in Europe that is especially lucrative when it comes to earning money teaching English? I'm not looking to make LOADS, and teaching English and seeing a beautiful country is what is most important, but it would be nice to put some away, too. I have heard that Italy isn't really all that great, generally, when it comes to wages. Any comments?

3) Has anyone ever gone with a company called GeoVisions (American-based) to do volunteering work, or teaching abroad? This is a bit of a different question, as what I was looking at was going to Italy through them and to stay with a host family, to teach them English a few hours a day. The deal sounds good (if expensive)...Has anyone done this using GeoVisions? Was it a good experience, or do you think I would be better off just doing a TEFL course, then trying to get a job?

It's good to get advice. A lot of the information from different parts of the web, anecdotes, etc. is contradictory, and confusing. It will also be a life-changing decision for me (as it will be for everyone), especially as I am considering going back to my home town, living with my parents and saving up money before getting the TEFL qualification. So advice is MUCH appreciated. Thanks!

[mozzar]

[Natworld]

Hi, I agree with everything Mozzar has written.

As far as qualifications are concerned I personally would advise only getting CELTA or Trinity. I have friends that have taken weekend and online courses but they are still unemployable. Also you can search through all the TEFL job sites and you'll see that either of these 2 qualifiactions is a prerequesite, so I wouldn't waste my money on anything else.

Where teaching in Europe is concerned it really does depend on where you'd like to be ideally and what you can live on. I saved a huge amount of money when working for a year in Spain and only getting paid �800 a month, and that wasn't by eating nothing but rice and staying home every night. You really do need to seek advise on what the cost of living is in these places and not just look at the wage!

Hope this helps!

[FoundWaldo]

I would also definitely recommend taking a CELTA course, particularly if you want to a job in Europe. It can be a little expensive, but it generally does pay for itself in your first year of teaching. I generally don't think it matters where you take the course, and living in Florence would be a lot of fun, but you can read this site for TEFL course reviews to get a little more information before you sign-up: http://www.teflcoursereview.com/

From my experience, South Korea has provided the best income to cost of living ratio in the ESL industry. After a year you can walk away with 3-4000 Euros easy. However, the work hours are long and the management can be tough to deal with if you are unlucky.

If you are interested in making this a career move, then yeah, avoid opportunities to volunteer and teach.

If you are looking for more opportunities to teach in Europe, check out this site: www.goteachabroad.com/teach-in-europe.

[colli]

There are CELTA courses in many major cities and towns in the UK, which you may have found on the internet. I was going to do my CELTA in Budapest but opted instead to study in my home city, since it is VERY intensive and it helped that I didnt need to adjust to a new place as well as study something completely new.

That's just me though.