BootsnAll Travel Community

I am considering searching for a TEFL job as a means to take a working holiday/ do "something completely different". Have a CELTA cert. but not traveled much or taught a class before (except in TT)

Thing is I'd rather only commit to less than a year which means 6-9 months contract, due to time considerations and wanting to backpack afterwards - I would only teach longer if it turned out I suited it.

Is this a viable idea or is it too short a period to come to grips with it/a strange way to develop skills and then leave? I realise some long-termers frown on the "back-packer" TEFLers so would like to know what others think - esp. if you've done/started out on a short contract.

I don't know where yet I only realised 2 days ago I had a window of opportunity...

It's a very viable idea...many folk do it exactly this way.

If you can't stay on for a full school year, then you're likely to be working in a language school (depends a lot on where you want to travel), where short term stints are common. You won't earn a great deal of money, so if traveling about is a priority, you'll need to ensure you have enough money saved up for the adventure.

Thanks for the quick reply Guy,
yes I'll have to think about the money a bit

Currently, I am teaching in Chile with an eight month contract. When I began researching, I found lots of opportunities, but many are non-paid or with very little pay. I am considered a volunteer in Chile, because of the little we are paid. There are other jobs that pay more money but most of them want experience and or specific certificates. Dave´s Esl cafe is very helpful in finding jobs. Jobs in Asia mostly require a one year commitment, but pay much better. I talked to a girl recently who had taught in Uganda, Africa and loved it! I hope that helps.

Thanks Texasgirl.
I would rather be paid an amount where I can save - I can't afford to be a volunteer if I want to travel afterwards. (I have a CELTA certificate and undergrad. degree.)

As to where, I don't know yet, hopefully a temperate area...although I guess you should be willing to cop a bit of weather extremes at some time of year wherever you go...

If anyone happens to have noticed decent pay 6-9 mth contracts I would be grateful for the tip. Meanwhile I'll keep browsing and reading these forums.

I found another thread if anyone is interested in this topic, relating to Japan:

http://boards.bootsnall.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/1000993142/m/80200506316