BootsnAll Travel Community

Hello,

I'm currently getting my degree in English and am thinking about working abroad, teaching English as a second language, before getting my Masters etc. Has anyone taught abroad? If so, how was the experience - good/bad? I was hoping that it would give me the opportunity to travel, get paid for it and also gain teaching experience - is it too good to be true?

Any information or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

How about Japan!!?

I've been teaching English in Japan for more than 3 years and its been great. I have quite a few Canandian friends who are here teaching and say with the exchange rate can earn enough money to pay off their student loans, live comfortably, save and go o/s for vaccations.

It's so easy to live here, its so safe and the people are really kind to foreigners. The lanaguage barrier is pretty easy to overcome once you learn a few simple phrases. The culture is facinating and jobs for teachers are everywhere, especially for with someone with your education, you'd have no problem.

If you want advice on visas or good companies to work for, drop me a line.

megs_backpack@yahoo.com

on what country you want to teach in...

Japan is great, so I've heard, but for placement there, you need to apply for the JET programme. They'll give you training, and language classes if you want, and make sure you're put in a good school that treats you well.

If it's Europe you're interested in, to teach English (in a non-english speaking country) you really need to get a TEFL qualification, but don't absolutely need to sign up with an agency. Smaller language schools, where people pay to take private/small group lessons are your best bet - you just post in your CV.

In Europe anyway, teaching in state schools is pretty tricky as most people learn even basic English from an early age.

HTH!

:0)

Tread softly, for you tread on my dreams...

about JET..

thats a government run program recruiting teachers from abroad to teach in public high schools. but there are plenty of other ways to get work. im pretty sure canadians can get a working holiday visa for 18 months so you could come over and find a job with a private english conversation school, which is really easy to do. or there are english conversation schools who hire from cananda and will arange a working visa which is 3 years and you can come over on that and if you dont like your job you can quit and find something else - and the beauty is the visa wont be affected. once you get it stamped in your passport you can change employees or not even work at all.

During my travels I met an english fellow, who worked as an english teacher in Taiwan. There are lots of private schools in Taiwan, screaming for people coming to work. They pay you good as well. He also got to learn the local language in an environment where people are happy to learn YOU something.

I don´t have any contact with this guy anymore, so I don´t no much. This was almost 2 years ago, but that shouldn´t matter.

Good luck!

true

I think that it is fantastic you are interested in teaching overseas. I am graduating from a University in southern California in May 2003, and then plan to attend a University in Australia for a 3 mo graduate program in TOESL. The school will hook you up with many organizations around the country in teaching english as a second language and it is a good way to get in. If you are interested in contacting me please email me at besarose@excite.com. Thank You and good tidings.

Hi! I have just come back from teaching for 2 and a half months in China. That was an experience i will never forget and i am going back next summer as the headmaster said it was ok. I taught english voluntarily but you can get paid a huge amount of money. I met some people in Beijing who just finished teaching in Shanghai, and they were on 8000 yuan a month which is plenty.
I was required to teach classes consisting of 70-80 students so it is very good experience as you are interested in teaching. I would reccomend learning abit of the native language where you want to teach as it will help. Email me at genesis_sim@hotmail.com if you want to ask me more questions.

SIMON

Anyone who's interested in teaching ESL should definitely check out www.eslcafe.com

No, it's not too good to be true! I'm teaching in China at the moment, this is my first job abroad but hopefully the first of many. SARS is of course always on everyone's minds but the pros far outweigh the cons! The people are amazing, so welcoming and friendly it's unreal, the students are such characters, and I have gained so much more than just teaching experience since I've been here. Don't get me wrong, every day is a challenge and this is the hardest thing I have ever done in my life, but it is so worth it! E mail me at englishgirlinchina@hotmail.com if you want to know more!

English girl in China

Hi All:

Does anyone have any info on teaching in Nepal (unfortunately I can't afford to pay to go as a volunteer...I either need a small salary or at least room and board).

I will be graduating with my Master's in English and Education in May and would really love to work in Nepal...Thanks!

Hey Mmouse,

check out www.thevoyagers.com and send Ann-Marie an email. She can set it all up for you!

Peace.

Also poke around on

www.goabroad.com

Tons of different types of opportunities, paid and unpaid. Go to the "Teach Abroad" or "Volunteer Abroad" section and use the pull down menu to pick Nepal.

PC

hey, i have taught in Turkey, and it is an amazing feeling. to be the sole focus of a whole classroom who, essentially, hang off every word is both a humbling and elevating experience. i am part of a TEFL (teaching english as a foreign language) company, and we offer one day courses in this. it is an intensive, introductory course that arms u with the essential techniques necessary for TEFL. for more info/advice email me at marblearchcentre@yahoo.co.uk

hi there,
we are johnny and irini from belgium
we are in beiying from oct 15 untill oct 30
we then will decide whether we wanna move to china for a few years
would like to hear about your experiences so far
hope to hear from you soon

johnny and irini

my email is: johnny.browaeys@pandora.be

I TAUGHT IN BOTSWANA FOR 4 YEARS IT WAS A FANTASTIC EXPERIENCE I HAVE ALSO TAUGHT IN ENGLAND FOR 5 YEARS AN ABSOLUTE SHITE EXPERIENCE
LIVE THE DREAM

itu matengu

Hey all

I'm also very interested in teaching English in Japan

I have learnt Japanese for 4 years but do not have a degree or any experience in teaching English as I’m only 18. I love kids and have been told I shouldn’t have too many probs getting a job but would appreciate any tips..ie: should I pay to do the JET program if I don’t have a degree?

Also Is it possible to find work with accommodation provided?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Cheers!

K8T
**************
Be alert - the world needs more lerts

Hi K8t - JET is like an agency rather than a course you would take. One of their requirements is a bachelor's degree.
Many of the conversations schools provide accomodation for overseas hires - they put you in a shared apartment or guest house (like a dorm wiht private rooms and shared bath/kitchen). They just deduct the rent directly off your pay... and of course if you quit you have to move.
Liz

thanks for the info Liz in Japan...

Do you think I'll still be able to find work as (at least) an assistant if I don't have a degree???

I've heard of people doing it, i just can't figure out how!

If worst comes to worst I guess I can always get a job waitressing, but I don't know if my Japanese is good enough for that yet..any help or advice you can give me would be much appreciated!!

Cheers!

K8T
**************
Be alert - the world needs more lerts

I'm sure you could find something. You could always get a job in Roppongi - it is a huge foreigners area in Tokyo. I doubt you'd need much more than basic Japanese. Classified ads in Japanese newspapers will give you an idea of wages and qualifications. Check them out every once and a while. The link is for Mainichi Shinbun's classified ads.
Basically if they don't require a degree, they just want you to have a proper visa (i.e. one that allows you to work)
Liz

Ah, me too. I just got accepted to a CELTA program in Praha. I realise that one doesnt have to take a course to teach, but I for one have stage fright, and need a primer. Also, the way I feel, some sort of training is important because the students are spending hard earned money to learn English, and I want to offer a quality product to them. Anyway, I too am off to teach, where I'll end up, I have no idea.

Good luck