I've had several people reach out to me and ask about my journey teaching English in a foreign country; several well wishers, a few who thought I was insane, and an even smaller few who want to try it themselves, so here is my list on what to do if you are interested in becoming a TEFL/ESL teacher (as well as some helpful tips and tricks!)
1. Pick a country....or a few countries!
I say this because some countries have more regulations on what you would need in order to become certified, as well as requirements on length of stay. Japan, South Korea, Turkey and the UAE all pay the most, upwards of $2000 a month including room and board and sometimes even a plan ticket. Those places usually require prior TEFL experience, but that being said if you really have your heart set on one of those then definitely go for it!
Side note: Keep in mind that some places do not allow women to be teachers, or to go out past certain times. Several places in the UAE have bans on drinking for men and women, curfews and clothing restrictions! DEFINITELY RESEARCH THE CULTURAL NORMS BEFORE PICKING A COUNTRY!
2. To get TEFL certified or not?
I didn't even know it was an option to get a teaching job and not be qualified, so that eliminated that question for me, but yes, there are jobs out there where you don't need anything but a bachelors degree. That being said, having a TEFL certificate will sometimes allow you to have a higher pay or more choice on where you want to go. I wanted to become certified because it meant that for the rest of my life I have the option to pack my bags and leave for any country I want, knowing I will be able to find a job, as well as having a lot of opportunities to tutor or teach back home. However, most countries are dying for native English-speaking (American, Australian and English, maybe even Scottish or Irish depending on the school) and would take a teacher who isn't qualified.
There are ways to get certified and then find a job on your own! See links below!
TEFL CERTIFICATION:
http://www.bridgetefl.com/online-tefl-certification/ (always get the 120 version, as that is the standard!)
JOBS/GAMES AND INFO:
http://www.eslcafe.com/
3. Program or no program?
Nothing is more annoying that having to pay thousands of dollars to go volunteer for free; teaching English is no different, except you get paid. While there are a lot of pros for programs there are several cons as well. I chose to sign up with a program BridgeTEFL (CIEE and OEG are big ones too-if you choose to go through them make sure to mention my name as a reference!). I chose this because A. I didn't know I could get a job without one B. I, as well as my family, was more at ease knowing I would be part of a group that gave health insurance, 24/7 support and gave me an orientation. Most programs will also set you up and get you placed with a school and give you visa assistance. It is also really nice to have a group of like minded people at orientation to befriend and have as traveling companions!!!! Those are the pros......
However, my pay gets docked about 5,000 baht to be sent to the program, which is super annoying and really I haven't needed the support so that is a moot point. Also, there have been several complaints that the program did not place the participants even remotely close to where the participants asked-I know for a fact that is true, but to be fair not everywhere is palm trees and rain forests. It also costs a pretty penny. Together, everything included it costed close to $1,500 dollars, not including flights. I was blessed that my parents had a 529 so it covered my certification as furtherance of my education, but not everyone has that, so it will take some saving up.
All in all I would say if you are not a well seasoned traveler go for the program. CIEE does not certify you, but BridgeTEFL did, so that was a huge help and they also placed me in a school and I didn't have anything to do but sit and wait for the phone call! Really it is based on your comfort and your desires, as well as your ability to network. If you can find a job first, then don't go for the program, but if you are scared of traveling or want help being placed you should used the program route.
INSIDER TIP: You can sign on for a program, get them to help you, place you and get you certified and then quit for a better job once you get to your country, but to me that seems rude and disrespectful to the school, but that is your choice.
4. What will I need to get?
A. Letters of reference: I needed 2, but some need 3!
B. Your official transcripts from your registrar.
C. A letter from your registrar stating you did indeed graduate in X major at X date.
D. Your original diploma as well as a clear copy to fax/email.
E. Your tickets!!!!
_________________________________________________________________________________
Once you have gotten accepted and placed you will need to:
A. Obtain a visa...which is much trickier than one would think. You can use an agency like Travisa which is what I did, but it costs-you will find that there will be a lot of costs for things you need......
1. State level background check (There is a form online that you print out and then mail in to the State Police Department- $20)
2. 2 Passport Photos (Walgreen's...about $12-which is an absurd amount of money I though for a pic!)
3. Your copy of your diploma, official transcripts, letters of recommendation, completed background
check, pictures, letter from your registrar and proof of your transportation (print out the e-ticket!) to the country you chose!
4. Your actual passport!
You can send it, or go in person, to the Embassy and have it processed, which is mounds cheaper, but for convenience and depending on your time schedule you can go with an agency that does it all for you if you so choose. You will get your passport back in the mail with your
Non-Immigrant B Visa which looks something like this:
(The stamp is from Immigration when you get here)
You will also need a Work Permit, but that will be arranged and paid for by the school!
In closing, here are a few helpful hints!
- Never take a placement under the average pay grade for your country-do your research!
- Sign on a one semester contact. It is better to add on extra time then quite and screw over the school and lose out on your last month's salary.
- Always make sure you're accommodations are being paid for, in addition to your salary,
- Never lose your passport or your Proof of Departure Card!
- Mine is stapled into my passport and is the white rectangle you see at the left! It will be given to you when you get through customs. DO NOT LOOSE THIS!
- Your passport number is just as important as your social in America
- Remember to enjoy your adventure, but not too much. You are a Teacher and you will be looked at to perform. You will be paid more than the host countries teachers, and you are expected to do a good job! With that being said, don't put too much pressure on yourself, the kids love games and movies! Roll with their excitement!
- Traveling to a foreign country is only dangerous if you make it that way. Obviously, there are places in this world more dangerous than others now so that will be your choice to choose based on your level of comfort, but the horror stories of tourists going overseas and being "Taken" are not the norm. When your mom starts crying watching Law and Order: SVU and says it will be you in Thailand like my mom did; smile, give her a hug, tell her you love her and be safe when you travel!
- Don't get drunk alone in a random city, especially as a woman.
- Don't hire a prostitute and then get mad when you get robbed in the middle of the night
- Stay away from drugs
- Don't got into the jungle alone....I won't follow that one but you can if you like-I love jungles!
Teaching is an amazing experience and I believe anyone with a heart of adventure would love this opportunity! You get paid more than enough money to live and travel, and you get to enjoy a long vacation and teach wonderful kids! It is totally worth it if you decide to take this experience!
If you have any questions, fell free to message me or shoot me at email at sarahtabb2121@gmail.com
