To take part in discussions on talkSFU, please apply for membership (SFU email id required).
Teaching English Overseas
I am interested in teaching english overseas just for the summer. Has anyone ever done that? Can you give me some tips and advice? Where and how did you get the job? Where did you teach? And, what countries are safe to teach in? Were you volunteering or was there a salary?
Tell me about your experience. Thanks.
Tell me about your experience. Thanks.
Comments
First of all, there are certificates that you can get from TESOL schools (Teaching English as a Second/Other Language). Many of these schools not only train you in general, but will allow you to specialize toward who you will be teaching (adults, children, technical, travel, etc.). Additionally, and most valuably, they guarantee you a job with one of the schools/organizations they work with. These places are all over the world! And because they are connected with a Canadian/North American institute, they are generally very reputable as well. The school will help you to get set up there.
Of course there are fees associated with getting the certificate and enlisting the school's help to find you a job. But there is peace of mind that comes with it. And many of the schools offer online courses so you can complete it in your own time. So that may be a good option!
There are also schools in other countries that will hire people who speak English to come and teach without certification. Generally the pay is lower and the schools are not always great. But sometimes you may be lucky! There is just no guarantee and you may be very far from home and have signed a contract before you realize... so be careful!
I have heard good and bad things about teaching English overseas. I think the culture-shock turns a lot of people off as they are lonely with no one to talk to!
Good luck!
There is also Youth Challenge International, if you want to do some volunteer work abroad.