It’s hardly difficult to see Thailand’s appeal, claims Emma Foers, what with its gorgeous beaches, buzzing cities and fantastic food – but just in case you need a little persuading as to how amazing TEFLing there would be, check out these seven reasons to teach in Thailand:

1) Enthusiastic kids

Don’t believe anyone who tells you that your students will be calm and attentive. However, they will be enthusiastic, raucous and desperate to learn! Once you’ve learnt how to calm the classroom chaos, you’ll find the teaching to be fun, challenging and very rewarding – and if it all gets too much, there’ll always be plenty of local teachers on hand to help you.

2) Weekend trips

Forget a quick shopping trip, teaching in Thailand means you can take your weekends to a whole new level! Take a sleeper train to Chiang Mai, in the heart of Thailand’s hill country; relax on one of the southern Thai islands; get lost in local night markets… the list goes on!

3) Rock-bottom living costs

Thailand is an amazingly cheap place to live, especially when it comes to going out and enjoying yourself! A slap-up meal in a Thai restaurant costs just 250 baht (around £5/$7), and with beers costing 60 baht (around £1/$1.80), there’s no need to save that big night out just for paydays!

4) Friendly people

It’s not difficult to see why some people refer to Thailand as the ‘Land of Smiles’ – everyone seems to walk around with one permanently glued to their face! People here will go out of their way to make sure you get settled in and looked after – great if you’re new in town!

5) Parties!

When you think of calm, serene Thailand, you usually don’t think of the parties that go on, but the country certainly has a hedonistic side. Take the infamous Full Moon Parties on Kho Pha Ngan that take place every month – imagine 20,000 revellers packing out a beach, buckets full of booze and dozens of soundsystems pumping out great music until the sun comes up.

6) Street food

Take a journey of discovery through the street food stalls of Bangkok (or any other large Thai city) and you’ll be able to sample everything from deep-fried flowers to pad thai. Street food in Thailand is fresh, cheap and fabulously cooked – lots of vendors specialise in particular dishes, so ask them what they’d recommend and enjoy!

7) Temples

If you’re a culture junkie, you’ll love Thailand, with a massive 40,717 temples scattered across this beautiful country. Immerse yourself in their tranquil atmosphere, clear your mind and prepare yourself for your students’ next onslaught!

So, are you ready to head to Thailand? Are you teaching in Thailand at the minute? What do you think the best reason to teach there is?

About the Author

Teaching English abroad, says Emma, is the perfect opportunity for any English speaker to explore the world: as long as you’re a fluent English speaker, a TEFL course is your ticket to the journey of your life.

By Michiel Van Kets

If you’re thinking about a career in teaching English you are choosing a great profession. Not only do you give your valuable expertise to others but it is also possible to teach English in other countries not just at home. You can do this as a long term option or just take on some short term training for others when you are traveling in various countries for periods of time. Teaching overseas does require a little forward planning but if you have the qualifications you are pretty much able to find positions where ever you want to head.

There are places where the payments are much higher and you can obtain positions before you leave but there are many countries where you can look for work when you arrive. You need to make sure you have the finances to try this option but it is possible. Some teaching positions will include all expenses for you. Like accommodation and visa requirements etc but these are usually longer term positions so if you are interested in a longer term position you should check these options out before you leave home as you can find some jobs where all you have to do is get on the plane, arrive and teach.

Other positions that perhaps do not include the accommodation and visa or immigration expenses can prove to be a good way to make some money if you want to travel around so at least you need have an idea of what your rough plan might be. This way you are not restricted to set periods or contracts that keep you in one place for a year or more depending on what the other contract teaching positions will offer you.

It is not always simple and there are various countries where the rules and regulations make it more difficult but all you need to do is search for other teachers comments online about teaching and you will find there is a lot of information out there about what you can do and the better places to go. In various countries just having a teaching education in your own country is not enough and you may be required to obtain further certifications that are recognized in the other countries. The more common and internationally recognized courses are those such as the TEFL or TESOL courses.

There are some countries where it is a minimum requirement that you hold these specific certificates and you can also train for these specific certifications in those countries. However if you are not already a certified teacher who holds a degree then you may also find that the TEFL or TESOL courses are not enough to obtain the positions you want.

As a teacher you will also find that as some areas are better than others for teaching you need to make sure you do your home work before agreeing to any long term contracts. In many countries the schools are required to offer English as a language but there is not always the emphasis placed on ensuring that the students actually learn and while your education may have been a strict event in a controlled and regimented environment some other countries do not follow this format of teaching. From experience these are some of the Asian countries where English is taught but the whole schooling process is such a jump from what you are used to in your own country that the event can be a daunting one.

To get started on your overseas teaching experience make sure that you do all the homework you can regarding the locations you might consider and try to talk or communicate with other teachers who are teaching or have taught in those countries to get as much information as you can. You can of course always try the private teaching option and work in your own time and at your own rates however these jobs are a little harder to come by and while they may pay well they are again usually with the rich kids who may or may not show any respect for their teachers and then again you have a big change from what you expect and the reality of what it will be when you arrive. Whatever you decide make sure you keep funds in reserve for your ticket home just in case you really can’t deal with the differences that are out there.

About the Author

Michiel Van Kets submits articles for Abso-bloody-Lutely, a general web directory. The publications are about education and teaching.

By Will Pearson

For too long Singapore has been dominated by its larger cousins in the global market for TEFL/ESL destinations. It is natural to head to Thailand and Vietnam, completing ignoring this inspiring compact island. No more should the Lion City just be a refuge to teachers from Thailand looking for some civilisation while on a holiday break. Lucrative TEFL/ESL opportunities exist that allow teachers to save and provide for a lifestyle teachers in Thailand and Vietnam can only dream of. Salaries are high, classes involve mostly adults, and schedules are usually done in blocks – all highly rated in any TEFL/ESL job.

Singapore has a lot to offer which other countries don’t. Firstly, in the region of South East Asia, TEFL/ESL salaries far outstrip those of neighbouring countries. Teachers can expect to start at USD 2500 a month, most likely beating the USD 3000 mark. While the cost of accommodation may seem high on this small island, other costs such as transport and food are incredibly cheap when compared to the Europe, and even the US. This provides for a very comfortable lifestyle indeed, where teachers can experience the world famous diverse cuisine, spend money travelling, and of course save.

The job search in Singapore is undeniably best done on the ground when you get there. This is convenient as Singapore is a major international flight hub, and visitors from native English speaking countries can enter freely for stays between 30 – 90 days. While arriving with nothing may worry some teachers on a shoe-string budget, it is important to remember that unlike Japan, costs are low, and the market isn’t already saturated by other English teachers in the same boat. Some jobs are advertised online, mainly on TEFL.com and ESL Cafe’s international job board. However, these may not necessarily be the best deals, and the on the ground job search allows you to negotiate an all round better deal.

Who will employ you when you get there? For an island with a population of around 4 million people, Singapore has a high density of Educational colleges and private institutes. There is a palpable feeling in the air of everyone trying to better themselves. This means business and money to the TEFL/ESL teacher. A CELTA/Trinity TESOL candidate’s best bet, like elsewhere in the world, is to contact the major private language chains; Berlitz, The British Council, Cambridge Institute, GEOS, Linguaphone, Shines Education, Wall Street Institute and many more that are dotted along Orchard Road. Job opportunities can also be had in the Straits Times online job classifieds at st701.com. The benefits of turning up on the spot are obvious; it will look like you’re in it for the long(ish) haul, you can impress with a professional appearance and demeanour, and more importantly, you can negotiate your salary with your future employer.

It will please many aspiring applicants to know that TEFL/ESL job seekers in Singapore don’t necessarily need certification in CELTA/Trinity TESOL, although it will drag down your salary. More important is having a recognised, three year degree, which the government requires for immigration purposes. Don’t let this worry you though. Obtaining the necessary Employment Pass is a very simple process, merely requiring some forms to be filled in. This can be done in Singapore and you don’t have to leave the country to complete the process at a High Commission of theirs. It may be of interest to note that if you earn above SGD 4000 a month, you don’t need to undergo a medical examination.

Who will you teach is an often underestimated question and it is very important to note that teachers are extremely unlikely to be actually teaching native Singaporeans. Having been a colony of the United Kingdom until 1963, and having English as the official language, means English is very well established there. This may not be reflected in standards of local English, but for the most part, this is dealt with by the government during a child’s education. You are far more likely to be teaching (in quantity order from my experience) mainland Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Malaysian, Filipino, Japanese, Thai, and even Burmese citizens. This provides for a very enjoyable experience because, more than likely, you’ll have multilingual classes to teach. Furthermore it may be exciting to note that Singapore has far less kids’ classes than the rest of Asia. Naturally, this is due to the fact that English is the language of class in state schools.

Moving on from just the aspect of work, Singapore as a destination for expats, offers a very comfortable tropical lifestyle. The weather is characterised by two distinct seasons; wet and dry, and every day is hot! The vast majority of schools will employ air conditioning though to make the teaching experience far more comfortable. Singapore is renowned for its multi-ethnic cuisine. The real joy of living there is being able to choose from Chinese, Malaysian, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese and European cuisine every day. Food is incredibly cheap, with amazing outdoor (but covered!) food courts providing for a fiesta of food to brighten any day. Fresh fruit juices and exotic cut fruits at rock bottom prices will make you feel great.

Accommodation on the island is where serious thought must be considered. Occupying a relatively small island with 4 million people naturally means rents are high – far higher than neighbouring countries. The vast majority of people occupy an apartment in a block of flats. These come in two levels of quality; HDB (a form of public housing provided by the government) and condominiums (high quality private apartments, usually but not always, with shared facilities like swimming pools, gyms etc). HDB flats are generally older and of lower quality (and sometimes without air con), but are of course cheaper. Condos can be anything from satisfactory to breathtaking. Rents for HDB flats start at around SGD 800 a month, with condominiums starting at around SGD 1500. Obviously, costs depend on a lot of factors, location being a major one. My own private recommendation would be to look for a refurbished HDB flat, rather than a cheaper, lower quality condo. I would also strongly dissuade anyone from seeking an apartment around the long Geylang Road, being the red light district, as it is extremely seedy.

In terms of cultural and leisure activities Singapore has somewhat to offer. Firstly, let’s deal with the common derisory remark that Singapore is one large shopping mall. This is true to an extent, and there are very many malls. This will obviously be music to the ears of those who like shopping, and potentially nightmarish for those who don’t. Sampling new food at food courts and restaurants is a very special Singapore experience, as is exploring the different quarters; Chinese, Indian, Malay, Korean, and Thai. The centre of the island is still virgin jungle and ideal for trekking, most notably Bukit Timah and Macritichie Reservoir Park being the most authentic jungle. Beaches are OK in Singapore, but the sheer amount of large boats out in the harbour may discourage you from swimming. An array of smaller islands around it are also great for exploring; particularly Kusu, Ubin, Lazarus and haunted Hantu. The island resort of Sentosa is usually very busy and a bit overrated in my opinion for leisure and entertainment.

In conclusion, for an aspiring teacher looking for a place to start, or for an experienced one seeking a fresh start, I would strongly recommend Singapore. Reasons of income, food, and climate make this a very attractive destination for TEFL/ESL. Flexible immigration makes this a good place to make your TEFL/ESL debut, while the above factors make the city a great place to linger for a few years. Singapore offers enough of the great things about Asia while low on the downsides that make other countries harder to live in such as crime, pollution, begging/touting. So, when considering Asia as an English teaching destination, don’t rule out the Lion City.

About the Author

Will Pearson taught in Singapore from 2007 to 2009 at Shines Education and the Cambridge Institute. After completing his stint there, he returned to the United Kingdom to devote his time to developing supplementary TEFL/ESL materials. In October 2009 he set up www.handouthub.com; a site where English teachers can subscribe to download photocopiable TEFL handouts and ESL worksheets for use in their classes. Will currently lives in Madrid, Spain.

Groshan Fabiola gives a brief intro into teaching English Asian style.

Teaching English in Asia has become very popular among native English speakers from the United States and Canada. These are in fact the residents generally preferred by Asian employers in their numerous job offerings for teachers of English as a second language. Employment anywhere abroad is not guaranteed with just a strong knowledge of English, despite the fact that this language has become international over the past years. However, teaching is Asia is possible with nothing but the solid knowledge that most native English speakers possess. The only prerequisite is a university degree in any subject, but there are times when a lot of enthusiasm will do.

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Teaching in Asia is possible both in public and in private language institutions, as well as self employed. The problem with the privately-run institutions is that their main focus is maximization of profits, which makes educational standards rather low. This makes work as a private tutor more lucrative. However, this type of employment requires considerable market experiences, as well as suitable premises for your work.

Teaching in Asia comes with many advantages, and many of those who apply for an ESL job in Korea, China, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, etc. mostly appreciate salaries and the possibility of increasing their income through private tutoring. The change of scenery is also regarded as interesting, though there are times when the resistance to innovation makes local people have a rather racist attitude. But new arrivals are likely to face problems anywhere around the world, and teaching in Asia is no exception. However, these obstacles can be overcome with tact and perseverance.

Those with no experience whatsoever are most likely to find that teaching in Asia comes with a big challenge, which is getting shy students to speak in class. But this is again an obstacle that can be overcome, because teachers all over the world are faced with this problem, and the most efficient solution seems to be making your classes fun and encouraging students the vocabulary the already possess, however limited.

Teaching in Asia has experienced a remarkable explosion in the past few years, with China demanding a constant flow of native speakers from Western countries. China is the hungriest Asian nation as far as the English language is concerned. There are many ESL job postings for China on the Internet, because the demand for English instructors is a huge one, with more and more people wishing to provide their children with a good education and send them for private tuition.

Requirements for teaching in Asia are not very stringent. A university degree often suffices and teaching experience is seldom required, as this counts for higher training levels. Each of the Asian countries eager to bring in native speakers of English as instructors has its own advantages. For instance, in Japan considerable financial rewards can come with this type of employment, but the competition is fierce. In Indonesia, foreign teachers who are willing to sign a contract and have experience in teaching English as a second language can get up to ten times the local salary. In Korea, the competition for ESL jobs is not as acute as in Japan, and with the demand outstripping the supply by far, getting a job as a teacher in this country is quite easy.

Regardless of the difficulties that may occur, which are not specific of these nations but of working and living in a foreign country, teaching in Asia can turn out to be a pleasant and unforgettable experience if you make an educated choice.

About the author

If you are looking for more information about ESL jobs or to learn about teaching in Asia, Groshan Fabiola suggests visiting TEFL jobs.

By Douglas Bower

What’s more disappointing than a person who makes a promise he can’t keep? A person who makes a promise that is a lie. Many promises to make a “decent living” teaching English in Mexico are just that—a lie.

If you do a phrase search on Google, “teach English in Mexico,” you will get almost 900,000 hits. Some of these sites are filled with tantalizingly appealing phrases like,

“For only a few dollars a week you can have_____in Mexico”.

“First-class bus travel to such and such a place is only____”.

All are allurements trying to sell their how-to book, tapes, seminars, or placement service for teaching English abroad. They give the impression that you will be able to make enough money to live a life of luxury and ease with all that money you will make teaching English in Mexico.

We’ve met many young women who come to Guanajuato with the hope and dream of getting a teaching job making a bundle. The word “shock” is putting it mildly when they find out what their salaries will be in some of these private schools. A good pay scale would be less than $3.00 an hour. I know of some schools that pay even less than that amount.

Can you imagine how many hours you would have to work to make ends meet? Minimum wage is about $400.00 USD a month. Granted, many Mexicans live on that. But could you—an American? Could you downscale to living on so little?

Four types who come to Mexico to teach English are:

1) Someone who wants a new adventure—something different.

2) Someone who wants to build a resume, no matter the salary.

3) Someone who wants to earn a little traveling money.

4) Someone who thinks they can earn a decent living. Groups 1 through 3 don’t care what the dollar sign is in their salary. They have other sources of income like savings or parents who help support them while they are in Mexico. These are the most transient. Here today, promising their employers a year contract, and gone tomorrow. Some employers will not hire these “floaters.” Schools would love to hire those with ties to the community but they are rare.

Group 4, people who think they can make a living, do not accept the reality that you can rarely make a living at teaching English in Mexico. They are like those who go to Hollywood with the delusion of becoming an actor, “Oh, it’s a long shot, but maybe I can do it.”

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In an informal e-mail survey I took of Mexican schools that offer ESL classes, the overwhelming majority agreed that it is rare for anyone to make a living at teaching English in Mexico. One called it “an unrealistic expectation” to believe otherwise.

“…the pay is very low and it is difficult to imagine how one could live on it.”

Another source told me that unless the teacher had signed a contract with a large established organization before departure to the country, it was unlikely that a good salary would be waiting for them. Countries like Japan or China offer a competitive salary with benefits.

Mexico does not.

Most of the available jobs are with small private schools that pay little.

Some told me that those who do not fulfill their teaching commitments no longer surprise them. They’ve grown accustomed to this unethical practice by North Americans.

Some have come to Mexico and made a living teaching ESL. But, that is all they can do—work until they drop. They usually have to sign on to teach with at least three schools to get enough hours to earn enough to pay for cost-of-living expenses. There is little time to anything else.

A life of luxury, excitement, and adventure? Hardly. But they keep coming, filled with the delusion that perhaps they can make it work.

Sad.

About the author

Douglas Bower has published Mexican Living Print & eBooks.

By James Sherard

The economic boom that swept Japan in the 1980’s brought with it not only a period of wealth and prosperity, but also a sudden surge in a desire to study English. Fueled in part by Japan’s role as an emerging economic force, the need to learn English became a necessity for many companies hoping to compete in the global marketplace. As a result of the affluence during this time more Japanese were also able to travel abroad, thus creating a demand for studying English for those who hoped to hone their English skills before making the journey to a foreign country. Entrepreneurs sensing an opportunity to capitalize on this trend began to open English schools in unprecedented numbers, from large Corporate chains that catered to thousands of students, to small neighborhood schools often employing only a handful of staff. Although the glory days of finding a teaching job on the basis of being a native English speaker alone have faded, the good news is there are still many teaching jobs available in Japan for those willing to make a modest effort to pursue them. Renewed economic growth in the last few years in conjunction with a recent ruling by the Japanese Ministry of Education to include English as part of the elementary school curriculum will also create a need for English instructors in the future.

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English teachers in Japan fall basically under two categories, those employed via structured programs such as JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching), and freelance instructors. Teachers who have come to Japan under one of the structured programs can expect benefits which include pre-departure training, visas, flights, living accommodations, and health insurance. Freelance teachers are individuals who arrive in Japan looking for work on their own or who have found a job prior to arriving. In regard to working conditions both can expect to teach approximately 20-35 classes per week, with lessons spanning 50 minutes to one hour in duration. Most teaching positions are at private language schools, with the majority of classes being conducted in the afternoons and evenings. Students range from elementary school, high school, and university students, to housewives and businessmen of all ages. Many of the afternoon classes are typically made up of children who study English after their regular school day has finished, and the majority of evening classes are attended by teens or adults. Size of classes vary, but on average consist of 3-5 students for many of the smaller schools, and up to 15 for larger establishments. Most schools also offer students private lessons.

Entry level salaries for teachers is approximately 250,000 yen per month, though this can fluctuate depending on the company. Some of the larger chain schools such as Nova and ECC offer visa sponsorship and other benefits, such as arranging an apartment for newly arrived teachers. Most schools also subsidize daily train transportation costs. Teachers with experience and a post graduate level qualification in the form of a Masters Degree can expect to make around 400,000 yen a month or more, with the majority of high paying jobs in this category to be found in the High Schools and Universities.

About the author

Jim Sherard is the author of “Land of the Rising Sun, A Guide to Living and Working in Japan“.

By Ron Marks

English teachers have become on very high demand in Asian countries over the past few years. Parents want their children to speak English as a second language and companies want their employees to communicate better with international partners. If you’re an English teacher and would like to travel to a foreign country in Asia, teaching English in Korea would be the perfect opportunity. Just imagine yourself traveling and working in a foreign county, exploring the surroundings and making new fiends. If you want to teach English in Korea, at myesljob.com you’ll find a wide variety of jobs and all the information you need.

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South Korea is one of the rapidly growing Asian countries, with a plethora of opportunities for native English teachers. Situated in the North-Eastern part of Asia, South Korea is a flourishing country only 200 kilometers away from the Japanese coast. Koreans have a very vast culture and society, with a powerful Confucian tradition that persists even today. The people of South Korea are known to be very friendly, hospitable and open minded. As an English teacher in Korea, you’ll have the chance of making many new friends. If you’re looking to teach English in Korea, myesljob.com has plenty of opportunities to offer.

So why is teaching English in Korea so popular these days? The reasons why many young graduates choose to teach English in Korea are numerous, including a better pay check and traveling opportunities. Fresh out of university, many native English speakers are strongly attracted by the prospect of living and working in and exotic foreign country such as South Korea. Whether they’re having trouble finding a satisfactory job in their native country or simply are drawn to the idea of living somewhere else, teaching English in Korea is something more and more people are tempted to try out.

English teachers in South Korea have become an important part in promoting better communication between cultures. Non-English speaking locals are now encouraged to learn and speak English as a second language. Major corporations are also recommending that their employees learn English for business purposes. Native English teachers from countries such as the US or Canada are invited to teach English in Korea and learn about the Korean culture. Prior teaching experience is not a must – a communicative nature and desire to learn is what’s more important when taking up a teaching job in a foreign country.

Have you ever considered teaching English in a foreign country, such as South Korea? The advantages of taking up a teaching job in Korea are numerous, both on financial and personal levels. Teaching English in Korea will be especially appealing if you’re interested in traveling and learning about new cultures. At myesljob.com you can find out more about how you can teach English in Korea.

About the author

Ron Marks suggests, through experience, that by teaching English in Korea you can explore a foreign country and get paid for your teaching abilities. Visit our website and learn how you can teach English in Korea.

An article on how to find a school that won’t let you down by Alexia Nestora

We’ve all heard the rumors. Schools that refuse to pay, schools that work you like a Trojan, even schools that expect you to pay them! There are a lot of crummy language schools out there and you’ll want to avoid them like the plague, here’s how to do it…

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Turn the tables: A TEFL interview is as much about you finding out if the school is right for you as it is about the school finding out if you’re right for it. Prepare some questions before the interview and make sure you ask them. You can find out a lot about a schools approach to teachers by asking a couple of simple questions. For example…

Does the school only hire qualified TEFL teachers?

Does the school perform regular teacher assessments to ensure teaching quality?

Does the school follow a set syllabus?

Does the school encourage student feedback?

Does the school have regular tests to assess student progress?

This may seem irrelevant but if a school doesn’t value the people paying good money to go there then just imagine how it will treat the people who are being paid to work there! This is also a good time to negotiate your contract. Ask about rates of pay, sick pay, medical insurance, taxation, overtime, covering shifts and most importantly, find out whether the school adheres to the labor policy of the host country. Any reputable language school will have answers for these questions, but they’re rarely set in stone so don’t be afraid to haggle. In the TEFL world if you don’t ask you don’t get – so ask!

Work visas: If you’re going to be teaching abroad you’re going to need a work visa. You know that and so do the language schools you’re applying to. If they won’t support your application for a work visa then you need to find another school that will. Having the right visa is essential, without it you won’t be entitled to health insurance, legal protection or holiday pay and you’ll probably be paid significantly less than TEFL tutors who do have a work visa!

Qualifications: You should be wary of any school that doesn’t ask for some kind of formal qualification. Some schools ask for degrees, other just require a TEFL qualification, but they should require some proof that you are able to perform your duties as a TEFL teacher.

You might want to ask how the school will support your professional development. Will they allocate time for you to shadow experienced teachers? Will they help develop your understanding of teaching techniques while you’re working there?

Resources: It’s easy to say that any reputable language school will have a selection of teaching resources (like handouts, card games, lesson plans, dictionaries and grammar books) but this isn’t necessarily the case. These resources take time and money to acquire and if a language school has just started out then it won’t necessarily have them yet. If they don’t have such resources ask them why and question if they have any plans to build up a resources section in the future.

To help prepare you for the absence of resources in underprivileged schools you can take a Specialist Certificate in Teaching with Limited Resources, to learn more click here: http://www.i-to-i.com/tefl/specialist-certificates-limited-resources.html .

The contract: Needless to say, when you get your contract you need to read it carefully. Make sure everything you agreed on is included and check that they haven’t added any sneaky clauses. Don’t be afraid to ask for a translated copy of the contract. This is completely normal and should be expected.

Research: The internet is a great way to research your school to make sure it is completely reputable. Not only that but you can speak to people who have undertaken teaching placements in your chosen country and get a personal recommendation so that you know the school you’re applying for has made a real impression on past tutors.

If you follow this advice then the chances are you’ll have a problem-free overseas teaching experience that lives up to all your expectations!

For those looking for more resources and articles on TEFL courses visit: http://www.i-to-i.com/tefl-articles/ or call 800-985-4864 for more information.

About the author

Alexia Nestora is the founder and director of Lasso Communications, a marketing, public relations and strategic consulting firm. Specializing in volunteer and adventure travel, Lasso helps companies achieve their strategic goals by approaching issues from a unique and experienced perspective. For more information, please visit www.lassocommunications.com or email at [email protected].

By Anthony Gore, with a response from Diarmuid Fogarty

The difficulties of working in Spain’s private ELT market

I have been teaching English in southern Spain for almost two years. During that time I think that I have either experienced or have heard about all the possible pitfalls that can befall a teacher working in private academies. Spain has for a long time been a popular destination for native teachers of English and because of this native teachers are not exactly at a premium. There is work but not the kind of work where your ability to speak natural English means that the work will be well paid or your contribution appreciated. This may sound cynical but the truth ( at least about my area of Spain ) is that English is valued as a language, while teachers and to most extent students are seen as the unfortunate consequence of having an academy.

One is left in no doubt that the first aim of any academy is to make money, while the second aim is to save money with teaching students to read and write in English a poor third. I say read and write because many academies don’t bother to teach students to speak English and at least one that I know of tells teachers NOT to speak English in class ! It is easy to understand this emphasis on the written word. Spanish schools do not test their students orally at any time during their education ( until that is you take an English degree at university ). It is common to find students who are unable to speak any English despite finishing higher education and achieving good grades in English exams. These students are unable to make any connection between the written and spoken word and they often return to academies once they realise that they need to be able to speak English for their work.

As a teacher in a Spanish academy you will be faced with several likely situations with unmotivated students being your biggest class headache, I believe in a learner centred approach but students who refuse to be interested in anything, including music and popular culture, present a real problem when trying to prepare a class around their interests. Some of you will be saying that I must have chosen the wrong music or topics, you would be wrong; on one occasion I offered the class a blank cassette to take home and record the music they would like to work on in class, no one took up the offer. At other times I have offered them a choice of video to be viewed in class only to be told they didn’t care which they saw. These classes are frustrating the only advice I can give you is don’t get depressed, don’t drive yourself crazy trying to find the solution, but equally keep trying and if you find an answer email me !

Your employers are likely to cause you an equal amount of frustration; I have never experienced any form of formal teacher development or assessment while working here. I was once given a “school policy” which stated that teachers were “empowered to do their jobs”, this meant that you were left to sort things out on your own. In my experience employers will also change your hours without notice, refuse to tell you if you will be hired again the following year ( 99% of contracts are for nine months, it is unlikely that you can earn enough in that time to survive the three months of summer without work ) and if you are unfortunate enough to be a non-native teacher generally treat you without any consideration at all.

Perhaps all that has put you off, I hope not because I’m sure there are good schools in Spain and if you come you will find many students who have a genuine desire to improve their English; a population who are warm and forgiving even as you murder their language in an attempt to communicate; a climate that has three months of mild winter rather than two weeks of British summer; an unequalled selection of fattening foods and a culture styled on a passion for enjoying the worst as well as the best that life has to offer. The Spanish say “Work to live, not live to work” it’s a philosophy that worth remembering before you face that class of teenagers.

A response

What a bleak picture Anthony Gore paints of working in Spain, and one that rang few bells with me after having worked there for five years. I began teaching in the Basque Country in 1996 and encountered groups of students who covered the range of enthusiasm from poke-her-to-see-if-she’s-still-breathing to gag-him-and-tie-him-to-the-chair. From his description of activities offered to his students, I am assuming that most of them are teenagers.

It is true that teenagers are notoriously difficult to motivate, and so it seems unfair to suggest that this is a characteristic of the Iberian adolescents. Neither do I find it likely that they ‘refuse to be interested in anything’. It’s worth remembering that most students in the academies are not consulted about whether or not they wish to go there, nor are they given much time to get on with being adolescents. Parents thoughtfully package every minute of their offspring’s day into ‘meaningful learning experiences’ such as facing a tired, underpaid and increasingly cynical teacher in a language academy.

Whilst Anthony is to be commended for his attempts to make the language more meaningful by relating it to what he perceives as being of interest to his captive audience, he might find it more rewarding if he asks his students what it is that they would like to be discussing in English classes. It may well be that their real interests go a bit deeper than pop songs and videos. And he shouldn’t get too disheartened if his pleas for help are met with silence. Teenagers in most countries are not used to their views being solicited by figures of authority. It might be a case of softly, softly, catchee monkey.

I think that the Spanish education system also needs defending (loathe as I am to be the one to do it…). For two years I travelled around Spain working as a teacher trainer. My work brought me into contact with many colleagues who are working in very unfavourable conditions in the State system. Despite these conditions, there are a great many teachers who are trying out new and, dare I say it, revolutionary approaches to the teaching of English as a foreign language. It is no coincidence that some of the more refreshing voices in the world of EFL are to be found living and working in Spain.

Finally, I do share his opinions on the working conditions that teachers are forced to work under. Even the British Council is guilty of the exploitation of teachers by employing them repeatedly on short term contracts, which mean no summer pay and reduced social security contributions. However, once again, I think that this is a problem experienced by teachers on a global scale and it seems unfair to present it as a typically Spanish problem.

However, I can assure him that there are good employers to be found in Spain (including several in the south). Another alternative might be to join with some like-minded individuals and form a workers’ cooperative. After all, Spain has favourable laws for doing such things and the Mondragón cooperatives flourished (and continue to do so) in the north of the country.

In conclusion, I would like to encourage readers not to be too disheartened by Anthony’s description. Spain is a wonderful country to live in and work in. Of course, there are problems with greedy bosses and unresponsive students, but as the Spanish also say, No se puede nadar Y guardar la ropa – You can’t go swimming AND look after your clothes.

By Sharon K Couzens de Hinojosa of the TEFL Tips website

Choosing a country will depend on what you want to get out of teaching English. If you’re looking for money, you won’t go to the same country as those who are looking to surf or ski. Experience and education will also be a factor in your decision. Since money is often a factor, let’s address that issue first.

Top Countries for Earning Money

If you’re looking to save you should head towards Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, or the Middle East. Korea and Taiwan are also easy for newbies to get a good paying job with great benefits.

Hong Kong may be a more difficult market to get into. The NET (Native English Teacher) Scheme is the best, money-wise, but you will need experience and a background in teaching.

Lastly is the Middle East, where salaries can range from 30 to 60K USD a year. Saudi Arabia is at the top as far as money’s concerned. However, you will need experience and a MA degree just to get your foot in the door. Also, keep in mind that life in the Middle East may not be as foreign friendly as other countries. Some limitations that you might encounter are: needing special permission to leave the country, alcohol limitations, and little interaction with the locals.

Living in Paradise

If you’re looking for a laid-back atmosphere, try Thailand, Mexico, or Argentina. Although you will probably be paid less, sometimes a more relaxed atmosphere outweighs the pay.

Thailand is located in South East Asia, has great weather year round and lots of beaches. It’s also a top tourist destination, so you’ll find many of the amenities there that you will find at home.

Since Mexico is part of Latin America, you will be treated to two-hour lunch breaks and siestas. Argentina has more of a European feel to it than Mexico, but the Latin American mindset still goes strong.

What about Europe?

Many people want to go to Europe, but the truth to the matter is that visas may be hard to come by. Getting a visa in the new EU, Central and Eastern Europe, is much easier than trying to get one in the old EU, Western Europe. If you’re interested in teaching in Europe, do a little family background research as you may qualify for a passport from a European country. Italy is probably the easiest to get a passport from if you have family from there.

Europe may be perfect for as it’s exotic and has beautiful architecture and a fascinating history. Pay seems to hover around 700 to 1000 USD a month across Europe.

International Schools

If you have a background in teaching, experience and qualifications, money and visas won’t be an issue for you. You pretty much have the world at your feet. The majority of international schools will pay just about the same as schools in your home country, you’ll have benefits, including relocation allowances, and schools will get you a visa. Most places require a one or two year contract.

About the author

Sharon K Couzens de Hinojosa is the creator and writer for TEFL Tips, The LA Job List, and The Ultimate Peru List. She enjoys answering people’s questions about TEFLing and Peru.