Do you REALLY need to spend a fortune on a TEFL Cert?

Online TEFL Certification is an Option These Days

This week’s question is the headline:

Do I really need a course that costs me any where from $900-$2500 for a certificate? Is there any way to do this cheaper, I want to be a good teacher but if it truly costs that much it’s kinda insane.

The Answer:

Do you really need such a course and is there a way to do it cheaper?

Well . . . yes and no. If you want to be a “good teacher” then taking a good course will help a LOT.

However, I quite understand that it is very expensive. You could take an online course to get the basics with an eye toward taking a full blown course when you have saved a bit and made some real money. A few countries are happy to see that you did ANYTHING to learn about how to teach and some will accept almost anything.

China will accept an online course, pretty much ANY online course. That and your degree can get you, sometimes, even a college teaching position. Korea doesn’t require a TEFL cert but if you have one, you can move to the front of the line having demonstrated at least an interest in learning how to do the job well.

A few countries, Thailand and Indonesia as examples, require a TEFL Certification and want the full blown in-class – yes, spend-a-lot-of-money one. If you want to teach there, then into the classroom you go. And shell out the money.

There is even slowly developing a hybrid type of TEFL Cert where you take the course online but do observed teaching practice somehow somewhere. The details are usually difficult to work out and the quality can vary a bit too much to recommend it, but someday that option might be a good one.

If you want to get the basics, enough so that you have an idea about how to go about things AND how to gradually improve yourself, but if money is a BIG issue – probably TEFL Boot Camp’s Online TEFL Certification is one of the best. Probably the least expensive, but written by an experienced teacher – for teachers.

TED’s Tips™ #1: If money is a major problem (it is for many of us!) – try online first. Teach a bit, save some money – then get the Full Monty.

TED’s Tips™ #2: Even if a certification is not required, getting one does demonstrate to a potential employer that you have an interest in doing the job well. Enough so that you spent some time and money to improve you skills. Yes, that does say something about you.

What’s up in China? Learn what kind of jobs are on offer if would like to Teach English in China. I help place people in China – it is great fun – and you can start your career often at a higher level in China than you would in Korea or Taiwan.

An Effective EFL Job Search #1

I have mentioned before that I sometimes help place people in English teaching jobs in China. Today’s blog will be the first of many that talk about how to improve your job search.

We have to start first with people who want to go and teach English abroad just for a year and sometimes even a shorter period of time. Let me correct that, they don’t really want to teach English, they want to go abroad and teaching English is the way they hope will provide that experience.

Because these people don’t take the idea of teaching English seriously, they often fail in their job search.

Why?

Because their job search clearly indicates their lack of sincere interest in helping students learn English. How do I know that? Because their email often begins with “Yo!” I wanna go teach english somewhere – can I? You can do for me?”

Does that indicate a sincere interest in providing some quality instruction for students on the other side of the world, who often have paid a lot of money to sit in your classroom? Sadly, no.

When asked for a photograph – the very photograph that will introduce you to your new employer – they send photos of them dancing drunk with friends in a bar. And recently a very nice guy, with some quite special skills, sent me a photo of him with his family, his beer belly was sticking out and his shirt had stains on it.

What can I say to that?

Take your job search seriously

Your future employer does. They want a responsible professional who will help give their students an advantage in the hard tough ultra-competitive world of developing countries (where most TEFL jobs are). If you present yourself asking for a two-week contract, send photos of you drinking and dancing – what are they to think?

Education in most of the developing world is SERIOUS business. Education is seen as the only way out of a grinding cycle of poverty or difficult jobs with long hours and poor pay. Schools and students are looking to YOU to help them escape to a better world. Help them escape!

Take your job search seriously

Present yourself professionally. Send a professional resume/CV. Send a professional photograph with you in professional dress. Yes, guys in a tie. Ideally seek some training even if only a short online TEFL certification course – to show that you are interested in doing a good job.

While wages can seem very modest abroad, you will often be earning as much or more than someone with a Ph.D teaching at the same school! They take it seriously. So should you. That modest wage, often combined with free accommodation, reimbursed airfares, sometimes even subsidized utilities often means you can save more than you are saving right now.

Come on, get with and treat teaching English abroad – the occupation, the job – with the respect it deserves. No other occupation can provide you with so many options, so many possibilities for seeing and traveling the world and actually saving a few bucks while doing it.

TED’s Tips™ #1: Approach your overseas job search with the same diligence you would a promotion and/or better job in your home country. This is a job that will allow you to travel, work fewer hours, see the world and possibly even save more money than you are saving right now. THAT is worth some diligence!

TED’s Tips™ #2: Get some professional passport type photos taken. They will be worth their weight in gold. Dress professionally, put on a friendly smile (practice if you need to) and look like the sharp skilled person you really are.

What’s up in China? Learn what kind of jobs are on offer if would like to Teach English in China. I help place people in China – it is great fun – and you can start your career often at a higher level in China than you would in Korea or Taiwan.

How to Teach English Overseas and Secrets to Success Abroad
TEFL eBooks is offering a free download of their new publication Seven Secrets of Success Abroad - and along with it comes a bi-weekly installment and revision of their eBook called How to Teach English Overseas.

Great reviews for the Secrets of Success eBook – in spite of the hokey name – and the How to Teach English eBook is being updated and rewritten and sent out in installments as it is ready.

Here they are – click on the eBooks to get your FREE copies! Great information and the price is right, from our friends at TEFLeBooks.

Too Old, No Degree, Want To Teach English?

One of the best things about this blog is that I get great questions from people who want to teach English abroad, but wonder about their circumstances and if they can make it happen or not.

Here is a recent email:

I have been considering teaching English in a Spanish speaking country, preferably Spain. If not there then Central or South America. I am 62 yrs old and in excellent health. I have been with [a major international bank] for 11 plus years. I am semi-bilingual, since my wife is Colombian. What do you think of my age? Am I too old? How do I find out if I would be eligible to teach in Peru for instance? I have an Associates degree only (a two-year vocational type degree). I have taught a little in a voluntary setting. Can you share your thoughts with me?

My response follows – and I want every person reading this blog and thinking about working abroad to apply such thinking to their job search.

Hi Bill,

You wrote:

What do you think of my age? Am I too old?

You are only a couple years older than me – not too old – you have a lot to share.

And . . .

How do I find out if I would be eligible to teach in Peru for instance? I have an associates degree only. I have taught a little in a voluntary setting.

For Peru specifically contact Sharon – she is a bit of a Peru specialist – but she also knows Latin America well: naturegirl321 @ yahoo.com

You can tell her Ted Tucker sent you.

BUT – I would say that you can create your eligibility – you have eleven years with [a major international bank]? Teach Business English, teach Banking English, create a few courses, sell yourself to corporations, banks, etc as someone who knows business and Business English – see this page:
http://tefldaddy.com/Your_Special_Skills.htm

Yes, you are going to be limited by your two-year degree if you just go and search for any old regular English job, so focus on your Special Skills.

Start here: www.BusinessEnglishEbook.com — get that ebook and start to create a few courses for the specialties you already know. Go to a new country offering something (specialized knowledge and training) rather than going asking for something (a job).

Good luck! Go get what you want.

TED’s Tips™ #1: Most people have some sort of work history. You can CREATE a demand for your specific skills if you focus your job search in that area. Again see: Special Skills.

TED’s Tips™ #2: Search for a job OFFERING something: special skills, special knowledge or if nothing else flexibility and a willingness to adapt – rather than searching for a job just asking for a job.

What’s up in China? Learn what kind of jobs are on offer if would like to Teach English in China. I help place people in China – it is great fun – and you can start your career often at a higher level in China than you would in Korea or Taiwan.

How to Teach English Overseas and Secrets to Success Abroad
TEFL eBooks is offering a free download of their new publication Seven Secrets of Success Abroad - and along with it comes a bi-weekly installment and revision of their eBook called How to Teach English Overseas.

Great reviews for the Secrets of Success eBook – in spite of the hokey name – and the How to Teach English eBook is being updated and rewritten and sent out in installments as it is ready.

Here they are – click on the eBooks to get your FREE copies! Great information and the price is right, from our friends at TEFLeBooks.

Working TEFL, Making Money . . .

How much can I make teaching English abroad?

I want to share with the readers of this blog one of the most frequently asked questions that I get. And I want to give a good answer to it. Cut to the meat of the issue: How much can I earn, can I pay off bills and student loans, can I do it even at 30+ years of age? My answers are below the questions – but bottom line is “A lot, but it depends” “Yes” and “Yes” – but for the details, read on . . .

A reader wrote:

I wanted to ask you a question regarding the age topic and relative ease at which someone can make a decent living at esl teaching abroad.

My questions are, in one of the top paying ESL locations in Asia specifically Taiwan, can I expect to earn at least $2,500 – $3,000 dollars a month if I work 30 to 40 hrs at one job or would I need to have a part time job i.e.:(tutoring, another school, etc)? I am trying to make sure that I can afford to live and pay off my school loans from teaching esl abroad. I understand the reality is you make a lot less compared to US salaries, but I want to make sure I will have enough to live and pay off loans and save a little.

Also I am 32, have a TESOL cert and an MBA and think its time to live abroad and learn a new language/culture. I have traveled abroad to Asia in the past but never lived or worked there, so would the fact that I am 32 hinder my chances of getting a job in ESL? Also could I make a career out of ESL and teach abroad indefinitely? Any insight would be helpful especially from someone who’s already done it!

It is important to understand that it is not how much you can earn – but rather how much you can bank (your discretionary income).

While Taiwan ranks high in Asia for wages, the benefits provided with jobs often do not match other countries that pay a bit less. For example, Korea pays only a bit less than Taiwan, but you get free accommodation, paid air tickets and a lower overall tax rate – and, bottom line, you have more bankable income than in Taiwan.

The overall cost of living in Taiwan is higher than in Korea also. I found it less stressful to teach private classes in Taiwan, but they were less plentiful than in Korea and private classes paid more in Korea.

China should not be ruled out either. With your MBA, you should be aware that there is a demand for Business English that far exceeds the interest in it in Taiwan and Korea. Lower cost of living, even lower taxes and sometimes, you could even bank more money in China than in Korea (not always, but sometimes).

And again – in China, free accommodation, reimbursed air tickets and sometimes even free utilities (which are expensive in both Korea and Taiwan).

True Bottom Line? You can save far more in Korea, China and Taiwan than you can in the States. And it looks like taxes and FICA in the USA are going to be going up up up soon to pay for all the debt associated with the “Stimulus” spending.

Contact me at Ted@TEFLteacherTraining.com and let me see if I can connect you with a good Business English job in China. You mention your age, it won’t be a problem and in fact will be a bit of an advantage. Middle-aged businesspeople don’t want to learn Business English from a young kid with no business experience. You will be better able to relate to them, their work, the demands and pressures of the lives; far more so than a 21-year-old fresh out of university.

You also asked,

Can I make a career out of TEFL and teach abroad indefinitely?

You bet you can – I did – and many others have and are doing it right now. But be forewarned, it is such a different and enjoyable life you may never go back . . .

Go get ‘em!

TED’s Tips™ #1: For those whom money is a concern the question isn’t “How much can I make” – it’s “How much can I BANK”.

TED’s Tips™ #2: Be sure to look at the full package: total wages, taxes, cost of living, ability to earn extra income legally (or quasi-legally) on the side and benefits provided such as free accommodation, subsidized utilities and air tickets when computing your bankable wages.

What’s up in China? Learn what kind of jobs are on offer if would like to Teach English in China I help place people in China – it is great fun – and you can start your career often at a higher level in China than you would in Korea or Taiwan.

How to Teach English Overseas and Secrets to Success Abroad
TEFL eBooks is offering a free download of their new publication Seven Secrets of Success Abroad - and along with it comes a bi-weekly installment and revision of their eBook called How to Teach English Overseas.

Great reviews for the Secrets of Success eBook – in spite of the hokey name – and the How to Teach English eBook is being updated and rewritten and sent out in installments as it is ready.

Here they are – click on the eBooks to get your FREE copies! Great information and the price is right, from our friends at TEFLeBooks.

Your Lifestyle and Finding a Suitable TEFL Location

How to find a place that fits your lifestyle

Assure your social survival

Much like checking out the financial situation, you need to carefully investigate the social situation where you hope to go. A lonely life overseas is no fun at all.

Ask, Ask, Ask

Again, go to popular discussion boards and ask about lifestyle issues.
Are the local people friendly or xenophobic? Will you find yourself isolated or quickly absorbed into an active local or expatriate community?

I lived for three years in a smallish community in Korea, but because of friends, had a great social life. Others find themselves in small towns, lonely, isolated, and quite unhappy, though that can happen just as easily in large cities.

It might be best, with your first job, to avoid smallish towns or cities, particularly in countries where foreigners are not quickly accepted or in communities where there is not an expatriate community.

The Expatriate Community

As much as we would all like to live in, adjust to, and be accepted by the people of a foreign culture, it is often more difficult than it might seem and usually takes some time. A strong expatriate community can provide good support during your initial days, when you don’t know the language and need to sort out your living situation.

Fresh in a new community, it can even be difficult to figure out where to find food that you are familiar with. Other issues that you might need help with: getting a telephone, cable or satellite TV, a computer and/or Internet connection, driver’s license (some jobs will require this), a car or motorcycle. Even getting drinking water delivered to your house can be problematic.

These are just the beginning issues: what about going to immigration and getting a resident visa, a work permit and whatever else may be required on that side?

Often your employer or coworkers can/will help you with these issues, but not always.

Ask discussion boards about the kind of support you might expect to find in your new community.

Also ask about any lifestyle issues you may be unsure about.

TED’s Tips™ #1: You will spend much more time away from work than you will at work, yet most people neglect learning about the lifestyle and social situation where they are going. Be sure you know – before you go.

TED’s Tips™ #2: Get involved in the local expatriate community. It doesn’t need to be to the exclusion of the local people, it can be in additional to.

What’s up in China? Learn what kind of jobs are on offer if would like to Teach English in China

How to Teach English Overseas and Secrets to Success Abroad
TEFL eBooks is offering a free download of their new publication Seven Secrets of Success Abroad - and along with it comes a bi-weekly installment and revision of their eBook called How to Teach English Overseas.

Great reviews for the Secrets of Success eBook – in spite of the hokey name – and the How to Teach English eBook is being updated and rewritten and sent out in installments as it is ready.

Here they are – click on the eBooks to get your FREE copies! Great information and the price is right, from our friends at TEFLeBooks.

TEFL as a Career Requires Patience

Patience is a true virtue in TEFL

Everything from visa paperwork, to cultural differences to students not quite getting what you are trying to teach them; everything in TEFL requires some patience on your part.

If you are not a patient person, try to pick up some coping skills so you can manage gracefully while you are abroad.

A confession here: I am NOT a patient person. But I have learned a better way to look at and understand processes that I can not always influence.

I can’t control the mid-level bureaucrat who processes my visa. She can make my life pleasant or very difficult. It really is up to her, so it is always better if I approach her with a smile and patience in my heart and a willingness to smile and dance whatever dance she chooses to call.

Getting upset or wired up about it just won’t solve anything and is more likely to create even more problems.

Especially in your early years as a TEFL teacher you will find the bumbling along of bureaucracies to be somewhat frustrating. But you really only need to look at your own home country and remember a bit just how recalcitrant those people at the driver’s license place were or how difficult it might have been to get your first student loan.

Life overseas is not really as different as it might seem, it is often only that you don’t have a full grasp of the culture and language that is how you can get caught in little whirlwinds of paperwork and frustration.

I mention this now as I was recently helping someone process their visa paperwork to teach English in China when all of a sudden a specific form was needed from an authority from the teacher-candidate’s academic past. The form was found and sent to the requesting official who promptly overruled it as it did not have a “chop” or stamp from the school on it.

Now, as we all know, stamps don’t don’t mean quite as much in our culture and usually a signature is just fine. But not in this case. And all this was going on during an extended holiday time, with the usual difficulty finding and getting anyone to do anything.

It all got sorted out in the end, but the teacher-candidate just about gave up with frustration.

TED’s Tips™ #1: Realize that the frustrations you are facing before you even get to your job are probably less than those you will deal with when actually on the job.

TED’s Tips™ #2: don’t forget that there were things that frustrated you in your own country as well. Life is life. It is full obstacles but also full of wonder and rewards when we overcome those obstacles.

What’s up in China? Learn what kind of jobs are on offer if would like to Teach English in China

How to Teach English Overseas and Secrets to Success Abroad
TEFL eBooks is offering a free download of their new publication Seven Secrets of Success Abroad - and along with it comes a bi-weekly installment and revision of their eBook called How to Teach English Overseas.

Great reviews for the Secrets of Success eBook – in spite of the hokey name – and the How to Teach English eBook is being updated and rewritten and sent out in installments as it is ready.

Here they are – click on the eBooks to get your FREE copies! Great information and the price is right, from our friends at TEFLeBooks.

Two Paths for Teaching English Abroad

An Important Decision for your First Job Teaching English Abroad

Teaching English abroad, to me, has two different career paths. And they are both important to consider before you seek that first job and even before you take your TEFL Training if getting a certification is on your agenda.

The two paths?

Teaching at a language school or teaching at a college or university. How are they different? Many many ways.

Teaching English at a Language School

Teaching English at a language school often involves a large dose of teaching children very elementary language skills. But it also can involve a fair amount of singing, dancing and what some people might call “being a dancing monkey” to keep the little ones occupied and happy.

Now some people can think of nothing more joyous than filling their days with enthusiastic and energetic young kids, dancing, singing and laughing. Others see it as a very loud classroom with hyperactive screaming kids that present constant discipline problems.

The reality is probably somewhere in the middle, but TEFL newbies are often placed in with the youngest kids, especially if you are a very young newbie. Class sizes can often be small, with six to twelve kids per class relatively common.

Is this setting for you?

Teaching English at Colleges and Universities

Teaching English at colleges and universities usually involves teaching intermediate to more advanced language skills to larger classes of young adults. Some of those students don’t want to be in the classroom, but the class is required by their major. Other students will be enthusiastic English majors with a real curiosity about the language and a desire to improve.

Some people find teaching these students, who already have some good language skills, to be a a lot easier. Others find it difficult to manage the larger numbers of students that are in a university class – sometimes only 15-25, but 35-45 are not unusual – and I once taught a reading class (with a co-teacher) of 100+ students.

How about that setting?

Other Important Differences

A common difference between the two jobs is that university teachers usually teach only about twelve to twenty 45-50 minute classroom hours per week. Language school teachers will find 25-35 hours to be more common. Those classes though might range from only 30 to 45 minutes each.

Paid vacation time is usually significantly different. A typical language school teacher – let’s say in Asia, for example – will get about one week per year of paid vacation time. University positions vary significantly but a month paid vacation is about the minimum and some schools, as you move up the food chain, offer anywhere from 12-20 weeks paid leave per year.

BIG differences, no?

Now, I don’t know anyone who doesn’t like long paid vacation time, but there are probably a few out there. To me the university/college path was always the best bet.

One final difference is important though. Generally university positions will require more education and/or training than a language school job. With only a degree you can get a decent language school job in almost any non-English speaking country.

A degree and a TEFL certification can land you university positions in many countries. Just a TEFL certification with no degree will usually see you in a language school in few choices of countries. A relevant graduate degree and a TEFL Certification and the world is your oyster.

TED’s Tips™ #1: Before you head out decide which path might be best for you.

TED’s Tips™ #2: If a TEFL certification is in your plans, make sure the TEFL school where you get your training will give you experience with the younger or older students that you are targeting in your upcoming job search.

TED’s Tips™ #3: If you want to teach English abroad as a long-term career, consider the university path and if you don’t have a graduate degree – RUN, don’t walk – to get one. You can do a distance study course while teaching at a language school. There are numerous reputable distance MATESOL type programs out there. Your homework and research can be done right in your classroom as you teach.

What’s up in China? Learn what kind of jobs are on offer if would like to Teach English in China

How to Teach English Overseas and Secrets to Success Abroad
TEFL eBooks is offering a free download of their new publication Seven Secrets of Success Abroad - and along with it comes a bi-weekly installment and revision of their eBook called How to Teach English Overseas.

Great reviews for the Secrets of Success eBook – in spite of the hokey name – and the How to Teach English eBook is being updated and rewritten and sent out in installments as it is ready.

Here they are – click on the eBooks to get your FREE copies! Great information and the price is right, from our friends at TEFLeBooks.

Teaching English LEGALLY

Being a Professional and Doing Things Correctly

I currently live in a country where a degree and a TEFL certificate are required to obtain legal working papers.

That should be “USUALLY required” as there are ways around things sometimes for schools in rural areas and certain people if they have good previous experience in a specific industry (hospitality for example) can sometimes be hired as trainers rather than teachers.

Regardless of the realities of what is required, people often contact me saying that they worked here a few years ago without a degree or they know someone working here now who doesn’t have a degree, so WHY do I say a degree is needed to teach English?!

Well . . . a degree isn’t needed to teach English but one is usually required to teach English LEGALLY. When asked the details of their previous (or friend’s) employment, we often determine that the person was working illegally.

While I will admit that teaching English, for many people, is just a passing fancy and way to see a bit of the world while financing the journey in a classroom, I am loath to recommend that people do anything illegal, especially in a country that is not your own. The same people who do such things are often the ones who end up on silly TV reality shows like “Locked up Abroad” or similar ilk – whining about how they were unfairly treated.

Breaking immigration law in any country is a serious offense. Why would they not think so? The two countries that provide the greatest number of EFL teachers are the UK and USA, and they have some of the most difficult immigration procedures around. It’s not like this is a new idea. Is it?

Some people even say, “Let them lock me up, what are they going to do, keep me forever?” “Ha ha ha.” Well, they might find that many countries don’t really care how long people sit in their jails. And they don’t mind making parents and relatives empty their wallets in efforts to get them out.

A couple things frustrate me about this. The first is that the occupation is debased by people working illegally. We all come under suspicion. The other is that it allows the shady schools (the ones that you hear about cheating teachers for example) to continue to operate by hiring people “off the record”.

TED’s Tips™ #1: All I want to suggest is that if you decide to go abroad to teach English, do it legally. There are countries where people without degrees can teach. Much of Latin America, Cambodia, Laos, some parts of China, Indonesia and more.

TED’s Tips™ #2: Do your research BEFORE you go to a country to be sure you can work there legally. The Internet is full of websites that will give you the information you need to find out. Or even just read the jobs postings. What qualifications are most employers asking for? One of the main reasons schools ask for certain qualifications is because they are required to obtain legal working papers for their teachers. A good website for jobs postings is ESL Jobs Now.

What’s up in China? Learn what kind of jobs are on offer if would like to Teach English in China

How to Teach English Overseas and Secrets to Success Abroad
TEFL eBooks is offering a free download of their new publication Seven Secrets of Success Abroad - and along with it comes a bi-weekly installment and revision of their eBook called How to Teach English Overseas.

Great reviews for the Secrets of Success eBook – in spite of the hokey name – and the How to Teach English eBook is being updated and rewritten and sent out in installments as it is ready.

Here they are – click on the eBooks to get your FREE copies! Great information and the price is right, from our friends at TEFLeBooks.

Is Life Abroad Healthy?

Can you drink the water?

Generally speaking, yes – and no. Life is healthy, and no, don’t drink the water (sometimes and usually).

What?

I have found that my life overseas has been no more and no less healthy than life back home. Except, I live a much less stressful and less hectic life than do my family and friends “back home”. That’s healthier!

Better Medical Care

My personal experience is that most doctors overseas will spend much more time with you. They aren’t pressed by the numbers game of HMOs or clinics. You won’t find the doctor pushing you out of the exam room or running out the door to the next customer (whoops, I mean patient!).

When younger, I had some serious health issues that never really got resolved until I met a couple of great doctors overseas. They spent the time with me to talk about the problem, explained, reviewed some options, and left the course of action up to me!

I didn’t feel that they were eagerly “sharpening their knives” and wondering how much all this could be worth. Just my cynical outlook, I guess? Frankly, I trust my doctors here more than I did there. Really.

Staying Healthy

You will find that things aren’t always as clean as you would like them to be – and bathroom cleanliness is not common in many parts of the world, nor is regular hand washing. So, you will find yourself, wisely, washing your hands MUCH more than you used to – and it is a very good habit for keeping yourself healthy. Carry a handkerchief with you as most lavatories won’t have any towels at all or will often have a community towel for all to use.

The Water?

Generally, not good to drink, but it depends on the country of course. Ask! Most countries though have cheap and easily accessible bottled water. I get five-gallon (19 liter) bottles delivered to my door for about US$1. And I buy the EXPENSIVE water. The cheap water is about US30 cents. Most places you can gargle and brush your teeth with tap water – some places you can’t – it is important to ask your coworkers.

Boil it?

Sometimes. And you will see many people do this. But often the problem with the water may not be bacteria and other living things in the water, it is often pollutants or heavy metals, things which are not affected by boiling.

TED’s Tips™ #1: Good quality bottled water is cheap – buy it. Your health is too valuable. You’ll quickly get used to the routine. It is simple and easy. You won’t even notice after a few weeks when you have habit down.

TED’s Tips™ #2: Caveat: I’m not a doctor – but I am careful with my health. I am, after all, in my 50s. All the above is just my opinion. Of course, consult you personal physician on any personal health issues.

What’s up in China? Learn what kind of jobs are on offer if would like to Teach English in China

How to Teach English Overseas and Secrets to Success Abroad
TEFL eBooks is offering a free download of their new publication Seven Secrets of Success Abroad - and along with it comes a bi-weekly installment and revision of their eBook called How to Teach English Overseas.

Great reviews for the Secrets of Success eBook – in spite of the hokey name – and the How to Teach English eBook is being updated and rewritten and sent out in installments as it is ready.

Here they are – click on the eBooks to get your FREE copies! Great information and the price is right, from our friends at TEFLeBooks.

Investing while Abroad

What Should I do with my Savings?

Only my opinion, I am not a financial consultant, but unless you plan on spending a long time overseas, invest in your home country.

There will be times when you might become aware of unusual or special opportunities for investment in your new country.

I would advise staying away from them unless you have lived there for several years and have a strong understanding of the financial and legal system where you are.

Most of us don’t have that understanding, and foreigners are often fair game for a good fleecing.

Yes, you can always check websites that offer global financing tips like the popular Motley Fool, but nothing beats first-hand experience and knowledge.

Your researching can only take you so far, when it comes right down to the nitty-gritty detail of investing, you’re better of doing damage on a territory you’re familiar with and have connections on.

Long-Term Investing

If you plan to live in a certain country for the rest of your life and perhaps to retire there, then, and only then, should you consider investing in that country.

And first, be sure to listen to the old “war stories” of people who have gone down that path before. You work hard for your money, be careful not to blow it on something you have not researched carefully.

The Discussion Boards

I often read people talking about investments on the TEFL discussion boards and they often, sadly, have no idea what they are talking about. I have an MBA, have invested carefully for thirty years in real estate and in the stock market, yet often hear 21-year-olds tell me which way the US dollar is going to move against the Korean won.

Flip a coin – even experienced traders with years of Wall Street experience rarely really know.

TED’s Tips™ #1: Get your investment advice from your own personal research, pay a professional for good research, or don’t invest.

TED’s Tips™ #2: Don’t get your investment advice from English teachers. Just my opinion.

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How to Teach English Overseas and Secrets to Success Abroad
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