Contact

Just use the comment form below and either check back here – or leave your email address and I will be happy to get back with you.

IF you use your email address, write it like this (so SPAM robots can’t use it):  youraddress [space] @ [space] yahoo-or-whatever.com

Let me know if I can be of any help.

Ted

Ted | datetime August 12, 2009 4:06 PM

52 Comments

  • By Ted, August 18, 2009 @ 4:16 AM

    Hi Tricia,

    Do you mean schools as places to work? Or, schools for getting some TEFL Teacher Training?

    We will soon address how to establish if an employer is reputable or not – I will move that to the top of the list and make it the NEXT topic.

    For determining if a TEFL Certification school is reputable, the best resource is http://www.TEFLprogram.com

    The site has five checklists of questions that you need to know the answers to when making a decision about your teacher training.

  • By Chris, August 25, 2009 @ 3:18 AM

    I am an engineer and thinking seriously of changing careers and getting certified to teach English abroad. I am very interested in the CELTA certification. If I did that next Spring, how long could I expect to have to wait to get my first job? I currently have a BS in civil engineering, some teaching experience while in college (late 90′s), but none after. Thanks.

  • By Ted, August 25, 2009 @ 7:28 AM

    Hi Chris,

    A CELTA and/or any good TEFL Certification will do a lot to help you land the job you want faster – and usually will put you at the top of the list. Even if it is not required it shows that you are interested in doing a quality job. And that says a lot to a potential employer!

    You asked, “…how long could I expect to have to wait to get my first job?”

    The answer to that depends a lot on where you want to teach and even who you want to teach. If you want to teach in Korea or China – you can probably sign a contract within days. If you have something very specific in mind it might take a bit longer.

    For example, if you want to teach at a resort on a tropical island – your job search should be more detailed and take a bit longer . . .

    By the above, I mean what country and what kind of setting (university, preschool, language school, secondary school).

    I would encourage you to read these webpages to help you sharpen your focus:

    http://www.teflnewbie.com/types-of-tefl-jobs/

    and

    http://tefldaddy.com/Your_Special_Skills.htm

    Plese feel free to contact me and ask more questions. Happy to help if I can.

    EnjoY!

    Ted

  • By Chris, August 25, 2009 @ 8:37 AM

    Thanks, Ted. That’s very good advice. I was totally unaware that I could use my engineering background and combine it with TEFL. That’s something I will look into deeper. I assume I would approach engineering companies (local or multi-national), universities that teach engineering, etc? Would I need any additional training for that type of work? I see there are business English certificates. Would I need that?

  • By Ted, August 25, 2009 @ 8:45 AM

    Exactly! Use your previous experience to leverage a better role for yourself on this side in your new occupation.
    Universities that teach what you studied and have worked in are the best/perfect fit.
    Specialty certificates are useful – but it is probably better to get a more general TEFL Certification just to learn the basics of teaching English first. You already have the specialty language skills. Business English or an ESP Course will be helpful too though.

    A good resource would be:

    http://teflbootcamp.com/Teaching-English-Special-Purposes.htm

    Go get ‘em! Let me know what country you are focused on and, if I have any local knowledge, I will be glad to help.

    EnjoY!

    Ted

  • By Chris, August 25, 2009 @ 6:41 PM

    I think I’d like to try eastern Europe (maybe Czech, Poland, or Hungary), but I’m not totally opposed to Asia. I know there are TEFL schools in those countries, but would you recommend getting certified in the country I would want to teach in or here in the US, then moving to the country?

  • By Ted, August 25, 2009 @ 7:05 PM

    Hi Chris,
    It is almost always better to take your TEFL training in the country in which you first intend to teach. Many reasons, but the most important ones are that you will do your observed teaching practice with students similar to those you will teach on the job. It just gives you a leg up on the competition especially if you need to give a demonstration lesson. It also helps you solve some problems that are often unique to a specific country. I’ve taught EFL in four countries and each had its own unique grammar and pronunciation problems.
    Once you have some experience it gets easier to solve them, but doing your training with students with those problems will help you get up to speed much faster.
    This is a topic I will address in detail soon over at:
    http://www.teflteachertraining.com/blog/

  • By Chris, August 25, 2009 @ 10:21 PM

    Do you know anything about the Caledonian School in Prague? They have a guaranteed job offer if you pass with a high enough grade. They also offer corporate English courses for local businesses, which might be a good place to be able to put my engineering background to use.

  • By Ted, August 26, 2009 @ 4:20 AM

    Hi Chris,
    I am usually wary of schools that offer “guaranteed” employment as the guaranteed jobs are often paid less than if you had obtained a similar job yourself, thus you are paying for the job by virtue of getting a lower income. And some schools will be getting a “kick back” for providing you at a lower wage. BUT, with the program you describe if the placement is dependent on your good performance on the course, then it might actually be okay. I am not familiar with that specific school though. Use the free checklists offered at http://www.TEFLprogram.com to help you evaluate the program and you should do okay.
    EnjoY!
    Ted

  • By Tara Benwell, October 2, 2009 @ 4:48 AM

    Congratulations, Ted!
    TEFL Newbie was selected as TEFL.net’s Site of the Month for October 2009. We have featured your site with a short review at http://edition.tefl.net/awards. There are award badges available if you want one for your new site. As a TEFL.net Site of the Month you will also be eligible for our 2009 Site of the Year award.

    Sincerely,
    Tara Benwell
    –
    Awards Editor
    http://www.tefl.net

  • By Clark, October 5, 2009 @ 3:31 PM

    Hi Ted,
    Great info! I’m glad I stumbled upon your site. I am curious to know what you think of Oxford Seminars. Worth while?

    I will be 41 in December. I have a BA in Philosophy and have spent about 5 years as an Associate Teacher [a.k.a. Substitute].

    I was offered a job, and awarded E2 Visa sponsorship from a school in S. Korea. At the last minute (days before I was to leave) the recruiter informed me that the school was retracting the offer.

    So I figure a TESOL/TEFL Cert. will be a great benefit/ make me more marketable.

    Any thoughts or feedback is appreciated. Thanks!

  • By Ted, October 5, 2009 @ 4:12 PM

    Hi Clark,

    Most TEFL programs are fine. What is important to check is that it meets the acceptable international guidelines which are generally agreed to be a minimum of 100 in classroom hours (not online) and at least six hours of observed teaching practice with REAL EFL students (not your teacher trainee peers) and that you receive detailed feedback from an experienced EFL teacher.

    All that said, most people would agree that it is best to take your TEFL Certification in the country where you first intend to teach.
    That may not be possible in Korea though.

    Don’t give up – I was exactly 41 when I took my first EFL job – also in Korea. My first six months were a real mess – but I got past it and the last 17 years have been just fantastic. Nothing wrong with getting all the bumps in the road smoothed out right at first!

    Training? Great idea. Though, particularly for Korea I wouldn’t assume that is why things fell apart at the last minute.

    Never hurts to build the resume and improve your skills though – can’t hurt!

    Go get ‘em!

    Ted

    PS: a good reference for TEFL programs is the website:

    http://www.TEFLprogram.com

    LOTS of good info there for people considering TEFL training.

    I hope that helps!

    T

  • By susan, October 23, 2009 @ 12:40 AM

    Hi Ted

    Both my partner and I are TEFL newbies. I have extensive medical terminology & administration experience. My partner has business degree and worked within blue-chip companies (software programmes & communications). Our first place of choice would be Thailand, as we regularly holiday there and love the Khao Lak area. In your opinion would it be possible to teach in these areas in Southern Thailand or would we have to head to major cities?

    Any advice would be welcomed and many thanks for this site. Susan

  • By Ted, October 23, 2009 @ 6:53 AM

    Hello Susan,
    There will be some jobs in the Khao Lak area – check places like the new JWMarriott that is opening soon on Khuk Khak Beach, possibly the LeMeridien, Ramada, LaFlora, etc. If you want to teach within the areas of your previous specialties, then yes, you would probably need to head for a large urban area. There are plenty of jobs in Southern Thailand, but as with all of Thailand you pretty much have to interview face-to-face to get the decent jobs. That means you need to be on the scene and visit places personally. Generally five star resorts offer the better opportunities as lower level resorts are not quite as concerned about the quality of interaction with their guests. I hope that helps.

  • By Falcon, November 3, 2009 @ 5:36 PM

    I am very interested in learning more about teaching English abroad. Does this site offer free certifications? What are the best qualifications to attain to get better positions in countries like China? I only have a two year degree, can this be a problem?

    I thank you in advance and I appreciate any and all information on this matter.

    Falcon

  • By Ted, November 4, 2009 @ 4:50 AM

    Hi Falcon, TEFL Teacher Training doesn’t offer training certifications and anything free is probably worth about what you paid for it. The best qualifications to land the better jobs in China and other countries are generally going to be a degree AND a TEFL certification. Add a bit of experience and you can usually find a good job just about anywhere in the world. You are correct, a two-year degree will usually not qualify you for positions that require a degree. Employers are generally asking for a BA/BS type degree. I hope that helps clarify things. Regards,
    Ted

  • By Maria Hernandez, December 3, 2009 @ 4:00 PM

    Hi, I would like to become a TEFL or ESL certified teacher. Is this certificate necessary to teach abroad for an educated American? If so, where is the best place online to study and affordable. I was laid off so I don’t have extra income, but this is my dream to stop working for corporations and do something I’ve always wanted to do. I enjoy helping people and have been a dance and voice instructor to many in the USA, Russia and Africa.
    Also do they have these courses in colleges, I haven’t seen them yet, but I have seen classes for those who desire to learn english as a second language.

    Thanks for your advice Ted, and great and helpful site here by the way.

  • By Ted, December 3, 2009 @ 5:50 PM

    Hi Maria,
    A TEFL certification is not a requirement to teach English in many countries, but knowing HOW to teach well is a nice idea. Employers and countries that do require a TEFL Certification though, usually don’t accept online programs. Usually such programs are missing critical components such as observed teaching practice, one of the most important parts of your EFL teacher training. All that said, some training is better than none and not everyone can afford a $1500-2500 course that requires you not be working for one month. Taking something just for the certificate is not a bad thing either – it helps fluff up the resume, says you are at least interested enough to learn more and spend a couple bucks to learn. Another – lesser expensive option – no certificate though is http://www.TEFLeBooks.com – look around there a bit.
    Why not consider teaching in Korea, where you can save some serious money – or even China where you will work a bit less, can have a university position and see a bit more of the world? Saying that I am assuming you have a BA/BS degree? Lots of options out there for you, take a look at: http://www.tefljobsnow.com/TEFLJobsBoard/viewforum.php?f=14 (TEFL Jobs in Korea) and:
    http://www.tefljobsnow.com/TEFLJobsBoard/viewforum.php?f=17 (TEFL jobs in China).
    I can help you get a good university job in China if you feel you need some assistance.
    I hope all that helps.
    Enjoy!
    Ted

  • By tom frost, December 8, 2009 @ 8:48 PM

    Hi Ted,

    I really appreciate your site–lots of great information. I taught English in Japan in the 80′s and am now living in Argentina.

    Would you be interested in doing an email interview for my blog expatalley.com?

    The questions are at expatalley.com/interviews.

    Best,
    Tom

  • By Jason S, January 11, 2010 @ 6:58 AM

    Hi Ted,

    Lots of good content on your site! 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!

    Thanks
    Jason

  • By Ted, January 11, 2010 @ 7:55 AM

    Hi Jason,
    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. 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 that you can in the States. And it looks like taxes and FICA in the USA are going to be going up up up soon. If you don’t mind I might expand on this topic and make it a future post. Jason, 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 able to relate to them, their work, the demands and pressures of the lives – far more 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 are doing it right now. But be forewarned, it is such a different and enjoyable life you may never go back . . .
    Go get ‘em!

  • By Rosie, January 17, 2010 @ 6:29 PM

    Hello!
    I wanted to ask your advice…my husband is a secondary science teacher in the UK (head of department)We really like the idea of living abroad. The chances of getting a job with SCE does not look very high, they must have so many applications. So as well as looking into that, we wondered about TEFL…is this realistic for supporting a family? We have two children. Or is TEFL more for a single lifestyle? We would look at being abroad for the long term really. I don’t really want to go uprooting the family just for two years… I would really appreciate your advice. Thanks!
    Rosie

  • By Ted, January 18, 2010 @ 8:48 AM

    Hi Rosie,
    Unless one of you has a relevant graduate degree and are qualified to teach in the Middle East, where wages are high and some schools will pay for the education of your children, TEFL is probably not a good path for you. BUT . . . my understanding is that there is a real shortage of math and science teachers in international schools. Don’t assume that your husband can not land a good job at such a school. AND, the better international schools usually provide free or greatly reduced tuition for their teacher’s children. Two year contracts are the norm for international schools, but that doesn’t mean you can renew every two years for an indefinite stay. Most TEFL jobs are one-year contracts, but I have stay 3-5 years at several places. Take a look at http://www.ISS.edu for good information about teaching in international schools. You will have to pay a bit to join up if you want placement, but they are pretty much #1 in the world at what they do.

  • By Mikel, January 20, 2010 @ 6:06 AM

    Hi Ted,
    I stumbled on this site while researching ESL teaching opportunities. This site is great Thank you for providing this information. I would love some advice and assitance about teaching overseas. I have a B.S. in Economics with some Business and accounting too. I have 2+ years as a substitute teacher here in the states.

    I would like to know how I might leverage this background for better opportunities in China/Korea/ or wherever they may exist.
    Thank you in advance for your help.

  • By Ted, January 20, 2010 @ 9:41 AM

    Hi Mikel,
    Super good question and indeed one that every new EFL teacher should ask before they start their job search. The best reference I can give you is here: Your Special TEFL Skills. Read that and by the time you finish that very short page – you will already have new ideas bubbling through your head about maximizing your job search. Go get ‘em!
    Best Wishes, Ted

  • By vincent Grant, February 12, 2010 @ 5:54 AM

    Thank you so much I as worried because I am a black male and taking my first steps towards my dream of working abroad. I was worried that my colour may hinder my proress however after reading your information I feel back on track.

    Keep up the good working you are making a difference to peoples lives, and that’s magic. : )

  • By Ted, February 12, 2010 @ 9:21 AM

    Hi Vincent,
    The best strategy for anyone who is not the young white stereotype that many schools have in mind is to apply in person. While landing a job may take you a bit more time – you do want to avoid the overtly racist ageist sexist anything-ist type employers anyway.
    Some countries are more liberal than others and many change over time to become more flexible, partly because they finally come to realize that by not hiring the VERY best people they can get – regardless or irrelevant factors – they are doing a great disservice to their students.
    I’ve seen schools turn down some extraordinarily talented people for such reasons and I pity their students. No doubt those teachers will still find a decent job, but those students may not end up with a decent teacher.

  • By Kara, February 18, 2010 @ 1:58 PM

    Hi Ted!
    Thank you so much for all of the information. I am looking into teaching English abroad (of course!). I graduated last year with a Master of Arts in Teaching. I’m looking for information about teaching in the Middle East, as paying off my student loans sounds like a very enticing idea, and I do like challenges.
    I have a few questions for you. First, would I be qualified to teach at a university in the Middle East if I were to be TEFL or Celta certified (but without a Master’s in TEFL)? (And if so, where can I look to find those job opportunities?). Second, are there areas or countries in the Middle East in which it would be more acceptable to be a young woman living on her own?

    Thank you for any advice you might have.

  • By Ted, February 18, 2010 @ 2:55 PM

    Hi Kara,
    With an MA in Teaching and a TEFL certification I would think that you would qualify to teach just about anywhere. However, most countries in the Middle East will require at least a couple years experience. Students in that part of the world can be “difficult” to say the least and schools like teachers that are a bit seasoned and able to deal with the problems that come up. UAE is one of the more liberal countries though your school will probably decide where you live as it will likely be a part of your employment package and you’ll not likely be “a young woman living on her own” – you’ll probably be in a compound of some sort.
    For starters get the TEFL Certification and head to Korea where you can also probably land a university job and save almost as much money but without the difficultly of Middle Eastern cultures. Once you have a few years experience and if you want to save even a bit more (but probably get less paid time off) then head to the Middle East.
    Just my opinion.
    Enjoy!
    Ted

  • By Kara, February 21, 2010 @ 1:42 PM

    Hi Ted,

    Thank you for the suggestions. The past few days, I’ve been looking into teaching in Korea. Do you know of a good place to look for university positions? I’ve been searching individual university websites, but only a few of them list career opportunities. Thank you!

    -Kara

  • By Ted, February 21, 2010 @ 4:11 PM

    Hi Kara,
    I’m not sure that any one specific website has a good comprehensive overview of Korean university positions. I’ve worked at two full time and another two part-time or summer work and I got all of those positions either through personal contacts or direct contact with the school. Were I looking for a job in Korea right now I would likely send my Resume/CV off to Director, English Department, University Address and it would most likely find the person you want. I’d probably follow that up with a phone call or personal visit. But that is just how I tend to do it. A good Google search would find you a good list of universities and their postal addresses. You are, however, a bit late in the season as the semester starts shortly. Great way to save good money!
    Good luck!
    Ted

  • By Dave, May 5, 2010 @ 1:39 AM

    Hi Ted,
    Great information, clear, concise…. Thank you.
    Here’s my question. I understand 100 hour+ course and in class practical is the way to go. I’ve taught courses at the college level before here in the USA. Although, not teaching English. Can that time in class be used to “replace” the advantages of the 6+ hour pratical instruction in teaching English?

    Thank you again!
    Dave

  • By Ted, May 5, 2010 @ 12:39 PM

    Hi Dave,
    The six hours of observed teaching practice is really critical. Teaching English speaking skills is different from teaching any other topic. Partly because it is not just a “topic” – it is an applied skill. A bit like driving or swimming. Just my opinion – but it would be well worth your time to do the six hours of observed teaching practice.
    Regards,
    Ted

  • By Dave, May 5, 2010 @ 11:06 PM

    Hi Ted,
    I concur. I’ve taught a few courses where the applied skills were important.

    I am not in a position to stop for 4 weeks and take a course. That being said, it appears I need to identify a few courses where I can manage the time and financial commitment to include the 6 hour practicum. I see a few “combined” courses where they somehow offer a practicum or those thru Oxford that offer a peer practicum. I did check the colleges in town as well as the community college. None offered the certification. Any advice would be appreciated.

    Dave

  • By Ted, May 6, 2010 @ 8:50 AM

    Hi Dave,
    Not everyone can afford to take the four weeks without pay required to take such a course. And the combined courses are sometimes difficult to coordinate, as you have seen. In your situation it is probably best to just take a good online course and get yourself overseas teaching and then look at getting an in-classroom course with teaching practicum during a paid vacation from your college/university position. Lots of people do it that way. More affordable. Online courses are accepted in many countries and can help you qualify for college/university type positions in China.
    I hope that helps.
    Enjoy!
    Ted

  • By Dave, May 6, 2010 @ 11:53 PM

    Hey Ted,
    That helps a great deal. I am most definitely a newbie in this arena! The shear amount of websites, information, forums etc. are keeping me a bit unbalanced. The further I dig into the courses, the regions and separating the sales pitch from what is required, I am getting my sea legs quickly!
    Your timely responses are at times focusing my thoughts and other times confirming. So thank you! I did reach a similar conclusion about taking an online course and following up with a course overseas. With the plethora of jobs only requiring a BA or BS degree, and some of the cram schools I found that have a somewhat strict curriculum, I figured I could arrange follow-up training in country or in region.
    I’ve be researching Taiwan schools, forums etc and find that area to be a nice mix for a new overseas teacher. Ok pay combined with a low cost of living.
    Being a newbie teaching English, but a 25 year veteran of being in business, what challenges would I face teaching Business English? Or would a newbie be best teaching younger students?
    I do have questions!
    Thanks,
    Dave

  • By Ted, May 7, 2010 @ 9:46 AM

    I’ve always enjoyed teaching Business English. If you have a strong background in business, do it as you will probably find it more interesting than standard English classes. Two good resources: http://teflbootcamp.com/Teaching-EFL-Business-English.htm and http://teflebooks.com/Business-English-eBook.htm TWO possible issues for teachers of Business English: Your students are often tired at the end of the work day and don’t always look forward to your class AND you have to teach around their work schedule, which often means early morning and evening classes. Not a big deal if you are enjoying yourself.
    Enjoy!
    Ted

  • By sonia puri, May 31, 2010 @ 6:45 PM

    Hi

    I am a newbie , but i have finished my degree – and am now thinking about teaching abroad for a year.
    I have GCSE English and Alevel English qualification , i know i should have a TEFL qualification to earn decent money . How much doo you earn per month approx , i am planning to go abroad.
    Will i be able to find a job teaching english for 1 year ?? My email is soniapuri _ 697 @ hotmail.com

    thanks, sonia

  • By Ted, June 2, 2010 @ 9:07 AM

    Hi Sonia,
    How much you earn depends on the country in which you are teaching. Teaching English in almost every country will have you earning about what the average person earns and sometimes 3-4 times as much. The REAL question might best be, “How much can I save per month” – as earnings are relative to the benefits you earn (free accommodation, air tickets, etc) and the cost of living where you work. AND – that all depends on what country in which you work. In China, for example, with a good package, you can save US$2-400 per month, in Korea it is easy to save US$1000 per month.
    I hope that helps!
    Enjoy!
    Ted

  • By Andrew, June 25, 2010 @ 11:32 AM

    Hi Ted,

    I’m Andrew Dunkle and I currently serve as the senior editor of GoOverseas.com. We are contacting you with regard to your blog, which the editorial staff at GO! Overseas has selected as one of the top blogs related to teaching abroad. As recognition of your outstanding writing skills we are delighted to include your blog in a select list of websites covering the ESL industry. We select only the most exceptional blogs that meet our exacting standards and we hope you feel a sense of pride that you have been recognized for your efforts. You may view this list on our website here:

    http://www.gooverseas.com/teach-abroad-blogs

    On that page you will find an image badge that we have created specifically for the teaching blogs we feature. We welcome you to display this badge on your website to let your readers know that you have been recognized as an outstanding blogger. Note: If you have problems downloading the image, just follow up with me and I will send it to you as an attachment.

    Thank you for all the high quality content you have contributed to the global online community. We look forward to continuing to read your stories. If you have questions about GO! Overseas please don’t hesitate to contact us.

    Warm regards,
    Andrew Dunkle

  • By Richard, July 13, 2010 @ 11:45 PM

    Hi Ted. Looking to go to Mexico after a great year of ESL in Korea. Open to anything, but was thinking either Mexico City area or the Yucatan and Quintana Roo areas. I’m also interested in doing business English since it would be a new challenge and open up more opportunities. I speak Spanish at an upper-intermediate level too:) How can I succeed at getting a contract in Mexico next? Thanks.

  • By Ahmad, July 14, 2010 @ 12:03 AM

    I am from Indonesia with many experiences in teaching English, both as a lecturer for English subject and a writer for English book particularly academic writing. Is it possible to me to be able to teach English in thailand or vietnam?

  • By Ted, July 14, 2010 @ 10:18 AM

    Hi Richard,
    To the best of my knowledge, Mexico hires on the scene, so you will need to go there to land that job you want. How to succeed and beat out the competition? Look into getting a Business English Certification. That plus your experience and degree should put you well in front of the pack in Mexico where many teachers don’t have degrees or any sort of TEFL training. And, of course, dress, groom and present yourself and your resume in a very professional manner! Go get ‘em! Enjoy, Ted

  • By Ted, July 14, 2010 @ 10:21 AM

    Hi Ahmad,
    I am not sure about Vietnam, but Thailand certainly is more liberal than most countries at accepting fluent speakers of English who are not “native speakers” I would recommend getting your start there and then perhaps visiting Vietnam on vacation sometime and asking about to see if you generate interest. Good Luck! Ted

  • By Kenny, August 4, 2010 @ 3:16 AM

    Hi Ted,

    I’m not sure I agree with your comment that Thailand is very liberal in accepting non-whites as EFL teachers. I’m from Singapore where English is my “native” or first language. I’m of chinese descent. I completed a TESOL course sometime in mid July and since then I have been actively looking for an EFL position in Thailand to no avail. Most of them want applicants from certain western countries, or simply be a white caucasian. I’m thinking that they should be more accepting of me since I’m of chinese descent and look similar to of the Thai-Chinese, yet I have not landed even one interview yet. This is outrageous.

  • By edward robinson, August 5, 2010 @ 9:59 PM

    Hi Ted:

    I stumbled upon your website by accident and am glad I did. I am a 52 year old librarian with a law degree and prior teaching abroad experience with the Peace Corps. Last year I found myself out of work and decided to get a TEFL certificate from Oxford. I was happy with the ESL program and it was a great refresher. I have applied for a number of TEFL jobs in China, Korea, Africa, and Latin America with no success. I am thinking about travelling to a region where I would like to work. Do you have any suggestions?

  • By Vicki, August 6, 2010 @ 4:29 AM

    Hi Ted,
    I have just recieved my Business English Diploma from World -Tesol College online Certification Coure Program. I am interested in teaching English in either New Zealand, France or Italy. I am still corresponding with th school I took the course with. It is just that the dates they keep telling me keep bein pushed back an dnow I have no dates and only further delayed emails. I need your advice on what to do now. Should I pursue getting my job by myself? They told me not to contact the schools myself for a job thatthey would do al the correspondence and secure my visas, work perits, flight and accomodations but I am now a month later doubting their sincerity and am very anxious and in dire need to secure a job ASAP. Please offer some advice on what should be my next steps and hwat is the best way to secure a job. Thank you, my email is: vlm2128@gmail.com Sincere Regards, Vicki~

  • By Ted, August 9, 2010 @ 2:29 PM

    Hi Kenny,
    I am not sure that I have every said that Thailand is “Very Liberal” – but I do think they are MORE liberal than most other countries. Are personally visiting schools? Cold calling works best in Thailand rather than trying to arrange things through email. You also – right now are looking for jobs smack in the middle of the semester. Semesters start in Thailand in late October/early November and in May. Don’t wait to land an interview – go to the school and knock on the door. Be ready to do a demonstration lesson – or at least ASK to do one and KNOCK THEIR SOCKS OFF with it. Yes, racism is out there – but Thailand is probably one of the easiest places to deal with it.

  • By Ted, August 9, 2010 @ 2:35 PM

    Hi Vicki,
    You are probably better off to pursue a job yourself rather than relying on any school to find you a job. But, I am not sure that you have done your research. Do you realize that as an American you will have great difficulty getting a work permit as an English teacher in the EU (France or Italy). They must first prove they can’t find anyone from the EU and with high unemployment in the UK and Ireland – that is going to be hard to do. Everybody in New Zealand speaks English. Why would they have you come from across the world to teach there? Certainly people study English there, but there are lots of people locally who would like those jobs. Try Asia or Latin America and you’ll likely have MUCH more success.
    I hope that helps.
    Ted

  • By Ted, August 9, 2010 @ 2:37 PM

    Hi Edward,
    Applying for jobs in person is the best way for us older folks to land a job teaching English and to get around the ageism that exists in the industry. But you aren’t all that old yet! Send me your details if you are still interested in China – if you have not yet landed a job – and I may be able connect you with one. No promises, I haven’t seen your details, but give it a shot!
    Enjoy!
    Ted

  • By warren, August 24, 2010 @ 12:20 AM

    Teaching English in Asia interests me. I hold an BA in speech and an MA in speech communication. I taught English speech and writing at a junior college for 4 years. My entire career involved teaching people about leading edge finance as a lawyer and consultant. MY BIG CONCERN: I am 61. I have investigated the Cambridge course on teaching English as a second language. I am willing to pursue it. BUT: at my age, will I find that I’ll not make back the cost of the certificate?

  • By Ted, August 24, 2010 @ 6:49 AM

    Hello Warren,
    With your combined experience and education, you don’t really need a full-blown CELTA or similar. A short online course would be fine for you and you will be competitive in the jobs market. The only reason you need a course at all is to familiarize yourself with the methodologies that language schools or even universities will expect you to apply when teaching courses for them.
    Go for it!
    Ted

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