TEFL FAQ Type Questions and Answers

More GREAT questions from our readers!

If I may ask a few questions: what are the possibilities that teaching doesn’t work out?

That is always a possibility.
Culture shock can be an issue as well as just happening to land a lousy job perhaps with a lousy boss. It can happen in your home country. It can happen abroad too. See my previous post on “What’s the Downside of Teaching Abroad”

What does it matter with financial obligations (like most Americans I’ve lost my car because I was release from my college job and had to move into my parents home)?

No one is going to check your credit record. So if you don’t tell anyone, no one will know. Americans seem to have a unique notion of telling everyone their personal business (I can criticize Americans, I am one). But no one really needs to know.

And how long is the average contract? Are they always temporary?

The average contract is usually one year. But the great majority of schools will be very happy to re-hire you if all went well. I’ve spent as much as five years at one school. My wife has spent as much as eight years in one teaching position. That’s not very temporary!

Can you get tenure, for example, at a university position? If you have the proper credentials, in some countries, yes.

My choice in countries were Western Europe but I feel Asia (Tokyo and Hong Kong would be nice)and Central Europe (specifically Turkey) is in my radar. Can you provide more your knowledge about those areas if you could

I am not familiar with Turkey, but am a huge fan of Asia. Both Japan and Hong Kong can be quite competitive. You might want to get a TEFL certification to help build your resume – perhaps volunteer a bit before you leave.

TED’s Tips™ #1: Really – there is nothing stopping you. Go for it!

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