Teach English around the World

Teach English in Vietnam – Interview with Nicky and Rhys from 2Nomads1Narrative.com

2nomads1narrativeHow long have you been teaching English in Vietnam?

I have been teaching English in Vietnam for a year and a half.

Please tell us about your job?

Teaching jobs in Vietnam are all extremely different. Every person that moves here to teach will probably have a far different teaching experience than others who are teaching here. I work at an international school, so I work regular hours, 8-4 Monday through Friday. However, a large majority of ESL teachers in Vietnam will work at language centers that run after normal school hours. Language centers are open on nights and weekends.
How many hours someone wants to teach is also up to them. I work a standard 40 hour work week, but all of my friends who work at language centers work 15-30 hours a week. It’s all up to you! I have been offered positions at language centers, so I could work all day at my school and then go to a language center at night and work even more. Or, if I worked at a language center I could tell them how many hours and classes I wanted a week and turn away classes if I only wanted to work a few hours a week. Teaching here really is up to the person!
For the most part the students in Ho Chi Minh City are great to teach. They have a decent level of English and are reasonably behaved considering they are kids and it is school! The students here are FAR MORE BETTER to teach than Korean students. Korean students are terrible!
Again, I teach at an international school so I have a regular school schedule. I get 3 weeks off for Christmas, a week off for fall break, 2 weeks off for Tet Holiday, and a few odd Vietnamese public holidays. Summer is up to the teacher, they can go home for a month (unpaid) or can work summer school.
Teachers at language centers do not get any paid holidays, but they can take off whenever they want. Most of my friends will work for 6-9 months, save, and then go on a backpacking trip for 1-2 months and come back to work at the same center. Work. Travel. Repeat.

How did you find your job?

Again, Vietnam is far different from most countries you may teach in! My boyfriend and I showed up with a stack of resumes and that was it! We went online and found a list of 25 schools, hired a motorbike taxi for the day, and went from school to school handing out our resumes. We also emailed our resume to 15 schools and hoped for the best. Within a week we had interviews and mock lessons scheduled at numerous schools and it was up to us to choose which school we liked the best.
Teachers are constantly coming and going here, there is a very high turnover rate so schools want to see you here in the flesh to offer you a job.
Some people have gotten jobs before coming here online, but you don’t have to and it’s not the typical way people are employed here.

 Does your school provide accommodations or pay for your travel expenses?

Most schools will not pay for accommodation or for your travel expenses. If you are a credentialed teacher at home, than chances are that you can get a great job at an international school that pays big bucks and will also pay for your housing and flights home. I am not a credentialed teacher, so for me that was never an option. If you are a qualified teacher, than you will do very well here and rake in the money!

Is it necessary to have teaching certificates or training to find employment?

I do not have teaching certificates, but I did have a year of teaching experience before I moved here. It’s not necessary to have, but obviously if you have both experience and certificates you will have more options as to where you can teach.
Degrees are definitely required at most schools, but they may or may not actually ask to see your degree.

How did you get your work visa?

Again, Vietnam is a rather different case than most countries where foreigners are employed. Many people do not have work visas and work on tourist visas for their entire time here. I’ve never had a work visa and every 3 months drop my passport off at a travel agent for another 3 month tourist visa extension.
However, some schools do want you to have a work visa. It isn’t common though. In that case the school will help you out with the process. It is quite expensive, because you’ll need to have documents from your home country Fed-Exed back and forth. You will need a background check apostilled, bachelor’s degree apostilled, and a TEFL (online or in class) apostilled.

Is it possible to arrive without a work visa and find work?

YES! That’s what 99.9% of people do!

What is Vietnam like?

Vietnam provides a GREAT life style for expats. There are TONS of restaurants (EVERY cuisine imaginable), clubs, bars, and foreigners to mingle with! There are lots of sport teams to join, clubs, and gyms.

What is your cost of living?

Life is SO CHEAP here. My boyfriend and I pay $400 for rent, for a one bedroom loft in a really nice area. A 2 bedroom apartment is around $450-500. Bills are really cheap, water is roughly $3/month, electric is about $30-50/month, and internet is $15/month.
Beer is $0.50 and food at a really fancy western restaurant will be about $10, while food at a great local Vietnamese place will be $1-2.

Is it possible to save much money teaching English in Vietnam?

YES! On average a teacher will make around $2000/month, but your expenses here are close to nothing and you can save most of your wage. It’s all up to the teacher is you want to make more money than pick up more hours at language centers. I have friends earning $4000/month at international schools and friend working 15 hours a week making $1800/month. It’s all up to you and your work ethic!
Hourly wages at language centers are about $18-20 an hour. International schools will pay $2200-$4000 a month.

Are there opportunities to earn income on the side?

There are lots of people looking for private teachers. Most people I know here (myself included) have had private students. The pay is about $20/hour, and you can post ads on websites like expat-blog.com where people seeking private tutors can find you and get in contact with you.

Do you recommend Vietnam for other English teachers?

I highly recommend life here for people looking to teach abroad. We are going to save roughly the same amount of money as we saved in South Korea, and the life here is great! Students are wonderful, and I am so happy here. Saigon is very chaotic and CRAZY at times, but it grows on you and adds to the charm of this fast-paced South East Asian city.

What advice would you offer for others thinking of teaching English in Vietnam?

The best advice I can give is just go with the flow! You can’t over plan like so many people prefer to do when moving abroad. It will also fall into place once you are here. We moved here and within 3 weeks had an apartment, multiple jobs, and our own motorbikes. You can’t stress about it, and it will all happen. The Vietnamese are terrible at planning ahead, and it’s not exactly a part of their culture, so don’t expect to have everything set up at home before coming here. It’s all a part of the adventure of teaching abroad!

You also taught English in Korea, if you had to choose one country to teach for the rest of your life, which would it be?

It’s is nearly impossible to say if life in Korea or life in Vietnam is better. Both experiences have been so different, and both have been so rewarding. It all depends on what the person wants as to what country is a better option for them. Korea is very cushioned, and very easy. Everything was ready for us when we arrived and our hands were held throughout the year. Vietnam falls on the shoulders of the person to make the most of their time here and to choose the job that is best for them.
I wrote a post (Teaching in Korea) all about this question because we have been asked it quite a few times. It goes into more details about both countries to help people choose which one is a better option for them.
Links
2Nomads1Narrative.com
2_Nomads on Twitter
2Nomads1 Narrative on Facebook
More Information on Teaching English in Vietnam
English Teaching Jobs in Vietnam
 

Teach English in Korea Interview with Sharon Demant

Teach English in South Korea
Teach English in South Korea

How long have you been teaching English in Korea?

Just about a year. I arrived here on Feb 22nd, 2011 and will be leaving in a little less than two weeks (Feb 17th, 2012).

Please tell us about your job?

I was placed in a public elementary school located in the North-Eastern part of Seoul city. I teach four 3rd grade classes, five 4th grade classes, six 5th grade classes and five 6th grade classes with a total of 20 English classes per week. I also teach a 2 hour “Club Activity” class every two weeks and a Teacher’s conversation class once a week.
I see each class only one time a week, and each class period is only 40 minutes long.
As a public school teacher, we are guaranteed 21 paid vacation days per year and 14 paid sick days. This is a pretty great deal, given the fact that a lot of private English institutes offer 2-3 paid sick days per year.

How did you find your job?

I went through an agency called Footprints Recruiting. I would highly recommend them to anyone interested in finding a teaching job in Korea. The other method of finding a public school teaching job here is applying directly to EPIK (English Program in Korea). EPIK finds and places all public school English teachers in Korea. The recruiting agencies out there are basically the intermediary between you and EPIK; you get the convenience of having an expert guide you along the application process (which I found to be extremely long and confusing!).

Does your school provide accommodations or pay for your travel expenses?

All schools, public or private, should have an apartment ready for you when you arrive to teach. If, for some reason, you need to move out of the school’s apartment your school should pay you a housing stipend every month for rent in a different place.
The schools will also pay for your flight to Korea. If you work at a public school in Seoul through SMOE (Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education- once you’re hired in Seoul after applying to EPIK, “SMOE” becomes the organization that you report to), you will also be given a $300 settlement allowance when you arrive.

Is it necessary to have teaching certificates or training to find employment?

If you want to work for a public school, getting your TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) or TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) is required. If you have previous teaching experience, your pay grade increases.
There are a lot of private English institutes, however, that do not require a TEFL or TESOL certification. For anyone interested in teaching English abroad, I do recommend getting one of the two just for your own benefit as a teacher.

Does your school provide a work visa?

All English teachers who have signed a contract with their school will be on an E-2 Visa or “Foreign Language Instructor Visa”. What this means is that as long as you are employed at a school, you can legally live and get paid in Korea without having to leave the country every 3 months like you would if you were on a Tourist Visa. Before you arrive in Korea you will have submitted your Visa documents to your recruiter or to EPIK so that your E-2 will be in effect once you arrive. The required documents are: Passport/passport copy, Visa application, employment contract, Self-health statement, Degree certificates, criminal background checks (both State and Federal), copy of your school’s registration number, Reference letters, sealed college transcripts, and color passport photos. The information can be found here.
Although an E-2 Visa makes it legal for you to work for your school, any side work outside of your school is illegal. For example, I am not legally allowed to teach any private tutoring classes.

Is it possible to arrive without a work visa and find work?

Yes. If you arrive on a Tourist Visa, you can find a job at a private school and then get your E-2 visa after signing your contract. I assume that if you want to find a public school job, you could theoretically apply to EPIK and/or SMOE (for Seoul) while traveling here…. But I’m not completely sure!

What is Korea like?

We LOVE Korea! We’re both huge fans of Korean food, so the fact that you can eat a lot of Korean food for so cheap here makes our lifestyle pretty awesome. Also, a lot of businesses and restaurants stay open 24 hours a day. You can order delivery at 4am where they bring you real plates, bowls, utensils that you just leave outside of your door when you’re done and they’ll come pick it up later. How genius is that???
Korean people are generally extremely friendly and hospitable, but there is an interesting cultural “gem” of Korea where the older Korean women are known to be tiny, pushy, rude, and extremely blunt. The word for them is “Ajumma” which is basically used to identify older women.

What is your cost of living?

Apartments in Korea require a huge deposit called “key money” in order for your monthly rent to be lower. Our key money was around $20,000 which made our monthly rent $500. We will be getting our key money back, of course.
Utilities are roughly $100 a month, which includes internet, gas and electricity.
Food and entertainment is very cheap here. A regular meal can cost anywhere from $3-$6 with an expensive meal being around $10. You can find really cheap bars in many places, but there are also a lot of nicer “lounge-y” type places with really expensive drinks.

Is it possible to save much money teaching English in Korea?

If you live alone, like most teachers in Korea, you can save hundreds of dollars a month. The average new public school teacher makes around $2,000 a month, which doesn’t seem like anything to us back at home but here in Korea that goes a LONG way. I know teachers who are currently (and successfully) paying off their student loans in large chunks.
Are there opportunities to earn income on the side?

On the E-2 Visa, it is illegal to earn money on the side, but that doesn’t mean that people don’t do it under the table. I personally do not earn extra money.

Do you recommend Korea for other English teachers?

From what I’ve learned throughout the past couple years of traveling and teaching, it seems like Korea is one of the best places to teach English. The quality of life is amazing; it’s comfortable and modern, so you don’t have to deal with much culture shock compared to other places. In terms of the students, I do think in many ways they are easy to teach. Young kids in Korea are very respectful of their elders and teachers, as the Korean culture really emphasizes it.

What advice would you offer for others thinking of teaching English in Korea?

Do it! More importantly, if you sign a one-year contract, plan on staying with that school for the entire year. There are many foreign teachers in Korea who quit midway through their contract because they don’t like it, and there are some foreign teachers here who give us a bad name by not coming to class prepared and teaching horrible lessons. I think it’s very important that if you make the commitment, keep your promise and do your very best at work. There is a stigma against us that Koreans sometimes can’t see past, and I think we can turn that around by having a stronger work ethic when we teach here.

Can you please provide some links to online resources for foreigners in Korea.

Footprintsrecruiting.com (My recruiting agency)
EPIK – English Program in Korea)

About the Interviewee.

Sharon Demant and her husband Jason are cofounders of Unanchor.com. Unanchor puts a new spin on the traditional travel guide. Don’t want to deal with the hassle of researching? Looking for a unique way to see a city? Unanchor self-guided tour itineraries give you the information to be your own tour guide. They are the perfect solution for the busy traveler. Sharon and Jason also blog on LifeAfterCubes.com and tweet @LifeAfterCubes as well.
More links
Find English Teaching Jobs in Korea
Teach English in Korea (General Information)
Teach English in Korea (Cost of Living)
Teach English in Korea (Visa Requirements)

Teach English in Korea – Interview with Nomadic Samuel

Teach English in Korea

How was teaching English in Korea?

When I was tutoring English in University the majority of my students were from South Korea. They encouraged me to consider trying teaching English after I finished my degree and the idea really grew on me over time. In hindsight, it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made in my life. I’ve had really good experiences in Korea and I now consider it my home away from home. I’ve found over time that my skills as a teacher have improved and I’ve always found the students to be a joy to teach. Korea has a lot to offer in terms of culture, food and interesting destinations to explore.

How did you find your job?

I would HIGHLY recommend using Work N Play Consulting. They’re a first class organization and I’ve  had excellent placements with them.  They’re very efficient, courteous and professional.  As an example, I arrived late at night for one of my contracts and they put me up in a nice apartment for the evening.  The following day, I was met in the morning by my recruiter who coordinated the rest of my journey.  They followed up several times throughout the year to make sure everything was going well for me at my school.

How did you evaluate your employer to know that it was a good school?

I did a very poor job of evaluating my first employer and I paid a price for it in terms of working and living conditions.  My other two contracts were much better.  I take into consideration a lot of factors, but the two I find most important are a high retention rate and age of an institution or school.  I would never accept a contract where a teacher was leaving on bad terms or if a private school has only been existence for several years.  The best way to find out is to insist that you speak with present and former teachers before signing the contract.  Teaching in the Korean Public school system is entirely different.  Those placements are far more professional and the chances of having terrible working conditions are far less likely given that it is a government program.

Did your school make it easy to get settled in Korea?

LOL!  My first employer was brutal.  They forgot what day I was supposed to arrive and when I landed in Incheon International Airport I spent hours trying to find my contact person who would take me to my apartment.  To make things even worse my apartment was actually not ‘really’ an apartment.  It was a temporary housing structure on top of a roof.  I suffered immensely during the brutally cold winters and stifling summers that first year.  I wouldn’t do that situation (particular contract) over again for all the money in the world.  My other two jobs were far more reliable in those areas.

Can you recommend some of the better schools to work for?

I would suggest working in the public school programs:  EPIK (English Program in Korea), GEPIK (Gyeongi English Program in Korea) or SMOE (Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education).  These are essentially the same program but with different jurisdictions.  SMOE deals with teachers working only in Seoul.  GEPIK is for teachers in the surrounding provincial area just outside of Seoul that includes many urban and rural placements.  Finally, EPIK is the organization that places teachers in every other place in Korea outside of SMOE and GEPIK.  The benefits of working in the public system are guaranteed contracts, decent salary, reduced teaching hours and extended paid holidays.

Can you change employers easily if working conditions are not as promised?

Unfortunately, this is by far the least appealing aspect of working in South Korea.  Changing employers is extremely difficult.  In certain cases you can press for a release letter which would allow you to change your Visa to another employer; however, the chances of getting this are often slim to none – especially if you’re in conflict with your school.  Typically, one is forced to leave the country and return with another Visa for a different school.  However, the advantage of teaching in Korea, compared to other countries in Asia are a higher salary, free apartment and airfare reimbursement.  These characteristics alone make Korea a very popular country for expat teachers irrespective of the very rigid Visa conditions.

What are the requirements to teach in Korea?

The basic minimum requirements to teach in Korea are a University Degree (any major) from Canada, America, Ireland, UK, Australia, New Zealand or South Africa.  Although one is qualified for many jobs with only a degree, I highly advise obtaining a TESOL or TEFL certificate.  The benefits include an advantage of beating out competition for highly sought after jobs and guarantee of a higher monthly salary.  Within just a few months, considering salary alone, one can pay off the cost of the certificate.
Teach English in Korea

Is it possible to arrive in Korea without a job and still find employment?

Unfortunately, it is not possible to legally arrive in Korea and obtain a working Visa while in country.  Korea probably has one of the strictest Visa requirements of any country in Asia for ESL teachers.  There is a lot of paperwork and documents that need to be processed before you even arrive.  Furthermore, one is limited to a specific contract and school, as determined by the contract.  It’s not possible to suddenly change jobs until your contract expires which makes it necessary for one to do plenty of research before signing on.

What city did you teach in?

I’ve taught in three different areas in Korea:  Seoul, Bundang and Daejeon.  My first teaching contract was in Seoul and I was thrilled to be living there at the time.  I really wasn’t very concerned with saving money during that initial contract and the opportunities for night life and entertainment were plentiful.  My second stint was in Bundang (a satellite city) just outside of Seoul that is known as the second most affluent area in South Korea.  I really enjoyed living there because it offered a more laid back pace of life during the weekdays and I was only 20-30 minutes away from Seoul which I frequently visited on the weekend.  My third contract in Korea was in Daejeon and I had an entirely different mentality this time around.  I purposely selected a city that was a reasonable distance away from Seoul because I had the clear intention of saving money for backpacking.  I found myself picking up a lot of overtime hours, working extra pay camps and saving as hard as I could.  My efforts really paid off because just that one year of teaching allowed me to fund a nearly two year backpacking journey afterwards.

What is the quality of life of an English teacher in Korea?

The quality of a life for an English teacher is generally very high provided they’ve secured a reputable job. A typical contract includes return airfare, a free apartment, severance bonuses and low tax rate. A teacher is typically left with a lot of disposable income after payday. If a teacher is frugal and lives like a local, there is a potential to save between 50-75% of their salary each month. Overall, in larger cities there is a vibrant expat community with plenty of opportunities to enjoy a variety of different activities. One of the true highlights of living in Korea is the diverse cuisine. Some of my favourite dishes are as spicy as any I’ve tried in Asia.

What are the typical salaries for English teachers in Korea in US dollars?

The average salary for a starting teacher would be anywhere between $1700 to $2200 per month with a free apartment, depending on experience, qualifications and the level which one is teaching (private, public, university). For more experienced teachers the average salary would be between $2100 to $2500. Finally, for those who are working at a prestigious university, large company or doing research or development the sky is the limit. I’ve heard of individuals pulling in between $5000 to 10,000 but this is very rare and only for those who have advanced qualifications such as a Masters degree and lots of experience teaching in Korea.

Would you teach English again?

I would definitely teach English overseas again. I think it’s a wonderful opportunity to experience a new culture, travel and save money. Unlike backpacking, it offers one the opportunity to feel as though they are part of the local community. The one tip I would suggest is to carefully research your potential school before signing any contract. Although there are excellent schools, the ESL industry is also rife with dodgy operators who have little concern for the welfare of their teachers or students.

If you were to go back to Korea, what would you do different?

That’s a tough question to answer.  I think some of the worst experiences I’ve had in Korea have provided for great lessons; however, with that being said, if I could redo a few things I would most certainly have been more diligent researching my initial few jobs.  At the time, I was just excited to have the offer and opportunity to go overseas.  Had I been more selective I could have got on with more reputable institutes that provided better working conditions and salary.  Overall though, it’s very easy to say this in hindsight and I think my mistakes were quite common for somebody fresh out of university.
Samuel Jeffery is the wizard behind the curtain pulling the strings of Nomadic Samuel – Travel Site a travel blog featuring photos, videos & quirky travel stories along with photography tips, interviews, esl tips, reviews and general travel advice. Additionally, Samuel runs other travel related sites: Smiling Faces Travel Photos , Travel Photography Tips , Teach English Travel Overseas & How to Make Money Travel Blogging. One can get in touch with Samuel by following him on his Facebook Fan Page , Twitter,  Youtube & Google + .
More links
Find English Teaching Jobs in Korea
Teach English in Korea (General Information)
Teach English in Korea (Cost of Living)
Teach English in Korea (Visa Requirements)

Volunteer to Teach English Abroad – Interview with Justine Flores

Volunteer to teach English abroad

How long have you been teaching English in Georgia?

I arrived in Georgia in January 2011 and renewed my original one semester contract twice, so I will be there until June 2012.

Please tell us about your job?

I work through the Ministry of Education program Teach and Learn with Georgia (TLG). They place volunteer teachers all over the country in public schools which can vary from small villages to large cities. Currently we teach grades 1-6 and additional activities with older students if desired. A typical day is teaching four 45 minute classes with a Georgian English teacher.
My original school was in a small village about 20 minutes away from the closest town. The school had 300 students, grades 1-12 and classes were typically 20-30 students each. The building was old and in desperate need of renovations. There was no electricity in the classrooms and the only heat came from wood burning stoves. The teachers I worked with were very creative with the limited resources.
There are 14 National Holidays where school is not in session and an additional month off from December – January thanks to Georgians celebrating Christmas and New Year both on the Julian and Gregorian calendars. Volunteers can return home for this month or use it to travel.

Why did you choose to volunteer rather than get a typical English teaching job?

I taught English back home in the States for a year to adult immigrants and discovered I really love teaching. I always wanted to live abroad so I did a lot of research on this program and felt it was right for me. I liked everything I read about Georgia through other volunteers’ blogs and wanted to go there more than any other location. I might not make a lot of money but I am very happy there, and it doesn’t hurt when you get treated like a celebrity by your students and the villagers.

How did you find your job?

I saw it advertised on Idealist.org from the Greenheart Travel Teach Abroad agency. I thought Greenheart was great in all the support they gave, free of charge, for the entire application process and putting volunteers in touch with each other to create a community before even leaving home.

Does your school provide accommodations, monthly stipends or pay for your travel expenses?

TLG has no program fee and provides volunteers with a round trip flight, one week orientation in a hotel, accommodation in host family houses, which includes a private room and meals twice daily, medical insurance, a cell phone that calls anyone else affiliated with TLG for free, and a monthly stipend of 500 Lari (about US$ 275) which is about average income in Georgia and enough to live simply. Volunteers are required to contribute 100 Lari monthly to their host family for rent and give private lessons to the family three hours per week. If you sign for two consecutive semesters, you get a pair 24 day vacation.

What are your rough expenses for entertainment and other costs?

If you live in a village or town it’s likely you will not spend much money all week, but the weekends are spent traveling for most volunteers. A night in a hostel can be 15-20 Lari (US$9 -12) dinner and drinks run about 10-20 Lari (US$6 -12). Many times you can find entertainment for free by going to Georgian supras, spontaneous feasts that happen for any and every reason and by going on field trips with your students. In general, things are very cheap in Georgia, you can get from one end of the country to the other for about 24  Lari (US$14) through the network of mini buses or trains. There are all kinds of ancient churches and ruins to visit, excellent hiking and camping in the Caucasus mountains, all of which are free or very cheap. If your host family does not have internet, you can purchase a USB Modem for 155 Lari (US$93) and monthly plans are between 15-45  Lari (US$9 – 27). For additional entertainment and frequent travel, a volunteer would need to earn more money or use their own savings.

Are there opportunities to earn income on the side?

I personally don’t do extra work, however we are allowed by our program to privately tutor anyone besides students in our school. Depending on where you live you could make an additional 100-300 Lari (US$60 -180) a month if you wanted to privately tutor. Also the ministry offers additional jobs, like teaching police or adult classes in the evenings for extra income.

Is it necessary to have teaching certificates or training to find volunteer teaching positions?

TLG Volunteers are not required to have a teaching certificate nor training. The requirements to apply are two years of university, pass a medical clearance and criminal background check, and an open mind.

What is Georgia like?

Georgia is unlike any other country I have ever been to. It is in the Caucasus region, between Europe and Asia. Georgian people have a proud history that goes back thousands of years. The culture there is more laid back and heavily family oriented. Living with a Georgian host family is an excellent opportunity to experience the culture fully. The food is also very unique, Georgians take pride int their foods, especially khatchapuri (cheesy bread) and khinkali (meat or potato dumplings). Food there is prepared fresh daily. Additionally, Georgia is known for its wine, it is one of the oldest wine producing regions in the world. Each little village has their own grape variety and most families make wine in their houses in the autumn.
As I mentioned, there are many great outdoors activities in Georgia. You can enjoy palm trees and beaches in Batumi in the summer and skiing and mountains in the winter. The people are known for their overwhelming hospitality, they will feed you cake and have you drink wine until you explode, or that’s how it feels sometimes. It’s a great problem to have. Georgia is the second oldest Christian country and they are very proud of their orthodox Christian heritage, yet generally very welcoming to people of all backgrounds. They tend to be socially conservative when it comes to gender and sexuality issues.

Is it a good place to travel from?

Georgia borders Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkey and Russia. It is across the Black Sea from Ukraine and a short relatively cheap flight from many European and Middle Eastern destinations. I have travelled to Armenia and Turkey, as well as Central Europe after my first contract ended last summer. Armenia and Turkey are the easiest to visit from Georgia, either one could be a weekend trip. We also get many holidays and vacation time which makes travelling a lot easier.

Do you recommend Georgia for other English teachers?

Georgia is an absolutely joyful experience for me, but it’s not for everyone. I wholeheartedly recommend it to teachers who are able to go with the flow. Time there operates on GMT – Georgia Maybe Time, planning ahead usually does not exist more than a few minutes in advance. If you can deal with a developing country and things like squat toilets, lack of central heat, intermittent electricity and running water, and being a local celebrity to the point where if you take a walk everyone in the village is talking about it the next day, then I think you would like Georgia. If you can throw yourself into a linguistically isolated language with its own alphabet, try new food and drink, bring a breath of fresh air to an education system making its way out of the Soviet era mentality, survive mad traffic patterns, then I think you would love Georgia.

What advice would you offer for others thinking of volunteering to teach abroad?

Do your research on the country and the program as much as possible. Talk to other volunteers if you can. If you think it’s sometime you would like, you probably will – so just do it! Don’t wait until later because later you might not have time. Don’t be surprised if you end up learning more about the world and yourself more than you teach.
Links
Teach and Learn with Georgia Official Site
Greenheart Travel and Teach in Georgia:
Justine Flores on Facebook

Teach English in China – Interview with Kelly Sandor-Yang

Interested in teaching English Abroad? Kelly Sandor-Yang shares her experiences teaching English in a small city in China. Find out if teaching English in China is the right choice for you in this great interview.
Teach English China

How long have you been teaching English in China?

After I finished university in 2004, I came to China and taught for a year. I moved back to Canada after my contract was up and taught there for a few years, but returned in 2009 and have been teaching ever since. My total time here is just over 3 and a half years.

Please tell us about your job?

I work at a private oral English school in a small city, by Chinese standards. The students at the school range in age from 4 to about 15 (when they become too busy with other school lessons to attend) and are separated into different class levels according to their age and ability. Because this school is separate from the regular, state-run schools that the children attend during the weekdays, I work mainly evenings and weekends, but only about 25 to 30 hours a week in total. I get three week-long vacations per year – Spring Festival (Chinese New Year), National Day (October 1st) and one other week, usually during the summer.

Why did you choose to teach in a small town rather than a larger city?

There were several reasons for me ending up here in a smaller city. First, I grew up in a very small prairie town in Canada, and have never been totally comfortable in large cities. Second, when looking at jobs overseas back in 2004, this one stood out because the school is partly owned by a Canadian rather than having full Chinese administration. Finally, I returned to this school in 2009 because I was familiar with the school, the owners, and the city itself.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of teaching in a smaller city?

Some of the advantages of living and working in a smaller city in China include the lower cost of living, greater immersion in Chinese culture, the (slightly!) lower population, and the visibility (pseudo-celebrity status) of being one of a small number of foreigners in the area. I also personally think that the Chinese people are more friendly and patient with us silly foreigners in smaller centers than they are in the big cities.
Some of the disadvantages are that there are fewer job options for foreigners, especially if you are looking for a change in location or occupation but don’t want to move to another city, a somewhat lower salary, smaller foreigner population and, along with this, fewer western luxuries, and the visibility of being one of a small number of foreigners (yes, this is both a blessing and a curse!).

How did you find your job?

I believe it was originally a job ad online somewhere (possibly Dave’s ESL Café), directly from the school itself.

How easy is it to find English teaching positions in China?

It’s very easy to find a teaching position in China. It can be more difficult to find a good teaching position in China. There is a huge demand for foreign teachers because English is required of all students and is one of the key areas of focus on the standardized exams here. Unfortunately, some schools are less reliable than others (for example, not providing the proper visa and residency permits, not paying salaries on time, or other issues).

Is it necessary to have teaching certificates or training to find employment?

China is less strict than other countries when it comes to requirements for foreign teachers, although I believe it is starting to improve. Most reputable places will require teachers to have some sort of ESL teacher-training and/or a bachelor’s degree.

What is China like?

China is wonderful, weird, fun, frustrating, interesting, and unpredictable! As much as it is progressing and becoming a world superpower, once a person travels outside of the major cities, there are many things that lag behind in development.
My quality of life is pretty good, the people are friendly, and there is so much to see. Because of China’s long cultural history, it seems as if every place one visits, from a big city to a small village, has some famous historical site or some ruins or has been the birthplace of something or other! I also love the food – trust me, it’s nothing like Chinese food in the west; it’s so much better!!

Can you recommend the best cities for teaching and quality of life?

This really depends on what a person is looking for. If you want a big, thriving city that is in China but has all the comforts of home, then Beijing, Shanghai or another of the tier 1 cities is where you should look. These places will offer higher salaries and there will be more foreigners, foreign restaurants, and supermarkets around, but the cost of living will also be higher.
On the other hand, if you are looking to truly immerse yourself in China and have an ‘authentic’ experience, a smaller, lower-tier city might be best. The cost of living will be lower, but you won’t have as many western luxuries or comforts. I personally love visiting Beijing now and then to stock up on foreign foods and buy pants that fit, but like living here in the smaller city.

How well do you speak Chinese now?

My Chinese is pretty dreadful, given how long I have lived here. I understand more than I can say, but my speech is pretty basic. Chinese is a difficult language to learn, because it is tonal and is so unrelated to English (unlike say, French), but many people have obviously done it. I’m just a very bad student!
If a person lived in a city like Beijing, he might be able to get away with only speaking English, but if you choose to live in a smaller city, you would be better off to at least try to learn some basic words, questions and phrases.

What is your cost of living?

My employers rent my house for me, so I don’t shoulder that cost. If I were to pay it, it would account for roughly 20-25% of my monthly salary. Food costs will vary, depending on whether a person eats at home all the time or eats out often, and which restaurants he dines at. A basic meal for two at a western restaurant can cost nearly 200 RMB ($31 US), while at a small streetside Chinese restaurant one might pay only about 30 RMB (less than $5 US). I don’t go out a lot, and the social scene is somewhat limited in this small city, so I can’t really comment on that aspect. I can say that there are a lot of free activities to enjoy – parks to wander, temples to see, tai chi and dancing in the squares, etc.

How much money can the average teacher expect to save?

I can easily save at least half of my salary each month. Although I’ll be the first to admit I don’t live a terribly exciting life, I don’t scrimp and save either (I take taxis when I want or need to, I eat out at least a few times per week, and if I see something I like in a shop, I can afford to buy it). However, if you are trying to save money to pay off debts in Canada or the US (or just to return there), it is important to note that because of the conversion rate, you won’t get rich. My salary allows me to live a very comfortable life here, but in dollars, it is quite low.

Are there many opportunities to earn income on the side?

I can only speak from my personal experience here. My teaching contract does not allow me to earn extra money from other sources of teaching, so I do not tutor nor do any other work on the side. Some teachers from other places in China that I have talked to make extra money by tutoring or conducting testing, and some have moved on to start their own schools or find jobs in other sectors.

Do you recommend China for other English teachers?

As far as teaching goes, China is much like anywhere else in the world, I think. There will always be some trying classes or students, but for the most part, the students I teach are very friendly and hard-working.
As a country, China can be very frustrating at times, so patience is a huge must for anyone thinking of coming. But there is plenty to learn and experience, so if you love a challenge and have an open mind, it can be very rewarding.

How long do you plan on living in China?

I met a wonderful Chinese man here and married him, so plan to make my home here!
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Teach English in Spain – Interview with Cat Gaa

Teach English in Spain
Teach English in Spain

How long have you been teaching English in Spain?

I came to Spain immediately after finishing a journalism degree at the University of Iowa. What was intended to be a nine-month chance to study abroad again has turned into something more permanent: I just celebrated the beginning of my fifth year in Iberia. Throughout this time, I’ve had several different jobs related to teaching English, including working as an assistant teacher in a public school with a government program, teaching and directing an English language summer camp, and working as a classroom teacher in a private school.

Please tell us about your job?

I currently work in a private elementary school in the southern capital of Seville. The working hours are long and the pay is low, but I make the same as any other teacher in the private school sector in the area. Work contracts are provided on the basis of a convenio, or a series of laws drafted by education unions, and approved for all private education centers.
My work days are from 9am until 5pm with students, though we have weekly meetings and are obligated to meeting with parents. As a classroom teacher, I teach English, science, art, music, PE and values to first graders, totaling 50% of their weekly instruction. There is an A section and a B section. If I’m with A, the B section is with the Spanish teacher, and vice-versa. We celebrate all kinds of holidays and theme weeks at the school, like Holy Week and Halloween, and enjoy two months of vacation in July and August. Additionally, we have a full week at Easter, nearly the whole week for the April Fair and two at Christmas in addition to bank holidays. It’s not always fun, but the reward is in the process.

How did you find your job?

I studied abroad in Valladolid, Spain in the summer of 2005 and had it clear that living abroad was a good option for me after graduating. Using contacts from my time overseas, the Study Abroad office of my university and Internet search boards , I found the Auxiliares Norteamericanos program, allowing me a visa, a small wage and a placement to teach English in a public school for eight months. Luckily, I was given an assignment just 10 miles outside of Seville in a high school with a strong program and wonderful, supportive coworkers. I imagined I’d be in Spain for just a year, and I worked at I.E.S. Heliche for three school terms!
Finding a job outside of that program proved much more difficult, as I was up against EU citizens and had neither working permits or a teaching degree. Spain, like many places in Corporate America, operates on the prospect of enchufe, or connections. My good friend, also from Chicago, turned down a job offer and suggested they call me for an interview.

How easy is it to find English teaching positions in Spain?

Spain’s need for English is a conundrum. I recently attended a conference on bilingualism in Madrid and was impressed by the Spanish Ministry of Education’s bilingual initiative. There’s a definite need for native English speakers, and the Ministry of Education offers nearly 2,000 positions throughout the country to angloparlantes. Despite this, finding a job outside of the Auxiliares de Conversación program is difficult, given the political climate and steep unemployment rate. What’s more, companies risk a huge fine in hiring non-EU citizens without proper working permits, so even working part-time at an academy can be risky.
My suggestion is to look for a position in the Ministry of Education’s Auxiliar program, CIEE Teach Abroad or UCATEM in Madrid. They’ll help you facilitate the visa needed to enter Spain as a student, give you some on-site support and guarantee a position in a school or government-run language school. ¡Ojo! North Americans on a student visa can only work 20 hours a week on such a visa, and the hours as a language assistant usually factor in.

Is it necessary to have teaching certificates or training to find employment?

Due to the bilingual initiative in public education, more and more schools are asking for teaching certificates and experience. I chose to get a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) degree before coming, and it’s been extremely helpful when it comes to planning lessons and knowing the English language inside and out. To work at an academy, a TEFL or CELTA equivalent is usually the minimum to be hired, and teaching degree is generally required for working in schools. Once you have a teaching degree, you’ll need to complete thehomologación process, which is really just a big, fancy (and difficult to pronounce) word to asses your degree’s compatibility with the Spanish university system.

How did you get your first work visa?

I did what any American girl in love with Spain and her boyfriend would do: I got married by way of a loophole called pareja de hecho. My money is still just mine and I can’t vote in the upcoming presidential elections, but I get the benefit of being able to live and work throughout the EU until 2016.

Are non-EU teachers at a disadvantage when looking for employment?

Most certainly. For young people, the unemployment rate is hovering at around 40%, making jobs scarce and professional formation necessary. There are ways around the law, such as procuring a student visa and getting hired part-time (non-EU citizens can work up to 20 hours with this type of permission).

Is it possible for teachers to arrive without a work visa and look for a job?

Sadly, it’s difficult in a place like Seville. While I know people who have done it in bigger cities, Seville is small and the region of Andalucia has many bilingual schools. My advice is to use the resources available to you before you leave to Spain – make contacts, do a TEFL or CELTA class, set a time limit. Moving abroad is never easy, so it’s important to give yourself a period to adjust, look for a job and decide if it’s for you. While it’s not overnight, bumming around can get boring after a while.
And don’t be hard on yourself if it doesn’t work out! Times are tough in Spain, as evident by the political unrest, the constant protests (I got clocked in the face while attending a recent conference on Bilingual Education in Madrid!) and high unemployment, even Spaniards have been migrating to Germany, South America and the UK to work. But I’m evidence that sticking to the task of making contacts and exhausting enchufe can lead to a solid career.

What is Spain like?

I don’t know that I could be happier living anywhere else than Sevilla, and I’ve been to many, many foreign countries. Spaniards tend to be open, warm and welcoming of foreigners (duh, one of their greatest sectors for generating money is tourism). I have totally surrendered my Type-A personality to long lunches, siestas and the mañana, mañana attitude.
Spain enjoys, on the whole, a privileged Mediterranean climate, sumptuous and varied cuisine, 2000+ years of history and some of the most talented athletes in the world. What I love most about living here is the ability to integrate into the culture with some effort. My friends are from all over the world, I eat well and I know flamenco. I’ve been to a bull fight and a running of the bulls, am an hour from the coast and living in a city that retains its heritage while pushing forward into the 21st century. I have those “Madre mía, do I love this life!” moments every time I ride my bike past the Guadalquivir or discover something new about Seville, when I can help a student master something difficult or when I indulge in a tapa.
I’m beginning to identify with sevillanas in so many ways, yet remain rooted to my American identity. When I moved here four years ago, I seemed a bit lost for a few months, not knowing who I was to become since I’d lost the labels I normally used to identify myself. Not the case anymore – I speak andalú fluently, have a solid base of friends and feel comfortable in my adopted city.

Can you recommend the best cities for teaching and quality of life?

I live in Seville, the heart of Andalusia and the most Spanish city there is. We’ve got months of sunshine, bull fighting, flamenco – anything you consider typical Spanish.  It’s one of the poorer major cities, but has a long history, is within a few hours of the beach and mountains and has about 1,000,000 citizens. I have a little circle of English speakers who have moved here to retire, look for a new life or because of work and marriage. I think, honestly, that it’s important to find another expat to be able to share information or frustration, or to sneak to Starbucks with you when you’re feeling a little homesick.
Madrid, with its wide avenues and all kinds of different subgroups, is a good choice for expats, as well. It’s big, so there’s opportunity abound to work. The cost of living is considerably higher than other capitals around the country, but the salaries are proportionate. I find Madrid to be a bit impersonal for me, but all of my friends living there say it’s la leche, Spain’s version of the bomb.
Another big city with opportunities to teach English is Barcelona, home to Gaudí architecture, a famous nightlife scene and located right on the Mediterranean coast. But beware, the people native to Cataluña, catalanes, are often not as open to foreigners, and friends of mine who have worked in BCN claim it’s difficult to find work in schools. Regardless, it’s a pulsating city with a lot of personality.
Don’t leave out Bilbao, Granada, Valencia or Salamanca, either! They’re considerably smaller, but each has its own character and is enough of a metropolis to keep you busy between museums, landscape and work.

How well do you speak Spanish now?

I’m now fluent in Spanish because I have a live-in tutor and work with only four other native English speakers at my school. In big cities, speaking English can get you further, but I’m employed because English is becoming more necessary for industry and tourism.
My main reason for wanting to move to Spain was to improve the Spanish I already knew. While I wasn’t thrilled about moving to a town for its poor pronunciation, I love the nuances in Andalusian Spanish, often called Andalú, and I find humor in their refrains (and often write about them on my blog!). If you want to learn a foreign language in Spain, there are ample opportunities apart from the traditional language school: you could get an intercambio, or language interchange, in which you meet with a partner who speaks the language you’d like to learn to spend half your session speaking in your language, and half in your partner’s. Couchsurfing groups in cities also have language groups that meet frequently at a bar to practice, and many European study abroad students, called Erasmus, tutor to support their fiesta lifestyle. Or, you could go the easy route like me: find a native significant other!

What is your cost of living?

As I mentioned, I make just about 1.500€ each month. The government takes 248€ of that for my health insurance and pension. I tend to be frugal when it comes to buying clothes and going out, but I can’t turn down a good meal, weekend trip or invitation to the theatre. You certainly can’t live extravagantly as an English teacher in Southern Spain, but you can more than certainly live comfortable, and well.
Take, for example, living. A shared apartment in the central neighborhoods of Seville won’t cost more than 300€, with gastos (electricity, water and building fees)sitting around 50€ a month. Cell phones are expensive and the minimum amount of time you can have a contract is 18 months, so most opt for a pay-as-you-go SIM card and pay about 30€/month. Seville is flat, so I bought a cheap bike with a strong lock and try and ride as much as possible, but being a small city, a bus or your own two feet can get you where you need to go.
Then there’s food. Due to General Francisco Franco’s 35-year dictatorship, Spain remained self-sufficient for decades,, and its varied landscape means everything from fresh fish to juicy game to citric fruits, not to mention great wines. A tapa in a bar will cost 1,80€ to 3,50€, a beer not more than 1.30€ in a restaurant, and a three-course menu del día, usually less than 10€. It’s extremely cheap to have a nice meal and a drink any night of the week in Seville, and the temperature means there’s always a crowd at any time of day.
Rent eats up the biggest amount of paychecks in Spain, and do be aware that renting an apartment requires a deposit of a month’s rent, so you’ll essentially pay two months’ rent upon signing a contract. Additionally, some banks have costs for cards and opening accounts, and the resident card costs between 10 and 36€, depending on your nationality and the type of permission you have.

How much money can the average teacher expect to save?

Salaries in Spain are low in general, and teaching is even more so. I earn just over 1.500€ a month, and due to my social security payments, walk away with 248€ less. As I mentioned, I teach on a convenio, so the salary is pretty standard for private schools. Salaries are higher in other cities, like Madrid and Barcelona, due to the steeper cost of living.
There is a lot of opportunity in Seville to look for tutoring jobs on the side, and I made 500€ a month extra when I worked as a teaching assistant. While it’s unreliable money, it’s also flexible and can be lucrative. A teacher could charge between 12-15€ an hour for one student. Apart from that, it’s not easy to save very much money, unless you’re not planning on traveling or eating out much.

Do you recommend Spain for other English teachers?

I recommend Spain to anyone in search of a good lifestyle, but not necessarily to build their teaching resumé. Teachers in the public sector have to deal with little resources and discipline issues, while teachers like me in private schools have long hours and low salaries, and most of the schools are Catholic. I am required to pray in English with my students daily, and we celebrate Holy Week each spring.
On the other hand, the bilingual initiative through the MEC is extremely successful and Spain starts teaching foreign languages much earlier than other European countries. Because of this, there’s been a huge surge in not only number of jobs, but also of interest. Even Halloween is becoming more widespread here, thanks to the influence of English language and customs.
If I wanted to be a teacher and make money, I would live in America or go to Asia for a few years. I stay in Spain for the lifestyle it allows me.

What advice would you offer for others thinking of teaching English Abroad?

Teaching English is perhaps the best way to delve into a culture and understand a people. When I considered moving to South America after a brief break up with the Novio, I wondered how I could possibly begin to know all about Argentina or Chile or Paraguay and its history, heritage and people. It begins with establishing relationships, cultivating trust and opening someone else’s conscience to what education can bring.
That said, doing your research is important and necessary. Know what a job entails, what responsibilities are required of you, what you’ll earn and how your vacation time is spread out and perhaps paid. Compare programs. Go with your gut – I nearly moved to Dublin to do the BUNAC program with two college buddies, and had a feeling that I was supposed to go to Spain. Work to establish an expat network when you get there, but don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.
Really, just go.
English language teaching is an easy way to get abroad, earn some money and see the world while doing it. I can’t say I’ll teach forever, or that I’ll ever become rich doing it, but I love it. Even the days when my kids drive me nuts or I am stressed out with exams and observations and lesson plans, being invited into the world of a child and their educational process is really a beautiful thing. And, at the end of the day, I get to have my cervecita and I know I’ve ended up exactly where I was intended to go.
Cat Gaa gave up the skyscrapers of Chicago for the olive groves of Andalucia, Spain, four years ago. Follow her attempts to tackle andalu, brainwash her students into liking American sports teams and a recent kinda marriage on twitter at @sunshinesiestas, or on her blog, Sunshine and Siestas.
More Links
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Teach English in Spain – General Information
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Teach English in Turkey, Interview with Steve Callerame

Teach English in Turkey

How long have you been teaching English in Turkey?

7 weeks.

Please tell us about your job?

It’s a private primary school in Maltepe on the Asian side. Other teachers have younger kids, but mine are from 10-13 years old, of all varying abilities and levels of enthusiasm. My average class size is about 18, but some are as low as 10 students and other have 25. Classes are 40 minutes apiece and I teach 25 per week. Class materials are given but it would be wise to come with some of your own as well. There isn’t very much holiday time except for unpaid school breaks in summer and winter.

How did you find your job?

ESLcafe.com. I was hired before I came.

How easy is it to find English teaching positions?

Fairly easy, and private tutoring work is available as well. People who know how to network online can quickly get themselves sorted out.

Is it necessary to have teaching certificates or training to find employment?

It helps. My school and many others require a TEFL/TESOL certificate or similar, and many schools look for people with experience.

How did you get your first work visa?

My company is arranging it for me.

Is it possible for teachers to arrive without a work visa and look for a job?

Yes.

What is Istanbul like?

Traffic and public infrastructure are occasional headaches, but it’s a good city to live and it’s never boring. It’s very international and quite easy for a social person to go out and meet new people at any time. Many foreign women complain that they get too much attention from Turkish men, though.

Are you learning Turkish?

I’m learning the basics. To be honest, English is enough for my needs and anyway I’m busy enough to always be able to find an excuse not to study.

What is the cost of living in Istanbul?

Alcohol and petrol are expensive but most other things are somewhat on the cheaper end of the spectrum, similar to prices elsewhere in southern Europe.

How much money can the average teacher expect to save?

There are a wide range of salaries here, and also many temptations to go out and spend money. On the higher range of salaries (US$3000 per month for university teachers) you can try to save a significant amount, but most people don’t leave Istanbul with much more money than they came with. The average teacher salary is about half of the above, though often some extras are thrown in, such as transport or accommodation allowances.

Are there many opportunities to earn income on the side?

Turkey’s economy is one of the few in the world that is genuinely growing right now, and Istanbul is at the center of it all. It’s not hard to go out and find other work, but the amount of variety in that work will depend on how many people you’ve gotten to know once you’ve come over here. Native English speakers can generally make themselves as busy as they’d like to be.

Do you recommend Istanbul for other English teachers?

It’s a good place to be. The attitude of the students will vary a lot depending on whether you’re teaching kids (who are required to come to class) or adults (who generally come because they have a real desire to learn). But most parts of the world work in similar ways; what sets Istanbul apart is that it’s a major international city, and there’s always a lot going on. My biggest difficulty so far has been setting aside enough time for me to sleep in between all the work and parties.

Teach English in Hungary, Interview with Peter Wylde

Teach English in Hungary, Interview with Peter Wylde
Teach English in Hungary, Interview with Peter Wylde

How long have you been teaching English in Hungary?

9 months.

What is Budapest like?

Budapest is a fantastic place to live. Teaching only a few days a week earns you enough money to live well; going out for meals, drinking/partying etc. The people are very friendly and particularly interested by foriegners and the community of expats living here is large and constantly changing. If you are interested in sports/culture/music/arts there are plenty of ways to get involved.

Are you learning Hungarian?

I can speak only a small amount of Hungarian, enough to be polite when ordering in a shop/restaurant/bar. Its is not an easy language to learn and is pretty unique as it is not from a Greek or Latin route, unlike most modern European languages. I do know English expats who are fluent though.

Have you travelled much outside of Budapest?

Only to Balaton lake a couple of times. It is easy enough and quite cheap to reach by train. I have hitch hiked too as people are much more likely to pick you up than in the UK. I couldn’t say much about the towns around Balaton, as the times I travelled to the lake were for sailing or to go to the Balaton Sound festival.

Please tell us about your job?

I teach everything. General English, Business English, Medical English, Military English, Exam preparartion, young people/ old people. If you are a good teacher and prepared to learn yourself and be versatile then the possibilities are endless. Most people want lessons Monday to Friday at either 8am or 6pm. Barely anybody wants lessons in the daytime. Summer is a bit dry too as everybody goes on holiday. I must say I do actually love my job, and almost all my students are lovely. The downside is having to travel a lot, wait around between lessons and being left out of pocket when people cancel at the last minute. Nothing is guaranteed, but then this is much the same with all freelance work.

How did you find your first English teaching job?

I emailed as many language schools as possible and basically hustled them until they gave me work.

How easy is it to find English teaching positions?

That depends on when you are trying to find work, how persistant you are, your qualifications and general charisma. If you were to turn up mid-summer and half-heartedly fire out a couple of emails you would be unlikely to get much response. A lot of language schools are pretty disorganised and you may need to call them several times or knock on their door with a CV before you get a straight answer. Being a native English speaker is a huge advantage too.

Is it necessary to have teaching certificates or training to find employment?

This really depends where you are. In Budapest, if you are good enough at teaching then a CELTA or TEFL are not essential, but they definitely make life easier for you. A lot of schools simply won’t even look at your CV unless you have a teaching qualification. Some language schools know there are people with the right qualifications who are not so great at actually teaching. But qualifications or not, if you cannot pull off a good interview or teach a good lesson then schools and students won’t ask you to come back.

How did you get your first work visa?

I don’t need one.

What is the cost of living in Budapest?

Rent can be anything between 100-300 euros per month, but of course you get what you pay for. A beautiful flat in the city centre will obviously cost more than a run-down dive in the suburbs. I pay about 150 euros per month. Electricity bills in winter can be almost as much as the rent, but in summer are next to nothing. You can live pretty well off 50 euros per week, but strangely, buying food in the shops is almost as expensive as eating out. Beer is quite cheap, around 1.5 euros for a half litre. Obviously if you go to cocktail bars and expensive restaurants then expect to pay the same as any European capital city. But English teachers aren’t usually here to live the highlife.

How much money can the average teacher expect to save?

This depends how much you work, save and spend. At a language school you can get up to 20 euros per lesson, but often the lessons are around office hours. This means you can’t usually do 6 lessons per day, more like 3 maximum.

Are there many opportunities to earn income on the side?

Most people have private students. If you look for other sources of extra income I’m sure they are out there. I wouldn’t say its the kind of industry where you can make your millions, but then most teachers I know seem to prefer working less and having more free time. You definitely don’t need much money to enjoy yourself here anyway.

Do you recommend Hungary for other English teachers?

Yes I would. The people are lovely and the city is beautiful. Moving here was one of the best decisions I have made. Just don’t try to steal my students!

What advice would you offer for others thinking of teaching English Abroad?

Get a qualification, pack a bag and get on the plane. Simple as that.
Links
Information on Teaching English in Hungary
Teach English in Hungary (Cost of Living)
Teach English in Hungary  (Visa Requirements)
English teaching jobs in Hungary

Teach English in Chile, Interview with Alisha Robertson

Teach English in Chile

How long did you teach English in Chile?

I taught English in Chile for one year. The summer months in Chile are November until the end of February. Therefore, students start registering and classes are in full swing by the beginning of March. I moved to Chile in January to get acclimated to the city where I would be teaching, started meeting all of my fellow teachers, and I went through some basic training sessions on how the institute I taught for organized their classes. Most schools or institutes in Chile hire their teachers in November and December before everyone starts taking summer vacations. So, you will want to keep this in mind as you start your search. I would recommend starting your search and submitting resumes in August or September.

What city did you teach in and why?

I taught in the northern part of the country in Iquique, Chile. I chose Iquique rather than the popular capital city of Santiago because I felt it would offer a more intimate experience, and that I would really be able to become part of a community. Iquique is only about 300,000 people as opposed to the millions that live in Santiago. I also chose Iquique because it sits right on the water, it is a surfing and body boarding community, and also the perfect gateway to both Peru and Bolivia. There are good teaching opportunities in the northern part of Chile as well because of the copper mining industry and the international port. Most people venturing to Chile for the first time do teach in Santiago, because they are not sure where else to go. However, there are various beautiful cities besides Santiago to teach English. Also, If you are willing to work in the far north or the far south typically you will earn a bit more than in Santiago. Because Chile is such a long skinny country and the northern and southern parts of Chile are the most extreme (In the north the Atacama Desert and the south The Patagonia), they typically attract less teachers.

Please tell us about your job?

I worked for a private institute that taught 7 different languages. The language institute where I taught also set themselves apart by having native teachers available for all of the languages they taught at the institute. Initially, I taught a mix of children, teen, and adult classes (regular ESL and Business ESL). While working at the institute, the majority of my classes were in the evenings from 4:00pm until 10:00pm. Teachers would always have full night classes in two hour increments. Most of the time the children and teenagers would come after school and have classes from 4 until 6 and then the adult classes would take up the hours from 6 until 10. However, I also had adults who took Business ESL classes, and I would travel to their office during the day to conduct classes at their worksite. Almost all of the teachers on our staff working this schedule would have between 25-35 hours per week. The last 6 months working in Chile, I actually got the opportunity to work onsite at a copper mine in the middle of The Atacama Desert. When working on location there, I worked four straight ten hour days (Mon-Thur) and I was off Friday through Sunday which was great for weekend getaways. During my year working in Chile, I was also able to take a 2 week vacation during the months of June or July. This is the winter break period for Chileans, and most students are out of school and families are traveling which minimizes class schedules.

What is Chile like?

Chile is a very diverse country with tons of nature. In the north you have nice beaches, many active surfers, sand boarders and body boarders, the beautiful  San Pedro de Atacama, various national parks, and Lake Titicaca (one of the world’s highest lakes). In the center region of Chile you can be on the beaches of Viña del Mar and then go inland about 2 hours and be in the Andes zipping down the ski slopes. In the southern region, there is the breathtaking views and outdoor activities of the lakes region and The Patagonia. Chile is truly an outdoor paradise with endless activities to divulge in. The Chilean people are very hospitable, and they love to have guests in their home for long nights of sipping wine and endless conversation. I found it interesting and very challenging that normalcy for Chileans include having dinner at midnight, going out at 2 am,  and staying out until 5 or 6 am. If you are going to Chile, you should start practicing late nights now! After a year in the country, I was still horrible at this part. Food in Chile was more bland than I expected. I found the best food in Chile to be in the southern region which is known for its amazing seafood and booming salmon industry. Many people in the states who I would speak to often had the misconception that Chile is another poor south American country. However, Chile has one of the most stable economies in south america, a non-corrupt government (you can’t bribe them), and most Chileans are working class.

Have you taught English in other countries?

I have not taught English in any other countries, but I did a lot of research on teaching in various countries throughout central and south america.  Through all of my research, I found that Chile has some of the best teaching opportunities due to its International port, their strong banking and mining industries,  and their English Opens Doors Program. Teaching in South America will not offer you the same amount of compensation as teaching in Japan or China, but I was able to live comfortably as a local, received vacation time (unpaid) to travel, and received a completion bonus at the end of my year to pay for my flight back to the states.

How did you find your first English teaching job?

This is the first question most people ask me. There are various programs out there that offer assistance in finding an ESL position. However, my business background is in Human Resources and recruiting so I decided that before exploring those options, I would set out on my own to find a position. As stated earlier, I did a lot of research to decide exactly which country I wanted to teach in. Once I decided on Chile, I utilized online job boards such as Dave’s ESL cafe, ESL Jobs, ESL employment, among others. I personally found Dave’s ESL Cafe to be one of the most comprehensive resources across various areas. I also looked up all of the private language institutes in Chile alongside the main contact, and started contacting them and sending out my resume. I solicited my resume, set my interviews, negotiated my contract, and secured my position prior to arriving in Chile without the assistance of an agency. The process included lots of research, a significant amount of time preparing my resume and answering institute specific questions via email, and various interviews via Skype.

How easy is it to find English teaching positions in Chile?

It depends on how you would classify easy. Chile, like many other South American countries do not have as strict of requirements for native English speakers. Although I was ESL certified, it is not always necessary to be ESL certified to be able to teach English in Chile. The requirements vary by institute. So, in this respect, it is a bit easier to teach English in Chile than in some other countries. But, if you plan on securing a teaching position before you arrive (which I recommend since it is very possible) you will need to prepare to initially spend at least 10-20 hours a week doing research and preparing/sending resumes and letters of interest. Santiago, the capital of Chile will be more competitive so if you are open to teaching in the North or South of Chile, you may be able to secure a position easier due to the demand of teachers in these areas.

Is it necessary to have teaching certificates or training to find employment?

It varies by institute and also whether you are teaching for the public school system or for a private language institute. Most public schools require a teaching certificate while in private language institutes it is not necessary. Typically, for North Americans it is not necessary to have an ESL/TOEFL certificate or to have an extensive amount of teaching experience. North Americans are valued for their accent and ability to teach conversational English classes. Many times, native North American teachers will teach intermediate classes or higher so the students can have conversational practice with native teachers. But, keep in mind that schools typically do hire individuals with teaching experience or some sort of experience interacting with children or adults in an educational environment. If you do not have a teaching background, think of what you currently do, and how those skills can be transferable in a classroom atmosphere. Be able to express and communicate this on your resume. Alternatively, prior to your trip, start volunteering with your local Junior Achievement Program, do some English tutoring, or volunteer with your local literacy council. All of these volunteer activities will help you gain useful experience to secure a teaching position abroad.

How did you get your first work visa?

In Chile there are different types of visas, but many English teachers are there initially on a tourist visa. This allows you to be in the country for 3 months. Because Chile is very narrow, you can easily cross over the border into Peru, Bolivia, or Argentina for the weekend, and when you return to Chile it renews your tourist visa for another 3 months. If you will be teaching for only 3- 6 months, most schools will actually allow you to do this. But, if you are securing a long term teaching position, you will initially work on a temporary work visa (visa sujeto a contrato) until you get a temporary visa to be in the country. The institute where I worked paid for my work visa and provided me with the contract that I had to have to prove to the Chilean government that I would be teaching. However, this was a very long and confusing process. Make sure your institute will be willing to assist with this process, and that they explain it thoroughly.

Is it possible for teachers to arrive without a work visa and look for a job?

Yes. If you are arriving in Chile, and then looking for a position you will be able to enter the country on a tourist visa while completing your job search. However, keep in mind that a tourist visa only allows you to be in the country for 3 months at a time.

What is the cost of living in Chile?

The cost of living in Chile is more expensive than other South American countries such as Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil. When I was there (2008) rent varied depending on whether you lived in an apartment or if you rented a room in someone’s home (which is very common). Living in the northern part of Chile, I found that if you wanted to rent an apartment you could expect to pay anywhere between 140,000 – 190,000 pesos ($280US-$380US) for a one bedroom. However, you can very easily rent a room for much less than this. You can rent a room including bills between 70,000-100,000 pesos per month ($140US -$200US). In order to not stress about money, I would recommend not spending more than 150,000 pesos for rent. Food is relatively inexpensive as long as you go to the local markets.  You can also eat The Menu del dia  for lunch at many local restaurants for 1,200-2,000 pesos ($3-$5). This usually includes the main dish and a small desert. If you are one to hit the local night scene, you are in luck. Chileans love their Happy Hours! Almost all local pubs and discos have 2×1 specials all night. Liquor of course is more expensive costing around $8US but it includes 2 large drinks and they are very generous with their spirits. If you are a beer or wine lover, in most places I found that the cost of either was cheaper than the cost of water. Local beer and house wines would be as cheap as 500-1000 pesos ($1-$2US).

How much money can the average teacher expect to save?

If you make it a point to not live extravagantly just because it’s cheaper than your home country (rent a room or share an apartment, don’t always eat out, etc) then you will be able to save a little bit of money along the way. The typical hourly rate for native teachers at private institutes in Chile is around 5000-5500 pesos ($10-$11US). To put it in perspective, a middle class salary in Chile is around 750,000 pesos per month. So, as a teacher working 120 hours a month at 5500 pesos, you would make 660,000 pesos per month. One thing to keep in mind though is that hours throughout the year can be very inconsistent. You may have several months where you work 100-120+ hours and then several months where you are barely working 70. So you will want to budget accordingly. While teaching in Chile, you should not expect to save a large amount of money, but you will be able to save enough to help you travel if you budget.

Are there many opportunities to earn income on the side?

With most private schools and the school I worked for, several of the teachers worked for the public school system as well. Also, as long as you did not solicit students from the school, there was no rule about having your own private classes on the side. For native teachers, if you are willing to put in the extra time, you will always have an opportunity to pick up private students. Many taxis I got into, people I met while out, and tour guides would often ask for private lessons.

Do you recommend Chile for other English teachers?

I would definitely recommend Chile for your destination to teach English. Chile is a beautiful country with tons of diversity, culture, and history. I also found the people to be very warm and welcoming. I was also able to make enough money to survive and travel. I didn’t feel unsafe in the country at all. I discovered that Chileans have a contagious energy for life,  and I met some of the most wonderful people on my journey in Chile!

Is there anything you didn’t like about Chile?

Anytime I travel, I go for the experience…the good and the bad. However, in Chile I can say that there wasn’t anything that I completely disliked. I was surprised initially that the cost of travel and eating at restaurants was actually a bit more pricey than I expected. If you ate in an actual restaurant (not local family spots on the sidewalks) that you could spend about the same as you would eating out in the states. Also, Chile is a very long country. So, many times I would want to fly as opposed to take the 25 hour + bus ride down the country due to time constraints. However, the price of flights were more expensive than domestic US flights so I had to spend more time traveling by bus to destinations I wanted to visit within the country.

What advice would you offer for others thinking of teaching English Abroad?

My advice for anyone considering teaching English abroad would be to do some volunteer tutoring in your local community with adults or children to see if you actually enjoy teaching. I would also recommend reading job boards and reaching out to people who are currently teaching in the country you are interested in so you can have a true perspective of what to expect. Be patient and flexible. And, if you are going to South America to teach learn to love the word mañana! – There are no deadlines.
Alisha Robertson is an avid traveler passionate about education. You can read about her travels, volunteer and teaching pursuits, and tips and advice at Small World Pursuits – an educational blog about broadening horizons, traveling and working abroad, volunteering, and connecting with cultures from around the world. 

Teach English in Costa Rica, Interview with Lisa Katerman

Teach English in Costa Rica
Teach English in Costa Rica

How long did you teach English in Costa Rica?

I taught English from September 2006 through May 2007 in Heredia, Costa Rica. I graduated college with an English degree in the spring of 2006, and wanted to spend some time abroad while working.

Please tell us about your job?

I worked for a small school in Heredia, which is a suburb of San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica. The school was geared towards teaching mainly adults, ages 16 and older, who wanted a job customer service job where they would be speaking English. Several American companies had recently moved down to Costa Rica, and they were looking for English speakers who would work at their call centers. We only accepted students who were already at a basic conversational level of English since the classes were conversation based. The school had four levels of classes: P1, P2, P3, and Fast Track. Each of the P classes were 8 week classes which met 4 times a week for 2 hours each. Fast Track met everyday for 3 hours and that class was specifically for those whose English and customer services skills only needed a bit of cleaning up. Students were interviewed upon entrance and placed in a class based on their interview scores. The majority of the students were in their 20s.
Most teachers taught 2-3 classes per day,  with Fridays mostly off, except for those who taught Fast Track, I didn’t have to take much vacation time, though it was available as long as you were able to get another teacher to cover for you. There were also a few holidays we had off, and several weeks off over Christmas.

What is Costa Rica like?

Costa Rica is a wonderful country. There is so much history, a unique culture, kind people, good food, so many places to travel… the list goes on! There is a great pubic bus system that can get you all over the country, and really, all over Central America. Costa Rica is filled with so many things to see: beaches on the Caribbean and Pacific (with VERY different feelings to each), volcanoes, rain forests, a cloud forest, and everything in between. I also traveled to Nicaragua and Panama, both by bus, and it was pretty easy. Also, beware of the rainy season and bring an umbrella with you wherever you go! You’ll find that out pretty quickly. If you’re a soccer fan, you’ll be in the right place. There are a lot of teams in Costa Rica along with some crazy fans!
The only downside to living in Costa Rica is that there is a decent amount of crime. Almost every American I met in Costa Rica was robbed in one way or another. Just keep your stuff with you, stay alert, and don’t be flashy with clothing, money or jewelry and you should be fine.
Overall, it’s a wonderful country, fairly easy to navigate, and a lot of fun!

Have you taught English in other countries?

No, Costa Rica was my only international teaching experience.

How did you find your first English teaching job?

I attempted to find a job before I went down to Costa Rica, but people I had talked to said that it was very unlikely to secure a job before going down and meeting with the people at the school. I did take an online ESL certification class over the summer, which certainly helped in the long run. After I arrived in Costa Rica, I did two things to get jobs:

  1. Walked around Heredia with a dozen resumes and went into several different schools.
  2. Answered help wanted ads in the Costa Rican paper for Americans, the Tica Times. I got better jobs from the second way, so I definitely recommend picking up the paper and answering ads for English jobs.

How easy is it to find English teaching positions?

It is quite easy to find an English teaching position. It is more challenging to find a well paying employment. A lot of times, you’ll start off at a job that doesn’t pay well in order to build up your experience, and then you can bring that experience to another school.

Is it necessary to have teaching certificates or training to find employment?

Most schools only require that you’ve graduated from college and that you are a native English speaker. However, if you want to get a better paying job, you’ll most definitely need a Teaching English as a Foreign (Second) Language (TEFL/TESL) certificate and some training. You can get that certificate online for a few hundred dollars. I would HIGHLY recommend against traveling to Costa Rica to do a TEFL/TESL certification program in person. They charge a ton of money and cannot guarantee you a job.

How did you get your first work visa?

The school I worked at did not require me to have a work visa, so I did not get one. Work visas in Costa Rica are very difficult to get and they are very expensive. If you’ll be there for less than a year and you can find a place who doesn’t requite a work visa, don’t get one. If you’re planning to stay for longer and want to work at a private or international school, you’ll be required to get one. Be prepared to pay $800+!

What is the cost of living in Costa Rica?

The cost of living is quite low, except in the very touristy and beach areas. I paid $400 per month for rent, but this was for a really nice place. I was subletting from someone- three bedroom, two bathrooms, full kitchen condo with a back yard in a gated community. Utilities included. It was a great price. Other teachers I worked with paid much less. I would spend no more than $10 a day on food, and that’s with one to two meals a day out. Going out is pretty cheap if you’re just into the bar scene. There was the occasional cover of $5, but that was pretty unusual. Beer cost around $1-$2 at a bar. Other expenses included bus fare, groceries, gym membership, travel, and fun stuff. I never spent more than $1,000.

How much money can the average teacher expect to save?

That’s a difficult question, because it depends on your lifestyle and how well paying your teaching job is. I probably broke even every month, but if you live very frugally, you can save a decent amount each month, even up to a few hundred dollars a month.

Are there many opportunities to earn income on the side?

I did not do any private work, but I did know someone who did private teaching, which did not pan out. One other person started as an English teacher and then purchased the school I worked at and was the owner and president. Mostly, English teachers remained English teachers. People in Costa Rica are very interested in learning English though, so there is a possibility to make money doing private lessons! You just need some patience with finding and keeping students.

Do you recommend Costa Rica for other English teachers?

Yes, Costa Rica was a wonderful place to teach. The students are quite driven, especially adults who want a high-paying job at a US call center in Costa Rica! One of the downfalls of Costa Rica is that people run on their own time, so students often show up to class late. Do not adjust for them, they will have to learn to arrive on time. The quality of life was wonderful. Costa Rica has a low cost of living, good food, amazing places to travel, inexpensive public transportation, and very friendly people. I highly recommend it.

What advice would you offer for others thinking of teaching English Abroad?

Be patient and persistent. Research the country you’ll be in by reading blogs (like this one)! People love talking about their experience, and they are your best resources. Know about visas (both work and travel). Research where is a good place to live. Let go a bit and go with the flow- things will work out! Most of all, have fun and explore your country!
Links
Costa Rica Classroom
Lisa Katerman on Facebook