So, you want to get paid to travel? Cool, me too. There are a couple avenues you can take: get an international traveling sales job, which are few and far between unless you speak another couple languages, program software, or work for a worldwide consulting company. Or, the easier option, teach English. If English is your native language, it's simple. Just follow a few easy steps:
- Get certified in TEFL (Teach English in a Foreign Language).
- If you're not 100% you want to do it, you can get certified in the states through various programs, then apply to schools worldwide. Originally, I was working with CIEE. But, through a friend's recommendation, I found out about SEE TEFL. Because SEE TEFL is based in Chiang Mai, they have connections with all the local schools, which gives you a better chance of getting the job you want.
- After completing my course, I also found out about GVI. They're UK based, and several of the students I trained with used this company. It worked out well for them (for the most part).
- Get a visa.
- The company you use to get your TEFL certificate will have a checklist of things you need to complete to get a visa. Dependent upon the country, you will need things like: a copy of your diploma, transcripts, a resume, a clean background check, passport, etc.
- No matter what the company tells you, DO YOUR HOMEWORK on visas. I've seen several people get screwed over on their visas, have to do border runs to get re-stamped on tourists visas, spend money on fines, etc. You need someone who knows what the heck they're doing.
- Once you're accepted to a program and get the necessary travel documents, take care of things stateside.
- When my visa was processed, and I knew I was going to move, I had to get things in order. Meaning, I have a mortgage, I have a car, I have material things I want to keep, and I have a sweet, sweet angel that I could not leave behind... My dog (even though I did leave him behind). People think they cannot travel because they have too many responsibilities. If that applies to you, sorry, but you're wrong. Yes, it's easier to travel when you do not have assets (like mortgages and pets), but it can still be done. Case in point: me.
- In the words of Nike, JUST DO IT. There is only one guarantee about teaching English abroad. No matter how many questions you ask, no matter how much you prepare, no matter how much you think you know, you are absolutely wrong. Nothing can prepare you besides actually doing it. NOTHING. So, take a leap of faith, and JUST DO IT.
Notes:
- You have to pass a background when applying for visas. If you have felonies / misdemeanors on your background, you're likely to be denied based on the country you're applying to.
- You have to have a college degree. No exceptions.
- In most countries, visible tattoos are not allowed while teaching. So, for all of you with hand and face tats out there trying to teach in Thailand, don't bother.
Q&A (most common questions I've been asked so far):
- Q: What are the prerequisites to teaching English abroad?
- A: The training programs will tell you something like, "English as your native language, a college degree, a US passport, and a clean background." I would tell you, "extensive computer skills, breathable clothing, a low hygiene standard, an adventurous appetite, and being able to sit in a sauna for 8 hours a day."
- Q: How much money do you need to move?
- A: Probably around $5K if you're doing the TEFL certification class in Thailand. The course ranges from $1300-2200 dependent upon which company you go trough, one way plane ticket is about a grand, and living expenses (meals, housing, etc.) for the first two months. You won't get a paycheck while you're training, and you won't get paid from the school until you've worked a month.
- If you're planning on doing expensive trips while you're abroad, like snowboarding in New Zealand, you're going to need a lot more money before you come. The money you make teaching will cover local travel throughout the country you choose. But, big trips will cost more than you're going to make teaching.
- Q: How does insurance work in Thailand?
- A: You can get an international plan from the states before you leave, but it would be pricey. Some programs (like GVI or CIEE) help you get traveler's insurance that's good for the duration of your teaching contract. Some schools offer to pay a portion of insurance, but you wouldn't know that until you're actually assigned to a school. You could also buy a plan in Thailand that might be more cost effective. Or, you could just wing it. Healthcare is cheap here. And you can get most prescriptions directly from a pharmacy without a script from a doctor.
If you have questions, feel free to leave them in the comments or shoot me an email. I'll answer what I can!