I have met many people who have used me as their "go-to" when questioning teaching abroad. Even more have referred friends to me to answer their questions, and I end up always getting the same basic questions...so, to make it easier on me, below are the basics I get asked.
**********
Did you get a TEFL/TESOL certification?
Yes. I went through ATI (you can google them). I applied for their program, and once I got accepted I went to Thailand and took their 3 week in-class TESOL certification course. They guaranteed job placement afterwards, so it saved me the stress of job hunting once the course was completed.
How was the pay?
In Thailand, I got about $1000usd a month. I lived by the islands for my second contract, and sent half my pay home. I easily lived off $500usd a month (even going to the islands on weekends).
In Korea, I get about $2000usd a month. Again, I send half home, and live off $1000usd quite easily.
How did you find housing?
In my first place in Thailand, I lived in a hotel. There were no "western" apartments around, so I stayed in a hotel. There was only 1 in town, so it made it easy.
In my second semester, my school did not provide housing, but the assistant head of my department helped me find an apartment.
In Burma housing was provided...they took us right to our shared house.
In Korea - my apartment was provided as well. They picked me up at my guesthouse and took me right to my apartment where I signed a lease.
Pay attention to your contract - some will provide a housing stipend (you find your own housing), and others will provide the actual house/apartment.
How did you find a job when you weren't with an agency?
My second semester in Thailand I found a job on my own - through a Thailand job board. After being abroad for a few months, you hear of a lot of jobs through word of mouth, and learn where to look for them.
In Thailand I used: www.ajarn.com
**********
I'll add to this page as more common questions get asked - or leave a question in the comments and I'll add it to the list.
**********
Did you get a TEFL/TESOL certification?
Yes. I went through ATI (you can google them). I applied for their program, and once I got accepted I went to Thailand and took their 3 week in-class TESOL certification course. They guaranteed job placement afterwards, so it saved me the stress of job hunting once the course was completed.
How was the pay?
In Thailand, I got about $1000usd a month. I lived by the islands for my second contract, and sent half my pay home. I easily lived off $500usd a month (even going to the islands on weekends).
In Korea, I get about $2000usd a month. Again, I send half home, and live off $1000usd quite easily.
How did you find housing?
In my first place in Thailand, I lived in a hotel. There were no "western" apartments around, so I stayed in a hotel. There was only 1 in town, so it made it easy.
In my second semester, my school did not provide housing, but the assistant head of my department helped me find an apartment.
In Burma housing was provided...they took us right to our shared house.
In Korea - my apartment was provided as well. They picked me up at my guesthouse and took me right to my apartment where I signed a lease.
Pay attention to your contract - some will provide a housing stipend (you find your own housing), and others will provide the actual house/apartment.
How did you find a job when you weren't with an agency?
My second semester in Thailand I found a job on my own - through a Thailand job board. After being abroad for a few months, you hear of a lot of jobs through word of mouth, and learn where to look for them.
In Thailand I used: www.ajarn.com
**********
I'll add to this page as more common questions get asked - or leave a question in the comments and I'll add it to the list.
This is very useful post for those who is searching for TESOL Certification Thailand. Thanks for sharing this informative post.
ReplyDelete