has anyone taught english abroad???

[Courtney]

I know there's a course you need to take first, wondering if there are ways to avoid that...get back to me,thanks.

[Jen-E-03]

I've taught abroad. You'll find it difficult to find a job without the proper qualifications. Many companies are even asking for a 4 year degree as well as a TESL certificate.

[LDUB]

Do you actually want to teach? Or are you looking for an opportunity to go abroad.

There's the JET Programme too which is more of an exchange in Japan. You just need to start taking some courses in Japanese.

www.jetprogramme.org

[junglequeen]

Its a three weekend course through oxford seminars
oxfordseminars.com

you can also do it online

I think its worth doing - especially if you dont have your BA yet. Most countries look for a BA, experience and a tefl or tesol. Asia pays the highest but most schools wont reply back to you without a BA. Most of Europe wants a masters. South America is lower paying but you dont need a BA to get a work visa.

Without it you can get a job - but it will probably pay less and you'll most likely have to be in the country first and youll have to hunt down the job yourself. Most companies that offer TEFLs have a job placement program.

I have mine through I-to-I, an online company, so I had to do volunteer work in Thailand as a practicum. I leave for Chile to teach at a hollistic learning centre soon though. Paid flight, room and board and spanish lessons!

[mojo]

Junglebeans pretty much summed it all up. most countries want a BA. I have been told by many people who worked in Taiwan however that you can show up there(at the right time mind you...as far as i know the new year of classes starts end of feb..) and find work very easily. you have to lie(if it doesnt bother you) and say you have a degree(unless you do), but if you do well, they wont care if you actually do. you just have to be good at your job..which means you have to actually want to teach. not just loaf around.

i worked in Thailand like Sheena and have nothing but good things to say about it. if want anymore info just ask, i love to talk about it:)

check out www.ajarn.com for thailand info
www.tealit.com for Taiwan info.

[laska]

I think it really depends what you want to get out of the course. Are you just looking for the certificate? Go for one of those 5-day things. Do you actually want to learn teaching methods? Do the real deal.

As for BAs, from what I know, it's mostly bigger chain schools that want them. Mom n pop schools are usually less picky (and also a lot more fun; think fewer rules, more diverse students, more fun meeting more people, etc.)