Post: #1

What are some effective methods to improve your ability to travel aboard. Is becoming a english teacher worth the investment? How long does it take to acquire license to teach.

Post: #2

Living aboard ?




as an English teacher?

Post: #3

It may take some time for you to become an English teacher if you use "aboard" when you mean "abroad" ... Unless you were planning on living on a ship?

Based on what I've read on various forums - and thus not from personal experience - the English teaching credentials depend on where you want to go.

For instance, I've heard secondhand that demand in China is so high, that you don't need any credentials - you just need to be a native speaker.

In contrast, in Europe, not only do you need credentials, most work is given to those with the least visa issues - the British, as I understand.

Edit: Dammit, the guy above me beat me by three minutes. Serves me right for adding the contributing part

But I'll beat him by saying you also spelled "credential" wrong

Post: #4

The most effective method is working independently. As a freelancer, business owner etc. Something that enables you to earn money regardless of where you are in the world.

As far as English teaching, every country has different requirements. You need to do your own research. If you're meaning financially worth it, as in spending a bunch of money getting qualifications you wouldn't otherwise get or don't already have, then no it's not worth it. If you already have a college degree in any field then in most cases that's all you'll need, especially in Asia. A certificate may help, but most of the time its not needed, in the developing world at least. If you don't have a college degree then you're looking at the lowest paying gigs, where having a certificate isn't going to make much of a difference either.

IME, teaching English is not the best way to experience a country. It's a job, and you'll feel the same when you get home as you will anywhere else after a days work, just with more interesting surroundings.

Apart from 'teaching' for 200 Baht on Khao San Road, what you've written so far isn't encouraging..

Quote:Living -Aboard- Abroad -Crediantials- Credentials

What are some effective methods to improve your ability to travel abroad? Is becoming an English teacher worth the investment? How long does it take to acquire a license to teach?

I'd suggest first taking some trips, if you can, for a few weeks or a month, see what you like, while working towards building a location independent income stream.

Post: #5

Your not going to be a very good English teacher if you're English is as bad as it appears.

Post: #6

I'm living it now. I've been abroad for over 15 months and after working in corporate environments in countries I've travelled to, I've decided it's better to be your own man and be self-employed.

Teaching English is always an option too; but not one I'd take myself.

Having a degree in a 'high-demand' field will allow you international opportunities. 'Healthcare, IT, Engineering, Financial'

Read Visa requirements for some destinations you are interested in, it will give you an idea.

Post: #7

If you have a university degree and you get a CELTA you can find a job pretty much anywhere in the world where English isn't the first language. Some pay more others pay less, as an English teacher in Colombia you'd barely scrap by. In Vietnam you could live rather comfortably and save 600 or so a month.

Post: #8

(11-30-2015 06:02 PM)Alpha_Romeo Wrote:  Your not going to be a very good English teacher if you're English is as bad as it appears.

You used "Your, & you're" back to front there.

Post: #9

Teaching English is a great way to get your foot in the door of a certain country/market. That being said, it is a long-term dead end. If you don't have plans for how you are going to climb the ladder, I wouldn't recommend it unless you need a year of escapism.

To acquire a license takes 4 weeks in person or a few months online. It isn't cheap and the actual monetary return on investment is low. But, if you are serious about living abroad, it is the best option as now even countries with a serious English demand like China are requiring legitimate teachers and not washed up dropouts.

Post: #10

I don't know where you guys get your sources. You could secure jobs in Korea teaching English straight out of college with next to 0 experience.

I got a job in Japan doing so with only the 1 year of experience I had in Korea. I also got a guy I knew who didn't have a college degree a job at my company. Granted I am changing career fields soon, but to be a generic English teacher does not take many credentials at all if you wish to go to Asia.

Maybe a Celta if you want to go to Europe, but even then it's not very difficult.

Post: #11

(12-01-2015 01:01 AM)cascadecombo Wrote:  I don't know where you guys get your sources. You could secure jobs in Korea teaching English straight out of college with next to 0 experience.

I mentioned this in my post

Quote: If you already have a college degree in any field then in most cases that's all you'll need, especially in Asia. A certificate may help, but most of the time its not needed

Post: #12

You won't get a decent job in any Tier 1 Chinese city without a degree and two years experience. That's the new visa requirements for English teachers as per a couple years ago. Moreover, you have to be 25 to apply for the visa. Japan and Korea have special programs that require fewer credentials, and South East Asia is always an option as well.