To give you an idea of how much you’ll need to live on in Thailand here’s a rough guide to the possible costs you’ll face on a monthly basis:

(to give you an idea of the figures we are talking about, in the first quarter of 2013 the exchange rate was around 44 Baht to 1£ UK and 28 Baht to 1$ US).

Accommodation

Basic accommodation in Thailand is cheap, very cheap in fact. If you really want to live cheaply in Thailand you can, and even in the centre of Bangkok you will still find some basic ‘liveable’ studio apartments for as little as 3000 to 4000 Baht per month, but you’ll get a lot more comfort if you up you budget.

From my knowledge it seems the average TEFL teacher in Thailand spends around 6000 to 9000 Baht per month on their accommodation, and depending on where you live this would get you a spacious one-bedroom house on the outskirts of a city, or near the centre of a smaller town, or a bright and clean studio closer to a downtown area.

If you are looking to splash out, for 15,000 to 20,000 Baht per month you will start you find very nice one-bedroom apartments in central areas of Bangkok, and anything above 20,000 Baht and you are heading into modern luxury.

Utility Bills

Utility bills are generally cheap, water rates are low and you are probably looking at 150 to 200 Baht per person, per month maximum, in fact many apartments will include free water.

Electricity will be your biggest utility bill and it all comes down to how much air conditioning you use. For example, if you are living in studio in Bangkok on a government electricity rate of around 4 Baht per unit, and you rarely use your air conditioner, say less than an hour per day, then you electricity bill is likely to be below 1000 Baht per month, probably close to around 500 Baht. However, if you are just too hot sleeping with the fan on and require air conditioning all night, and during long periods of the day, you can quite easily see you electricity bill soaring close to 3000 Baht per month.

You may also need to pay for WIFI which can cost you anything from around 200 to 600 Baht per month for a decent connection.

Food and drink

With a wealth of street food and inexpensive restaurants just about everywhere in Thailand, whether you decide to eat out a lot, or eat in most of the time, you needn’t spend a great deal on food. Food shopping can be done cheaply at local markets and in the many Big C’s or Tesco Lotus supermarkets. Street meals such as Pad Thai and noodle soups will set you back as little as 30-60 Baht per meal, while dining at a local Thai restaurant is unlikely to set you back more than 100 to 150 Baht for a mini feast!

Where most expats spend a lot of money is on Western meals and alcohol. If you are looking for some traditional pub grub or a bit of Tex Mex you can expect to pay at least twice what you’d pay for a Thai dish, and a bottle of local beer from a bar aimed at westerners can easily set you back around 80 to 100 Baht. Thailand also has some of the hottest nightlife in Asia, and you can soon rack up some hefty bars bills if you get carried away!

Clothes and shopping

One of the great things about Thailand is the markets. Thais love markets and you’ll never have trouble finding a decent market day or night. Food, clothes, shoes, electronics and gadgets, you should be able to find just about everything you need at the market, which can make clothes and electronic shopping very cheap.

On the other hand, if you like brand name shopping and chase after the latest gadgets you may well be wooed by the many modern malls and IT courts which will soon eat through your savings. While clothing and media at the local market is dirt cheap, high end shopping and electronic at the malls is as expensive as shopping back in the west, with some luxury items even more expensive in Thailand.

Other expenditure

Other expenses you are likely to include travel, which shouldn’t set you back a great deal, Thai cities and towns tend to have very good and cheap public transports links, and even taxis are relatively cheap.

If you want to work out in a modern air conditioned gym you are likely to be paying similar to what you would back home, but those on a budget should be able to find a basic local at a fraction of the cost.

In summary, it’s very possible to live in Thailand on a budget of 30,000 baht per month, living in a comfortable room, eating well, doing some light socialising 2 or 3 nights per week, and still buying a few treats at the market. However, if you want to take advantage of the wild nightlife and live within a little more luxury, you can soon see your budget heading towards 50,000 B9aht and up.

From the crazy street scenes of Saigon in the south, to the tranquil beauty of Halong Bay in the north, in Vietnam you’ll discover a rich tapestry of culture, warm and well humoured locals, stunning natural scenery,  lots of sun and tropical beaches, and some of the tastiest food in the world.

Now there are far more than 7 things that I could recommend for you to see and do in Vietnam, but to help get you started on that Vietnam bucket list, here are my 10 favourite things to do in Vietnam:

1. Eat a bowl of noodles

I had to start with the food! The Vietnamese love noodles, and so do I, and some of the best meals I’ve had are in tiny curb-side cafes or from mobile the food hawkers. A bowl of noodles from a street restaurant is only going to cost you around $1, and it could be the best thing you’ve tasted in a while. It’s sure to become a stable diet for any TEFL teacher in Vietnam!

2. Watch an Opera

There are so many French colonial influences in Vietnam, and perhaps the most interesting are the opera houses found in Hanoi and Saigon. Take advantage of these cultural wonders and go see an Opera, musical, or classical concert. A great way to English teachers in Vietnam to get a dose of hi-brow culture!

3. Visit Hoi An Old Town

Hoi An is an amazing town, and now UNESCO World Heritage site, with several historically significant buildings and breathtaking colonla architecture, most of which are open for public viewing. Much of the town centre is closed to traffic and there are height restirctions on new buidlings, making the old town a pleasure to walk around. You’ll also

4. Explore the Cu Chi tunnels

The Cu Chi Tunnels are a vast network of man-made underground passageways, giving great insight into life as a Viet Cong soldier. The tunnels travel over 120 KM, and were started in the late 1940′s, at a time when the Viet Cong were in conflict against the French.

5. Visit the War Remnant Museum

The War Remnants Museum, also known as the ‘Museum of American War Crimes,’ is home to 100′s of shocking and examples of American military equipment, documenting the horrific Vietnam War. Here you’ll find a important reminder of the long and brutal war which had a monumental impact of the people and country.

6. Take a junk boat cruise

Dotted with limestone Islands and emerald waters, Halong Bay is one of the great natural wonders of the world. There is no better way to experience Halong Bay than by taking an overnight junk boat cruise, sleeping on the calm waters, waking up to an amazing sunset, and travelling around these magnificent islands.7.

7. Spend a day at the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

The Phong Nha-Ke Bang isn’t just a National Park, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to a 2000 SQM area of limestone. A perfect example of the wealth of natural beauty to be discovered in Vietnam, this is the oldest major karst formation in Asia, thought to have came about over 464 million years ago during earth crust development.

Most of us suffer from over-packing, which means carrying too much luggage physically, and leaving you more stuff to worry about. Moreover, you are going to want to do some shopping and bring back souvenirs and new treasured items when you finally return, so you want to  leave some space in your bags. But you don’t want to under-pack either and leave yourself having to buy new clothes and accessories when you should be spending time relaxing and settling in to your new home and school.

Here are some tips for what to pack and what to leave at home:

Must packs:

Something that remind you of home

Being so far away from home it’s inevitable that you’ll suffer from a little homesickness from time to time, and having a few pictures of family and friends, a favourite soft-toy, or  something that reminds you of loved ones back home, will be of great comfort.

Clothes

While young Koreans are very fashion conscious and clothes can be fairly cheap, don’t leave yourself short on clothes, bring enough to get you through  your first weeks. You may also want to pack a few pairs of pants and tops which are on the tight size (most westerners tend to drop a few kilos during their time in Korea). The same goes for shoes, if you are larger than a size 8 you may struggle when it comes to shopping so pack at least a few favourite pairs.

Gifts and treat

First impressions are everything in Korea, and there is no better way of winning over new colleagues and bosses with a (non-political!) gift from your home country. You don’t have to spend much, edible gifts are usually best, and the space these things take up in your bag will leave you lots of space to bring back Korean treats and souvenirs on your way home. You may also want to pack lots of small sweets and treats you can uses as prizes in your classes.

Entertainment

Obviously you are bound to have good internet access once you are in Korea, but it pays to preload you laptop, ipod, tablet, kindle, or whatever, with some of your favourite music, movies, TV shows, and books. Once you are in Korea you will be far too busy at work, having fun with new friends, and exploring, to spend time downloading, but every now and then you will want to unwind to a movie, or show a new pal a favourite TV show from home.

Money

Don’t underestimate the potential start up costs of moving into a new apartment, exploring your new city, and socializing with your new colleagues, all the while waiting a month for your first pay check. Bring enough cash to see you comfortably through your first month to 6 weeks.

What not to pack:

Toiletries

Unless you are very particular about a certain brand, I would recommend leaving all your toiletries at home. You’ll find most of your favourite toiletries in Korea, there is no need to pack and shampoos or soaps etc, you can easily stock up when you get there, for a fraction of the cost you’d pay back home, and it will save you a lot of space and weight in your bags.

Clothes

While we recommend packing enough clothes to cover you for your first weeks, don’t over pack clothes. Yes, Koreans are small and slim and if you are on the larger side you may struggle to find clothes that fit at times, but you’ll still enjoy shopping for them!

Gadgets

If you have any favourite gadgets you can’t live without, bring them, but don’t bother buying any new gadgets in preparation for your trip. South Korea is the daddy when it comes to gadget shopping, you can get all your electronics cheaply and easily when you get there.

Books

If you are considering bring a few books for the trip it’s probably time to invest in a kindle or similar device, or better yet take a book for the plane and your first days and then buy a new reading tablet when you arrive!.

To help you get a better idea of what to expect here are a few pros and cons of big city living Vs small town TEFL life in Asia:

The pros of big city living

Asia has some of the most modern metropolises in the world, we are taking mammoth skyscrapers, choc-a-block traffic, and lots of and lots of people! One of the great things about living in a big city in Asia is that there is always something going on and things to get involved with: concerts, festivals, exhibitions, sports events, the trouble is keeping up with it all and not missing out! Not only this but there are no shortage of classic tourist attractions in the big cities, including museums, temples, and historic buildings.

Other things that are great about life in big Asian cities are the mass of malls and markets, the thousands of restaurants and food carts, and the large expat communities and home-style hangouts. Lets also not forget the nightlife and chances to party with expats and locals, especially at the weekends!

The cons of big city teaching

Wages in Asia’s big cities and major TEFL locations tend to pay much more than in more rural areas, BUT you are going to spend a lot more too! It can be very hard to save money on a TEFL wage, especially when there are so many distractions and temptations, with all the pluses previously mentioned demanding a sizable chunk of your monthly wage! You are also going to pay much higher rent and find yourself having to live in a smaller space that you might be used to.

Other negatives about teaching in large Asian cities will include the often relentless noise, the horrendous rush-hour traffic (which in cities like Tokyo and Bangkok can seem to last all day!), and the nasty smells which can come out and hit you from nowhere!

The pros of teaching TEFL in small towns

One of the best things about teaching in small towns or more rural area in Asia is that you’ll get a real chance to become part of a community and build some lasting friendships. At first you may feel a little strange noticing you are being starred at quite a bit, especially in areas where few other foreigners live or work, but soon enough you will be accepted and respected for your role in the school and the community, and get a chance to really live like a local.

Other benefits to teaching in more rural locations include a more laidback way of life, a lot less traffic and noise, and more authentic traditions and cultural experiences.

The cons of teaching TEFL in small towns

Forget about your home comforts as you may struggle to get a lot of the food and luxuries you are fond of. Shopping, eating, and entertainment options are going to be limited, and once you have explored all the nearby sites and attractions you may soon be pining to travel further afield, which may be difficult and expensive.

Other cons of small town and rural teaching include a lack of fellow expats (though this may well be a big plus to some!), , a lack of privacy (expect a few nosey neighbours curious colleagues), and a possible lack of social life.

How about something in the middle…

If you are still unsure which you’d prefer another option maybe to consider a satellite city.

Satellite cities are small towns, cities, or suburbs situated on the border of a large city. Here you’ll find a taste of rural and urban living, a commutable distance from the attractions and nightlife of the big city, but far enough away to enjoy a laidback and more local lifestyle.

To help you better understand the different benefits of some of these great TEFL locations, and try to work out where would best suit your needs and teaching goals, we have decided to compare two of our favourite TEFL destinations, Thailand and China.

Teaching requirements

The basic teaching requirements for Thailand and China are very similar with both preferring teachers to have a 120-hour TEFL certificate under their belt, while in general TEFL jobs are a little easier to secure in China.

It is possible to find teaching work in China without a TEFL certificate, providing you have some teaching experience, while many schools in Thailand will want their teachers to have a degree in addition to a TEFL qualification, and some will even require a background check for any potential employees.

In conclusion: There isn’t much in it, but if you are worried about your lack of formal education China is the slightly easier destination for securing work.

Wages and Benefits

There isn’t a great deal of difference between the TEFL wages in China and Thailand, with new teachers looking to earn around $1000 US/£600 UK per month in both. The big difference comes with regards to teaching packages.

Without doubt China generally offers far better teaching packages than Thailand. Most TEFL jobs in China will including free accommodation, and even subsidized bills and free meals in some cases. Many teaching jobs in China will also reimburse your airfare and pay you a bonus on completion of your contract.

In contrast, you’ll be very lucky to find a TEFL job in Thailand that offers benefits on this scale. You are likely to get lots of paid holiday and many Thai teaching jobs will also offer a contract completion bonus (usually equivalent to 1 month’s wages), but you’ll be expected to pay for your own flights, accommodation, and utilities in Thailand.

In conclusion: You can expect to live a fairly comfortable life in both countries on a typical teaching wage, but if you are looking to bring home some savings then your best shot is teaching in China.

School life

Thai schools tend to have high expectations of their new teachers. A new teacher in Thailand can expect to teach classes of up to 50 children at a time, which can be a challenging experience for even the most experienced TEFLer. In many cases teachers are given very flexible syllabuses and course structures to follow which is great for those looking to implement some of their own long term lesson plans and teaching techniques, but can also mean plenty of hours lesson planning.

In contrast to this TEFL schools in China tend to take things slowly with new teachers, who given much smaller classes, more structured course plans, and in many cases they will also get a Chinese teacher assistant to help out in the classroom. You are also likely to work less hours at a Chinese school.

In conclusion: Teaching in China tends to be more newbie friendly, but Thailand certainly offers a more challenging role for those looking to head straight into the deep end.

Lifestyle

The vast majority of foreigners who move to Thailand take no time in settling in and feeling at home. The culture and lifestyle in Thailand is very warm and welcoming to foreigners, and with large expat communities in every major city and resort you will soon find yourself making friends and exploring the rich and exotic local food and culture, not to mention some of the wildest nightlife in Asia.

In contrast to this China is generally a much harder culture to adapt to as a foreigner, which can leave some newbies feeling a little alienated and homesick at time. You are sure to still meet lots of friendly locals and expats over time, but not with the same ease and instant sense of adventure and community many find in Thailand.

In conclusion: Most TEFLers take no time in feeling at home in Thailand, despite its exoticisms and cultural oddities, and for most this is the place in Asia to party and socialise. China is a somewhat more conservative culture and might take a little more time for you to bed in.

Here are some tips to help you get prepared and land that first TEFL job in Thailand:

Look at the LoveTEFL teaching jobs in Thailand

Why wait to even start your TEFL course, take a look at the TEFL jobs we already have waiting for you in Thailand and see what jobs you can apply for today! Our TEFL jobs in Thailand are even open to applicants without a current TEFL certificate as we offer to get you qualified if you meet our criteria. In addition to this by becoming part of the LoveTEFL team you’ll get our full support all the way, with help finding accommodation, getting oriented, and help with any problems you may face.

Head to Thailand!

If you’re sure you want to teach in Thailand then maybe it’s time to take that leap of faith! Flights to Thailand tend to be affordable compared to over far away destination, and with food and accommodation so cheap it may make sense to head there and find your dream job. While you will find jobs available online which you can apply for from your home country, your options will still be limited and priority will be given to teachers already based in Thailand, by heading to Thailand first you will find many more jobs available and put yourself at the top of the applications pile.

Prepare your resume

You should have a resume by now, but if not that is your first priority! If you have a general resume you send out to all kinds of jobs try to rewrite it, focussing t on your teaching related skills, education and experience. Make sure to including a clear photo of yourself looking smart and clean (which means wearing a shirt and tie for men), presentation means everything to some Thai schools, so make sure you look professional! A good resume can be the difference between landing that first teaching job and landing that first dream teaching job!

Visit language schools

once you have arrived in Thailand take advantage of your time there and visit some of the local language schools. Language schools tend to be higher payers and while they will still advertise their jobs it pays to visit them in person to get yourself known, and make a great first impression. Do your research and get a list of the language schools you like the look of. Be prepared, with a copy of your brushed up resume and smart looking picture ready. And dress smartly, looking prepared and professional when you make your visit. This is a sure-fire way of helping you land that dream teaching job within a week of arriving in Thailand!

Read the local papers

Sure, this is the age of the internet and there are tonnes of websites (such as Ajarn and Dave’s esl cafe) advertising teaching jobs in Thailand, but don’t discard doing things the old fashioned way, reading the local newspapers and looking through their job sections. The Bangkok Post and The Nation papers are two fantastic sources for TEFL jobs, with positions advertised daily. Make it part of your daily routine to spend a few minutes every morning checking the wanted section and sending our your resume to great sounding jobs. You don’t even have to buy the papers, most good coffee shops will have a copy of both so you can spend your money on a caffeine fix while checking the local job listings.

TEFL courses are pretty ‘full on’. Many people love the fact that over the period of a month you can learn all the necessary skills and tactics to start a brand new career in teaching, as well as gaining some much needed experience along the way, however, for some it can be a little too intense or overwhelming at times. Don’t panic if you find yourself struggling to carry on, you just need to take a little time away and relax. Step back from your study, perhaps take a day or two to unwind and clear your mind, and then look at easing yourself back into the course with some self motivation.

Here are a few tips to help you get motivated and back in the game!

Feel a part of the team!

No sane person rushes to their office on a Monday morning and heads immediately to their inbox. Most people head straight for the coffee machine and get busy chatting with their colleagues, catching up on the latest office gossip and sharing their weekend tales. It’s all about feeling part of the team again. Try to take that approach into your TEFL study, take things slowly at first and have a good chat with your fellow teaching students, and above all, enjoy yourself!

For those taking our online course, how about registering with our new forum? Join in with the banter and  latest LoveTEFL gossip!

Remember the dream!

Try to remember why you started the course in the first place! What was your master plan? What did you want to get out of the course? Where did you want it to take you? Many TEFL teaching students take the course in order to live the dream of working and travelling their way around the world. If this was your plan then it is still very much alive and kicking, all you need to do is finish your course and suddenly that dream will be a reality!

Look at your progress

Take a look back over what you have learned so far, perhaps work through one of the chapters again or redo an exercise of two. Is it all a bit easier now? Take a good look at how far you’ve come and how much hard work you’ve invested already! You may well surprise yourself with how much you already have learned, and it would be a shame to quit if you’ve already invested a serious amount of time (not to mention a waste of your hard earned money!).

Look to the future

If you are still struggling to get motivated have a look at the LoveTEFL jobs we have on offer. Once you have completed your course suddenly a whole world of opportunities opens up for you, literally! We can offer you work in China, Thailand, South Korea, and even Azerbaijan, or if your dream is to teach in any other part of the world we will still do our best to help and support you in finding your ideal TEFL job. However, without finishing your TEFL course it will be very hard to get that dream job!

How about a TEFL Internship?

For those who are really struggling to get through their TEFL course maybe a TEFL internship is just the motivation you need. We currently have TEFL internships in both China and Thailand. A TEFL internship will not only get you fully qualified as a teacher but it will also give you that crucial teaching experience and in-country orientation. You’ll also be fully supported by dedicated TEFL staff all the way!

Here’s a few of our favourite reasons to go teach English in South Korea:

The Culture

Like many Asian cultures, South Korea is a glorious mix of the romantic and exotic, and a wonderful example of how ancient customs and traditions can live and prosper in communities thriving in the modern, technological world. For all its innovation, technology, and modern way of life, South Korea still embraces age-old customs, from ancient dance and crafts, to the ginseng and green tea drinking, and an obsession with wellness spas and saunas.

The Locals

It’s hard not to love Koreans, as strangers they may be somewhat distant and reserved in comparison to westerners, but they always remain kind, polite, and courteous.  As friends Koreans are exceptional, valuing close friendships extremely highly, willing to make personal sacrifices in order to help a friend in need. In fact, Korean people seem to prefer to have several very close and dedicated friendships rather than a mass of friends and acquaintances.

The Grub

Yes, much of Korean food is built around spices and the use of rice, but it is unlike many other Asian cuisines, using unique and exciting blends of ingredients to create its only flavours and fragrances. You may have even tried Korean food before at a Korean eatery in a different country, but it is unlikely to be as spectacular as the food and restaurants you will find in the country itself.

The Shopping

Korea has become a bit of shopping Mecca in Asia, with Seoul offering somewhat of a paradise for shopaholics. There is such a large diverse mix of shops, malls, departments stores, and market places in the capital, catering to literally every budget imaginable, with everything thing to gadgets and crafts, to vintage goods and the latest K-Pop fashion. People like to make a day of a shopping trip and most malls will have lots of entertainment and tourist attractions attached to them, including large amusement parks, aquariums, and other fun activities (including Karaoke of course!).

The Teaching

You may hear some people say the heyday of teaching English in South Korea has passed, it isn’t the dream TEFL destination it once was, well that’s not really true. Yes, the wages have gone down a little, but they are still one of the best TEFL payers on the continent, and even the most inexperienced teacher can land a job earning more than enough to live an active social life, with plenty of exploring. Teaching English in Korea remains as an exciting adventure as ever, not only will you get the opportunity to experience this rich and exotic culture, make close friends, try some of the best food known to man, and make sure you’re kitted out with the latest fashion and gadgets, but you’ll also get to experience the joys of educating your students and building a bond with your fellow teachers/adventurers.

TEFL teachers often get an unfair rep as having an easy job that almost anyone could do, but that’s simply not true. Teaching English as a foreign language is filled with all the many challenges of a regular secondary school or high school teacher role, but with the additional life challenges that come along with living in a new country.

To help you succeed, here are a few tips to overcoming the tests and challenges of TEFL teaching:

Take a TEFL course

While there are lots of countries and schools who will employ native English speakers without a recognised TEFL certificate, or in some cases with no teaching qualifications at all, the benefits of taking a TEFL course goes beyond help in securing a job. A TEFL course is as much about your preparation and learning the tricks of the trade, and without it you may find yourself having to learn several teaching skills the hard way.

Study your contract

Before you even begin a new teaching role making sure you read your teaching contract thoroughly, including all the small print. The great thing about TEFL teaching is that there are so many jobs available all around the world so you shouldn’t have to commit to a position that doesn’t suit your needs and talents. Things to check include: teaching hours, additional school hours (prep time and hours you need to be available to students), holiday entitlement, and any additional commitments and behaviour expected of you.

Be presentable

This goes without saying, but it is even more relevant in some Asian TEFL destinations such as Japan, China, Korea, and Thailand. Unless you have been told otherwise always look professional and presentable, which includes smart shoes, trousers, collared shirt and tie for males, and a formal dress or pants and suit combo for females. Not only will it help you win the respect of your peers but also encourage your students to take you seriously.

Know the local customs

It’s very important to know the local customs when teaching at a new school. With so many variations of traditions and seemingly bizarre do’s and don’ts which change from country to country, if you don’t know the local customs you leave yourself at risk of offending people, or worse, breaking the law. This is even more important when picking topics for discussion, make sure your discussion subjects aren’t going to get you in any trouble!

Know the rules.. And stick to them!

While local customs can often be strange and unusual sometimes the rules and regulations of your school can be even more bizarre. Take the time to study the rules and expectations of any new school you join, and do your best to stick to them! You may not always agree with the rules but by learning them you can at least try to make them work for you.

Don’t talk too much!

You may be the teacher of the class but the class isn’t about you. Of course you will need to spend lots of time explaining the laws of language and setting up exercises for your class, but make sure to spend plenty of time being quiet! Give time for the students do the talking; practicing their language skills and gaining confidence.

Last but not least.. Have Fun!

While TEFL teaching can be difficult at times, the positives should far outweigh the negatives. Don’t take things too seriously or let any of the trials and tests of the job overwhelm you. If you are not enjoying the job inject more fun into your classes, relax, get to know your colleagues (over a beer!), and try to have fun!

The TEFL internships in China are the perfect example of how this works. Ordinarily China is a very closed society, one which is not so accessible through ordinary tourism, with most holidaymakers and travellers looking in from the outside, simply remarking about the cultural differences and taking pictures, not really learning much from the experience. However, our interns get to live, eat, and breath the life of a local, becoming a vital member of the community, not just teaching but learning lots of new life skills along the way.

How the Internship Works

The LoveTEFL internships in China are perfect for newcomers to TEFL because of the high level of help and support you get from start to finish (and beyond!). From the moment you sign up you’ll have access to a team of experts who will help you get prepared for your new adventure, giving you all the advice you need and answering all your questions.

The first thing to do is to get you a 120-hour TEFL certificate, so if you don’t already have one (or feel the need to brush up on your knowledge), you’ll be put on a 120-hour online TEFL course, with a TEFL expert to support you along the way. Once you’ve completed the online course you’re all set and ready to go!

It’s natural to feel a little nervous and anxious, big adventures are often as scary as they are exciting, but you won’t be doing this alone! Alongside you will be several other new TEFLers, all in the same situation as you are. When you reach China you’ll be greeted at the airport by a member of LoveTEFL staff who will welcome you, take you to your accommodation, and get you ready for your orientation.

Your orientation

We don’t expect you to jump off the plane and start teaching, you’ll have at least 2 weeks in Beijing to get settled and prepared. We will help take care of all the paperwork for your visa and enroll you onto your internship. We’ll help you get settled in your accommodation, but more importantly we’ll give you lessons in Chinese culture and teaching techniques, and be on hand to help you feel at home and fully prepared to start teaching. During your orientation you also get lots of time to meet and socialize with the other new teachers, including plenty of time to go out and explore Beijing!

Once you’re orientation is complete you’ll be relocated to your new school, along with other new TEFLers (not alone!), and that’s when the fun really begins!

During your internship you’ll get free accommodation and free meals from Monday to Friday, as well as a monthly allowance of 2000RMB (£200), with little to spend on bills. You’ll also get an end of internship a bonus of 2500RMB (£250). Most importantly you’ll finish your internship with over 4 months teaching to your name, not only making you a fully qualified and experience TEFL teacher, opening up jobs for you around the world, but you’ll also leaving you with unforgettable memories and lots of new friends!

After your internship is over you also get time left to do a bit of travelling and exploring, as well as a final group trip to the amazing Harbin Snow and Ice Festival!

If you want to apply for an internship you need to be between the ages of 18  and 35, a native English speaker, hold a valid passport from either the UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand, and be ready to take on the adventure of a lifetime!

businessmen sat beside backpackers, sat beside Buddhist monks.

This really is one of the best TEFL destination there is, with no shortage of TEFL jobs in Thailand, spread throughout the country. Working in Thailand doesn’t just leave you in a position to explore the wonderful Thai culture and nature, but being one of the major travel hubs in the Southeast Asia, you are just a short affordable flight away from countries such as China, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Singapore.

With so many different towns and cities to explore, each one offering a unique way of life, the only difficult decision you’ll have to make is choosing TEFL destination in Thailand to head to first. To help you make that decision here is a guide to the big three:

City dwellers and socialite head to.. Bangkok

A true modern metropolis, with a skyline so busy and modern it often looks like a scene from Blade Runner. Bangkok is full on, it’s the city where hustle collides with bustle, with roads backed with cars and buses and pavements lined with markets and food hawkers, life in can really take your breath away. This is a city where there’s always something happening, from festivals and exhibitions to religious holidays and national celebrations.

Bangkok is awash with restaurants, markets, shopping malls, clubs, discos, and an infamous redlight district which attracts almost as many camera snapping tourists as it does dedicated gogo fanatics. Hotels and eateries range from budget hostels and cheap as chips street food, to some of the finest dining and luxury hotel suites you can imagine, this is the city where a pauper can live like a king and a king can live like a God.

Beach bums and party animals head to.. Phuket

Phuket is all about beach resorts and party spots. It has some of the best beaches in Asia with lots of soft white sandy beaches surrounded by crystal clear waters, and tropical islands waiting for exploration just a short speed boat ride away. In contrast to the tranquil beach life this is also one of the best party spots in the country, with Patong in particular home to the some crazy clubs and bars along the neon soaked Bangla Road, or a glamorous gay bar scene on Soi Paradise.

Life in Phuket is typically a mix of hardcore sunbathing, wild water sport activities, and even wilder nights out drinking and dancing until the early morning.

Culture junkies and nature lovers head to.. Chiang Mai

The cultural capital of Northern Thailand, despite being a somewhat small city, Chiang Mai has lots of sites and attractions all within walking distance of each other, literally crammed with activities and places of interest. Many head to this part of the country to explore the surrounding wilderness, trekking through the jungles, riding on elephant back, water-rafting, and visiting the hill-side tribes and ancient temples.

Here you’ll find a much slower pace of life than in Bangkok or Phuket, involving plenty of people watching, coffee sipping, and late night walks around the night markets, city squares, and lit up temples.

The large terrain of Russia consists of seemingly endless plains and low hills running from the west of Urals, the immense coniferous forests and unforgiving cold-lands of Siberia to the north, the epic mountains of southern Russia, and volcanic mountains of far eastern Russia. Russia also has some extensive stretches of coastline along the Arctic Ocean and Northwest Pacific, and smaller coastlines on the Black, Baltic, and Caspian Seas.

Though much of the country consists of immense, vast and remote land, Russia still boasts a huge number of tourist attractions. Most of these popular tourist spots and historic landmarks can be found in eth countries two principle cities, Moscow and Saint Petersburg. The rich culture and history you will find here tells a long story of love and romance, deceit and treachery, war and revolution.   Despite its size and standing, Russia remains a hugely misunderstood nation with many in the western word still having a distorted vision of how Russia actually is; most perceptions still belonging to the days of the iron curtain and communist Russia. Today you will find a very youthful culture, extremely open to new technology and modern ideas, ready and willing to embrace all cultures of the world.

TELF Jobs in Russia

There remains a strong demand for native English teachers in Russia today, for the youth of Russia, learning English is the ticket to a new life, working for a large corporation, being part of the booming tourism and oil industries, or moving to start a new life abroad. English in the state education systems tends to be inadequate, so many Russians turn to the vast amount of private English languages schools in the country, most of which employ a mix of local tutors and native speaking TEFL teachers.

Though there are plenty of TEFL jobs in Russia, finding a teaching position can be difficult due to poor internet information and resources. though it is often recommended to try to secure teaching work in Russia before you enter the country, as things are no less frustrating and confusing when in-country. It’s simply a case of sifting the good information from the bad (please see our recommended links at the bottom for more help).

While you are advised to look for teaching work in Russia with a minimum of a 120-hour TEFL certificate to your name, due to the high demands for TEFL teachers in Russia some school will employ native English speakers without any formal qualifications or experience. However, in order to get the better paying jobs and settle in with greater ease, you should at least take some TEFL training before heading out there, and the addition of a degree will help you get higher paying TEFL jobs.

There is a particularly high demand for teachers of business English in Russia, especially at private schools. These jobs are open to any TEFL qualified teachers with business knowledge (the ability to comfortably discuss business issues and jargon), and tend to be much higher paying.

Did you know..

Moscow has more billionaire residents than any other city of the world, with 70 billionaire currently calling the Russian capital their home. Many have made their wealth in the fossil fuel industry.

It can be slightly disorientating walking around Moscow looking at the skyline, many of the major buildings look almost identical to each other, such as the Moscow State University and several administrative buildings and large hotels.

Moscow is also the most populated city centre in Europe, with over 10 million residents living in 1000km square area.

Links:

www.bkcih-moscow.com/

www.englishfirst.com/trt/country_ru.html

www.britishcouncil.org/russia-english-teaching.htm

www.efl.ru/