Is 8,000 RMB With Free Housing in Guilin a Good Deal? A Real Talk for TEFL Teachers
You’ve been offered a teaching position at a university in Guilin, China. The numbers are in front of you: 14 to 16 classroom hours per week, 8,000 RMB monthly salary, plus paid accommodation and utilities. Before you pack your bags, let’s break down whether this is a golden opportunity or a spicy trap. First, the classroom hours look dreamy. Only 14–16 hours a week is well below the industry aver...[Read More]
Navigating International Teaching: Endorsements vs. Certifications
If you’re a qualified educator in the United States, you might be wondering whether your state teaching endorsement is enough to land a job abroad. It’s a common crossroads for teachers who want to take their skills overseas—especially those with specialized training like an ESL/ELL endorsement. Let’s break down what you actually need to teach primary grades (K-2) in popular inte...[Read More]
Why Teaching Experience Matters More Than a Perfect Interview
You’ve spent years building a career in education. You hold a B.Ed., a teaching license, and have logged 15 years in international classrooms. You walk into a job interview—and your mind goes blank. You waffle off-topic. You stumble over answers. You walk out wondering if you just blew your only shot. This is a familiar feeling for many experienced TEFL teachers. The good news? Your qualifications...[Read More]
In-Person vs. Online TEFL: Is the Investment Worth It?
You’ve just graduated, you’re struggling to find work in your field, and now you’re eyeing TEFL certification as a bridge to something new. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Many graduates turn to teaching English abroad when the traditional job market feels like a dead end. But here’s the big question: Should you spend €1,400 more on an in-person TEFL course in a pla...[Read More]
The Hidden Reality of Dispatch ALT Contracts in Japan
Japan has long been a dream destination for many aspiring English teachers. The allure of cherry blossoms, ancient temples, and a bustling modern culture draws thousands of new Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) every year. But behind the glossy brochures and promising job ads lies a growing concern: contracts are quietly getting worse, even as they appear more stable on paper. The Shift from Dail...[Read More]
Wrapping up this bridging cert…
Wrapping up this bridging certificate now. I’m pretty satisfied with how it went. The course let me learn at my own speed, which was nice. I really want to see the world and do something meaningful with it. Kind of excited to see what’s next, honestly.
Just finished up the online pa…
Just finished up the online part and it feels okay. I completed the career-focused digital learning course mostly because I want to travel and work at the same time. I appreciated *******’s teaching style, it was clear enough. Neutral on the whole thing, but I’m excited about what’s next.
I was happy to learn this cour…
I was happy to learn this course. As a student currently completing the certificate, I just finished an academic bridging certificate. It really encouraged me to see my progress. My main motivation is to gain an international perspective.
I just wrapped up the refreshe…
I just wrapped up the refresher course last week. It was good to brush up on some things I had forgotten. I felt pretty content with how it all went. Meeting folks from different countries was the main reason I signed up.
TEFL in China: Navigating Job Scams and Exploring Better Options
You’ve got the qualifications: a Bachelor’s degree, a TEFL certification, and even a PMP credential. You’re professional, experienced, and ready to teach English abroad. But after two interviews that felt shady and disorganized, you’re left wondering—is this normal for China? Sadly, it can be—but it doesn’t have to be. Why Scams Are Common in China’s TEFL Market China’s demand for English teachers...[Read More]
The Reality of Teaching English to Kindergarteners Abroad
So, you’ve landed your dream TEFL job. You imagined yourself guiding eager students through fun, interactive English lessons. Then, reality hits. You’re handed a class of twenty groggy, post-nap kindergarteners, and you have about forty minutes to somehow teach English while they bounce off the walls. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Teaching young learners abroad is often sold as a joyf...[Read More]
From Surviving to Thriving: How to Boost Your TEFL Salary in Italy
Teaching English in Italy is a dream for many—the food, the culture, the lifestyle. But reality hits hard when you realize the average TEFL salary hovers around €1,200 to €1,500 a month. That’s enough to scrape by, but after years of experience, it starts to feel like a ceiling. If you love teaching but want more breathing room, it’s time to make strategic moves. The Salary Reality in Italy First,...[Read More]