Experiences Teaching English - TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards!

**AKguacamole** · 08-24-2008, 05:41 PM

My plans continue to change and develop each week, and I'm thinking of teaching English. It seems to be the only solution to my financial problems that will allow me to travel and not go crazy working the crappy job (which I'm already well into) after graduation!

Sooo...I would absolutely love to hear from anyone who has had the experience of teaching English, especially in Asia. I'm a bit nervous to jump right in since I have no experience standing in front of a classroom. I'm thinking about teaching in China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan or Thailand, and going for a good benefits package. I've been doing a ton of research and there are so many choices!! I think I know what to look for, but am wondering about the perks and downfalls of the whole experience, in the classroom and out, and I'm maybe just looking for a little inspiration.

**maracle** · 08-24-2008, 07:46 PM

I have a friend that just moved to Taiwan to do this a couple weeks ago, if you have anything specific I can ask her. But remember she's just getting started!

**Elizabeth** · 08-24-2008, 08:12 PM

Check out Dave's ESL cafe forums for what its really like. Not sure of the exact web address. Just google it.

**AKguacamole** · 08-24-2008, 08:27 PM

yeah I've been on daveseslcafe.com a lot, it's awesome! I guess I'm curious about how much the schools expect of you and how comfortable the workplace is.

**mushroom22** · 08-24-2008, 09:15 PM

I taught in Japan for a year - absolutely loved it, had a blast and have so much to share. I don't have good internet connection tonight so I'll try to write more tomorrow.

**AKguacamole** · 08-24-2008, 10:08 PM

That's great! I spent a while on dave's esl forums, and they all seem to be fairly negative about their teaching situations, and are kinda rude to each other! Weird.