What does it mean to be Rich in TEFL/TESOL Teaching?

WHAT DOES IN MEAN TO BE “RICH” AS A TEFL/TESOL TEACHER?

 

(Income vs. quality of life-The two don’t always correspond diametrically)

If you ask the average person what it means to be “rich” they will almost always says it means having a lot of money. If you phrase the question as what does it mean to be “wealthy,” usually the answer is relatively the same but often times other material goods besides money are introduced into the picture. 

The answer changes when you ask the question about “quality of life,” the ideals of health, self-determination/freedom, income vs. expenses, ability to travel and own your own home as well as personal job satisfaction or happiness tend to emerge.  The answers are different for everyone.

Obtaining a TEFL/TESOL teaching certificate can mean not only an opportunity for teaching abroad but a higher quality of life and the freedom to travel and work in countless countries all across the planet.  Depending on your individual preferences for rural or urban living, the amount of living space you desire and how much you like to eat out vs. cooking food at home and if you chose to invest in a motorbike or take taxis in order to meet your basic transportation needs.

One thing you will learn as an English Teacher living abroad is how little material goods you may actually need to live a comfortable life.  Schools and industries often supply their teaching instructors with accommodations and basic furnishings.  Most people, for example, do not own cars or use them as a part of daily life in South East Asia, Central and South America and Africa as this is considered a non-essential luxury. However in colder climates having a car would be essential. This of course would depend on the climate, availability of mass transit and proximity to work.

 

Having a TEFL/TESOL English language teaching background means you always have flexibility in terms of where you can go for your next teaching gig and how long you would like to stay. Most contracts are about one year, but in many cases, depending upon the teaching environment (school vs. businesses) the contract time can vary from six months to two years on average.

One basic rule for quality of life is Health (– stress ) + income,  opportunity and freedom x (multiplied by) personal satisfaction/self-determination and quality of relationships = happiness or quality of life (AKA Wealth).

This can be divided by factors of “access to nature” or “access to quality products like food/shopping and medicine” but now we are getting into a grayer area.  So let’s look at some numbers instead.

A TEFL/TESOL graduate living in Northern Thailand for example:

Current approximate expenses in USD: (vary slightly month to month)

·         Rent: About $200 usd a month for a one bedroom apartment with private bath and AC.

·         Food: About $200 a month (to eat like a King!-Yes even Pizza and a few drinks now and then).

·         Utilities: Around $20-30 electric, $25 internet (hi speed unlimited) $25 Phone. Water, negligible.

·         Transportation: Can fill up the motorbike for less than $5 to $6 good for one week.

·         Accident Health Coverage: Up to $20,000 usd about $5 a month. (Uninsured office Doctors office visit, $10, meds and other treatments not included; X-rays run about $15 per each meds $5-10.)

·         Clothing/Miscellaneous: $75 or so; depending on level of comfort you think you need.

·         Weather: (October through February) Priceless!

 

·         Total Expenses= About $500-600 Per month. (Income on average about 30-35,000 thb or $1000-1200 usd with a full time teaching position & after school tutoring for 90 minutes twice a week)

 

*If you want to travel to the beach for a holiday it will cost you about $120 usd for airfare and accommodations vary greatly, but anywhere from $25-45 usd per night will get you a average to well above average room with all the amenities.

 

 

Whatever methods or plans of action educator decides to take, in general, the more advanced certifications a TEFL or TESOL Teacher holds, the more opportunity they possess in terms of their marketability and increased number of employment options.

For an additional fee, the advanced course provides additional English Language teaching certifications and is offered in tandem with our site courses in and Chiang Mai Thailand, and Mexico as well as a special summer course in Portland, Oregon or as a complete series of online modules some with a virtual practice teaching option. In order to become a TEFL Trainer, you should have already completed a TEFL, TESOL or CELTA course first in order to be eligible and teaching experience is necessary. (Our Basic TEFL on-site program provides 2 to 3 weeks of hands on observed teaching practice to help our teachers to effectively develop their skills).

All courses are fully accredited and you will receive a certificate of completion, which is internationally recognized and accepted when you graduate from the course. Many of those who already have experience as TEFL instructors are finding that becoming a certified TEFL trainer is another opportunity and feather in their cap in terms of meeting the demand of TEFL instructors (who are leaving their home countries and working abroad) by teaching others how to teach TEFL effectively.

Graduates with these additional certifications have the advantage of substantially increasing their marketability and employment status. Improve your chances of getting a good job with a higher level of pay by enrolling today!

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