For the past few months, I’ve been busy helping Matt Kepnes of Nomadic Matt put together an epic, 102 page e-book on How to Teach English Overseas
Before I got my gig as a tech writer, I spent some time talking with a recruiter about the possibility of teaching English in South Korea. I was pretty stoked about it, and was told I’d be bit of a western novelty with my red hair, pale skin and blue eyes. Imagine, a world where gingers are embraced. It was exciting, but I had so many questions and it was difficult to find a lot of unbiased opinions.
Also, almost all my research pointed me to South Korea, and teaching in other countries didn’t really seem possible. I didn’t even realize the UAE had amazing teaching opportunities.
So somebody finally realized the need to gather all info in one place, for people like me who start Googling “teach English in Japan” and somehow end up drunk and watching episodes of Golden Girls on YouTube.
The great thing about Matt’s book is that it doesn’t just explain one certain way to go about teaching overseas. He covers TEFL certification, TESOL, and CELTA. Then there’s also chapters devoted to teacher requirements, different teaching jobs, and (probably the most important) benefits and salaries.
My favourite part of the book, however, is the crapload of information about teaching in different countries. It’s damned near impossible to find all this stuff rounded up in one location. There’s nobody trying to sell you a job, it’s all honest, raw information. Matt’s no novice either, he’s taught in both Taiwan and Thailand, so he knows what he’s talking about.
Plus I edited it, so you know it’s good.
If you need more info, to check it out for yourself. Or click the banner to purchase, and I’ll be able to afford one more beer at TBEX. Just sayin’.
(Feature image by Rex Pe.)
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
I have always wanted to teach overseas! I may have to check this out next payday…
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Candice Reply:
June 23rd, 2010 at 7:03 pm
Me too, still considering Japan.
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Good review . . . will be sure to read it.
Plenty of teaching opportunities here
http://www.iwishgapyear.com/gap-year-volunteering-teaching
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Candice Reply:
June 23rd, 2010 at 7:03 pm
Thanks Oliver!
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Bit of a biased review Candice
I think the book will serve it’s customers well though, especially if you want to teach overseas but don’t have a set country in place. The problem with any job market is it’s always changing so, it’s usually good to check the current rules, salary, taxes, flight costs and benefits for wherever you’re interested in going as it can become dated information quickly.
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Candice Reply:
June 23rd, 2010 at 7:04 pm
Of course it’s biased, I edited it! Hahaha. You’re right about that though, it will definitely need to be something updated frequently.
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Nomadic Matt Reply:
July 4th, 2010 at 1:58 pm
Rob! Don’t worry- this book will be updated twice a year, unless there is a sudden change I hear about in visa rules or the job market!
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That sounds like a rad eBook. I didn’t know you helped with it–good stuff! I’m not sure that I will teach overseas, but I have a few friends who have done it/are doing it, and I find it very intriguing. BTW, can’t wait to meet you at TBEX!
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Candice Reply:
June 23rd, 2010 at 7:05 pm
I’m still considering it, honestly. Such a good way to see the world. And I totally over looked the fact you’re gonna be at TBEX too, woot! Less than 2 days! See ya there!
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This is a great resource and I wish there had been something like it when I was right out of college and looking for teaching jobs overseas. My approach was always to visit a country first and see if I liked it first and then somehow found out about jobs perusing the local papers or meeting other expats.
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Candice Reply:
June 23rd, 2010 at 7:06 pm
Definitely! It’s nice to have some objective material rather than the info found on companies’ websites. I love how easy it is to research these things these days.
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How cool! When I first taught overseas I spent months trawling the Internet for answers to all my questions. This is going to save a lot of people a lot of time. Mad kudos for this project Candice!
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Candice Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 8:26 am
Thanks, Anne! I agree, great to have everything in one place. Really got me interested in the JET program, especially.
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I haven’t read this book, but I have read Matts other ebook about how to make money with your travel blog and it was excellent. I am sure that for anyone interested in teaching English overseas, this would be a great reference.
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Candice Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 8:30 am
Thanks! I enjoyed it, great resource to have for sure.
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