Prices start at $20 USD per year.
Index
● Looking for jobs? Go to The LA Job List.
● Want information about teaching in Peru? Go to A Country Guide to TEFLing in Peru.
TEFLing as a Single Parent
Updated 24 July 2009
This article has also been published in the ELT Times.
Try reading Teaching with Kids in Tow to get an idea of what it’s like to teach English abroad with children. Be sure to talk to your child about the move. In general, it’s easier for younger children to adjust and older ones might rebel. Teaching as a single parent abroad is similar to living in your home country as a single parent. You will have the same worries abroad as you do at home. Though in some countries, divorce or separation is frowned upon, so do a bit of research about the country you will be living in to find out more about their opinions. And larger cities are usually more accepting than small town.Hours and pay will probably be main concerns, as will your child’s education. Obviously, you want to be at home with your child as much as possible, so look for schools or institutes that offer parent-friendly hours. Since you have a child, you probably have some informal teaching experience, so try to negotiate for higher pay if possible, and see what your employer can do about housing. If you qualify, international schools might be your best bet.
As for child friendly environments, the Middle East and Asia seem to be good options. The Middle East pays pretty well, and you'll get great benefits, like housing, flights, and baggage allowance. You will have to have experience and many places want you to have at least an MA. Asia is another option, though has more start up costs. Right now Japan is saturated, but you might take a look at China, Taiwan, Korea, Hong Kong, or Thailand. China isn't among the best paying, but cost of living is very low. Taiwan has high start up costs, but you can live pretty well there. Korea has a booming ESL business, but be sure to ask about housing, or you might just be given a one room flat. Thailand is a laid back country, where cost of living is low.
Schools vary from country to country. See what you can afford on your budget and be sure to visit the school beforehand to see if it’s suitable for your child. Home schooling might be an option. Try Mothering to find out more about programmes. Cyber schools, such as Connections Academy, are becoming popular as well.
You’ll also have to ask about visas and insurance as well. Visas are usually pretty easy to get once you have a legal working visa. Some schools offer to pay for part or all of you and your family member’s insurance. Be sure to get something in writing if they promise to help you with this.
Other than that, you should be fine. Lots of single parents successfully teach English abroad. Just be sure to do a bit of research before you go and enjoy your life in another country. And think about all the exposure to different cultures that your child will get. If you're looking for jobs, find links in the Job Sites article.
Lastly, remember to always ask for a written reference when you leave a job, no matter if it's paid or a volunteer position. Have your employer write when you work, job title, levels worked with, and what your responsibilities were. It should be printed on school letterhead and carry your employer's stamp (if they have one), their signature, their name, job title, school address, phone, and email. Try to get two copies of this. This is the basic info which gives you proof of employment. Even if you leave on bad terms, you should still ask for proof of employment. If you're leaving on good terms and if your employer is willing, they could also say what a great teacher you were. It's better to get this BEFORE you leave your job, because if you ask for a reference in the future, your eomployer might forget all the wonderful things you did and also might be less inclined to write a reference. Whereas if you ask while you're still working for them, you can remind your employer daily until they give you the reference/proof of employment. Then scan this and send it in an email when you apply for your next job.
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