teaching english overseas

Teaching can be the best job in the world. It's stimulating, it's creative, it isn't 9 til 5, and it gives you the chance to travel, meet new people and experience new cultures.

But deciding to teach English as a foreign language is a big step. If you have a job, you'll leave it (though this may well be the attraction). You'll need to complete a teacher training course, and these aren't free. And if you're working in Japan, it's not that easy to nip home for the weekend. If you can't do without Marmite and Eastenders, it's not the job for you. If you love a challenge, if you're not afraid to jump into a completely new environment, and if you think you can share and communicate what you know with other people, then this could be the job for you.

Everyone needs advice. The classroom is a strange place, and you need to find your way around it. Here are our Top Five Tips for first time teachers.

You're qualified, you've been interviewed over the phone, next week you're leaving for China. The day after you'll be in the classroom. You're talented, you're enthusiastic, you're dedicated. But you can't do it alone. You need friends. Here are five that will always be there for you.

Hagwon (also known as Hakwon or Hogwan) are the most likely place you'll find work. They are private institutions offering children extra classes to keep up with the highly competitive educational atmosphere in Korea. English language hagwons will also often offer classes to adults.

Martin Tilney posted some great information about teaching in Korea on the British Council website.