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.
Firstly, Do A Course. CELTA and Trinity are the most popular. Without training, you're walking into your job blind. Some schools will take teachers without qualifications – but do you really want to work for an employer who'll accept just anyone, regardless of fitness for the job? These schools don't usually have good reputations; they're to be avoided.

You can expect to pay about £1,000 for a one month CELTA course in the UK. This may sound expensive, but it's worth every penny. And the good news is, it's fun. What's more, it'll give you a taste of what teaching's really like. Not having done a CELTA or Trinity course is like turning up to work naked.

It's also important to have Realistic Expectations. TEFL is wonderful, but it's never going to make your fortune. If you want to make money and have career progression, go and work in a bank. Nor is it an industry with high job security. There are bad schools and bad teachers. As an industry, it has its share of cowboys. Which is why it's important to …

… Do Your Research. Don't just accept the first job you're offered. The interview process for EFL jobs can be virtually non-existent. 'Do you want the job?' 'Yes.' 'You're hired.'

Do some research on your school. Google them. Check the internet forums. A negative comment here and there may mean nothing – a disgruntled teacher sounding off. But find enough of them, and you may want to consider whether this job is really a risk you want to take.

This may all sound a little negative. Don't get me wrong – I love teaching and I can't imagine doing any other job. The longer I do it, the more I love it. Enter the profession with your eyes open, and it could change your life. In a good way.