Can teaching abroad be the “real deal”?
you asked – so here’s my opinion. TEFL can be a fine career. My personal experience: After 89-91 in Africa (as a Peace Corps Volunteer – not EFL) – I decided there was a big wide world out there I wanted to be a part of, so in 1992 I went to Korea and haven’t lived or worked “back home” since. I’ve worked almost exclusively college and university jobs as I have two master’s degrees. But, I have to admit that I had almost nothing when I started and now I am much better off financially. I own rental property in the United States – paid off already. In the process during these years I’ve worked in Korea twice, Taiwan, Saudi Arabia and Thailand. Sometimes for big money, sometimes for peanuts. Most of the jobs were just fine and with good people and friendly students. But, I don’t apply Western standards to what I do. These are different places with things done differently. And enjoyably so. Also during that time, I’ve had the opportunity to visit many other countries and usually for extend
