Hello does anyone have any experience of teaching English abroad? The GF is thinking about doing a course, do any of you know what to expect, what to do/not to do?

is a private part-time TEFL course any good? Or I think there's a higher quality option isn't there? It's more for teaching abroad as a career rather than as something to do while backpacking in Thailand

A mate of mine did the TEFL course. He went out to Malta for a couple of months after passing teaching.

I think he's currently working most nights in private English schools.

Not the greatest money though

Cool thanks, I think it's never a case of doing it as your main job I suppose, it just gives you the freedom of being able to go anywhere and at least have a universal skill

I think she's looking at a celta now, that was the thing i couldn't remember I think

Your girlfriend sounds sensible and fun. (Like a Skoda vRS ).

There are two accredited courses, TESOL and CELTA. Slightly different in approaches, but both widely recognized the world over. A "proper" course can be completed in intensive fashion in 4/5 weeks and includes live teaching practice. On average they cost around 2-2.5k of whatever currency you pay in and they can be completed in many different countries.

As a fan of Spanish speaking places, I investigated Ecuador, Mexico, Majorca and the mainland. The market in Latin America is booming. Especially in Brazil and Central America. She could be on to a winner. If I wasn't doing well at what I'm doing now, I would consider it (in fact, I may still consider it)

Try CactusTEFL as a starting point for info. When looking for courses, use the official approved course lists from Cambridge and the TESOL people.

brilliant okenobi, thanks