Hey Loz,

It does get confusing when you first start looking into TEFL qualifications but your right, learning how to teach English as a foreign language and having those skills is really beneficial when you head off. It'll make the job so much easier for you (you don't want to spend all your free time leson planning - there's fun to be had) and it can also make you more appealing to employers.

Let me know if you have any questions and we can spend some time discussing your options - if you haven't already, give the office a call on 1300 88 50 36 and we'll be happy to have a chat with you!

EU countries will require EU passports and/or a uni degree to obtain a visa.  If you have those or at least one, then usually a TEFL cert or a CELTA cert will get you in the door.  If you're American, then I starting off in non-EU countries.  The struggle to get into EU countries for Americans is crazy.  But normally you can get in with a uni degree and a good TEFL background.  I would suggest a minimum of 100 hours or more in your course. The more you can do the better your chances will be.  If you aren't an EU citizen, aim for Eastern Europe or Central and South America... or China. Really any place that isn't EU. 

Good luck with the course and the job hunt!

Thanks guys,

I haven't got any qualifications yet, thats also another questions I have.. there are so many courses to pick from and different agencies and stuff I just don't really know what to do. I heard you don't even need a qualification but I am sure it will be quite beneficial. So does anyone know of a course I could do?

Hi!

Usually you wil require an EU passport to work in Europe however some countries in Eastern Europe can be easier to source work in. There is a job placement in Georgia that doesnt require applicants to have an EU passport. Here is the link: http://www.onlinetefl.com/tefl-joba-abroad/georgia.html

Amy

Hey there, welcome to the Chalkboard! That is great that you are thinking about teaching in Italy! Italy too is somewhere I would love to spend some time in!

This group here might help you make a better decison : http://www.onlinetefl.com/tefl-chalkboard/groups/51-Italy/discussion/65-i-aim-to-go-to-italy?page=1#posts-601

Have you got any qualifications for teaching abroad yet?

I am really excited about the possibility of working overseas teaching English. I would really love to work in Italy!!

Does anyone have any hints or tips, as I am new to this whole thing!?

I am planning on going mid 2011, but not quite sure what qualification I will need, or the chances are of my actually going to Italy as I know it isn't a high requested country.