I suffer from a chronic case of 'The Fear'. Anytime I have an idea about something marginally out of my comfort zone, I somehow seem to resist it because I'm scared. I've spent the last 24 hours reading up on TEFL and it sounds perfect. My parents are telling me to go for it, my friends are doing likewise and I seem to be talking myself into it too. But I'd appreciate some extra convincing, if anybody has anything to add, seeing as my only reasons at present for not doing it are a) the inital cost and b) I'm afraid of the unknown.
Please talk me in to this :)
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Yes! Do it! I used to be afraid all the time. I find the best way to deal with it is to do whatever scares you sh-tless. If you don't do it, you will regret it forever. Take a deep breath, close your eyes, and jump into the deep end... Good luck, keep us posted.
I am in the same situation you're in. Cost is always a factor and should be considered. However, the way I look at it is whether the initial investment is worth the future value I expect to gain.
In my case, I get to travel to a place i've always wanted to go (like you, I want to explore Eastern Europe), and I get to help out others in the process by teaching something of value (English). To me, this sounds like a pretty solid investment. :)
As for the fears, yes, the unknown is sometimes scary. But don't let fear be a substitute for rationalized decision making.
Another way to think of it is an opportunity cost and what you might lose out by not doing it. You get to travel to your country of choice... check. You get to do something worthwhile while you're there... check. You already have a crazy amount of support from family and friends... check.
So I think the real question is, can you really afford not to do it?
I'm almost 18 and in a couple (hopefully less) years this is what i want to do! I'm so excited that I wish I could start NOW!! the waiting part is what's holding me back at the moment. Even though you have support from your family and friends, don't let that encourage you to go. Go because YOU want to. My dad would prefer me be an account....ummm...no thank you. The travel, new culture, helping, and overall amazing experience is what is making me jump with excitement!
Like with everything in life, you have to start somewhere and you have already, believe it or not started. You've been reading, researching and talking about it, thus you've already taken your first step into the unknown.
Fear i belive is False Evidence Appearing Real- how could you possibily wprry if you haven't even gone there? You don't need to be convinced or talked into anything as you've already decided, all that's left is for you to start doing is enjoying the decision you've made.
The rest of your live starts now....
PS- I'm doing the exact same thing as you and will be enrolling next week to do the weekend course, then the 140hr online course and then maybe doing a TEYL course, as i would like to work with kids..
Keep me posted on how you get along, who know's we might be on a plane together in a few months time :)
It's a definite GO FOR IT choice!!! I've been living in Serbia for 6 months now, not teaching (as I couldn't find work), but just enjoying loving overseas. I head to Ukraine mid August to teach.. I couldn't be happier knowing that I'm about to experience the culture of my family first hand.
Whenever you feel you can't do it or you're scared, just choose one of the locations you want to teach in and stare at pictures of all the sights, people, cities, etc and remind yourself you can't see it without the TEFL certification and getting on the a plane and teaching. :))
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