Hi Louise 

I did a tefl and had no probs finding a job! Some of the people I've met out here don't even have tefls or havent finished them yet. The good thing about doing it before you get here  is you get paid more money :)) I haven't met a single person that has a celta. I think it matters more that you have the qualification than who it's by. If you google the EPIK salary scale (www.epik-program.org/?page_id=166) it doesn't differentiate between tefl and celta, it goes more on how much experience you have, most teachers out here are on the same pay give or take a little bit and most schools/hagwons use this as a guideline. Hope that helps! Jenn :)

Hi Louise

Oh right I see about the travel, the best thing to do when i comes to travel is take your time. If you're thinking of going away in a few years get looking into places you'd like to go, what there is to do/see, when is the best time to go etc. I spent about 6 months planning my last world trip and it was worth it as I got so much in! 

With regard to buying the TEFL course, you do get a 3 month time limit on it, just so you know. You can buy extra time (I think it's about 50 pounds per month or something!?) So it may be worth holding off buying it if you're not planning on doing it just yet. There are always offers on the courses so I wouldnt worry to much. However, if you're planning on coming to SK in August it might be worth starting the course now as the application process alone can take about 3-4weeks. I had a full-time job whilst I was doing my TEFL and so by doing just 3 days a week of TEFL it took me 5 months to finish the full 140hr course (plus the 25 extra hours I did). You don't have to have finished your TEFL when you come out here, I know some people that are still doing theirs BUT you will get a higher salary if you have completed it, so again may be worth doing it now :D Hope this helps!

Jenn :) 

Hi Louise!

Thanks forthe wall comment! As far as travelling goes I love it! I have definitely been bitten by the bug! I went on my first world trip in early 2008 with my mum for 3 months and then again at the end of 2009 with my sister for 8 months. A friend of mine has recently returned from a month in Australia and confessed that she too has 'the bug' now and can see why I moaned on at her to do for so long haha! We're hoping to go around South America (again for me, love it there) next year once we have saved some money. If you're ever thinking of doing it I'd be happy to give you any advice! But get on to doing a TEFL! It's a gateway to a fun job AND travel combined! Perfect! Jenn :)