Informer Newspaper (Dublin) November Article

Working Abroad Will Broaden Your Options

Once again emigration and working abroad is a hot topic for discussion due to the huge numbers of Irish people leaving Ireland for employment overseas. There are fears of a repeated ‘brain-drain’ similar to what occurred in the mid-90’s, however working abroad can offer those interested in travelling, opportunities and experiences that are currently unavailable at home.

Ireland has seen the number of third level graduates leaving to work abroad double since 2006. Almost 10% of third level graduate with Honours from 2009 are now working abroad. Popular destinations still include USA and Australia with the availability of their 12 month working holiday visas.

Teaching English as a Foreign Language or ‘TEFL’ is also an extremely popular choice for graduates as well as non degree holders. Companies such as Waterford based i-to-i provide TEFL training courses as well as offering a job placement service to help their TEFLers find reputable jobs in countries such as South Korea, Japan and China as well as European and South American destinations.

Whilst the salary of some Asian and European destinations seem lower than an Irish graduate job, it is important to look at the relative cost of living. Ireland remains one of the most expensive European countries to live in. In comparison, a TEFL job in South Korea would pay around €1250p/m plus free accommodation. The cost of living in Korea is about €600p/m which allows a large portion of the salary to be saved to either bring home or travel afterwards.

Working abroad will broaden the perspective of any person as well as improving their C.V for when they return to the job hunt in Ireland. To speak to an i-to-i TEFL Advisor about teaching English abroad call 058 40050 or visit www.teflcourses.com.

• brain drain
• work abroad
• graduates
• Ireland
• TEFL
• South Korea