Hi! I'm moving to Milan next month where I'll be doing private tutoring (one-to-one) and hoping to get some freelance stuff as well. I see you've used your TEFL qualifications in Italy; any advice? What ages did you teach? Many thanks!

Hey snowfallrain, I' guessing you're from Britain with a name like that!!  I can't believe its snowing again!!  Ive taught in Japan, Italy, Egypt and Portugal.  I have to say that teaching tends to differ from country to country and class to class!  Some nationalities tend to want or need more grammar and other to want more conversation.  Then there are obviously different strengths and weaknesses to work on such as pronunciation problems in Japan especially of 'l' and 'r'.  In Egypt I had to work more on writing and punctuation, in Portugal it was writing styles and Italian of course there is the tendancy to add 'o' onto words :-)  Classroom environments vary a lot I guess (which can also be down to the school and their methods!)  but Ive always had friendly students (teenagers are always a challenge to get motivated though!).  Saving money for retirement?  Hmm I don't think most TEFL teachers save, but rather live for the moment!  Those who want to save tend to go to Aisa or Saudi Arabia (where the big bucks are!!!).

this post was so funny and at the same time had many valid points! thanks for the advice and I was wondering which countries you have been to.  How is classroom environments and what do recommend when it come to saving money for retirement?

thanks you!

Ahh - this is awesome!

Feel v. inspired!