Wow Trevor that took me back a bit!  I lived in Brakpan, first in Anzac which was almost halfway to Benoni :) and then we moved to Brenthurst.

Good to have you here.  It’s always great having a group member that actually lives and works in SA.  Thanks for the info.

Hi there!

There are plenty of opportunities to teach in South Africa for cash, especially if you know where to look! You could try a language school in Pretoria (where a lot of embassies are located), or Cape Town, a popular tourist destinantion. If you are going to spend 3 months to a year here, you could even offer "extra lessons" privately. If you need specific information, you're welcome to contact me.

Hey, thanks all for your lovely comments and words of encouragement! That's exactly why I joined this site - to feel like what I'm embarking isn't so daunting and "out there" as all that!

Honor, thanks for your steers re people to talk to - I'll certainly be following them up now for advice. Now that I'm no longer head down with my TEFL course (!), I can turn my attention to researching opportunities...can't wait to see what unfolds!

Katie, your China posting sounds great - and a good idea to go somewhere where there's more assistance and support seeing as it's your first job. Take your handy Mandarin phrasebook and I'm sure you'll be fine!

And Monique, totally aree with you about hitting that SUBMIT button for the last time - when I got my online certificates through, I was so proud of myself, it was like passing my A-levels all over again!!

Jeanie

Congratulations!  Isn’t it a wonderful feeling when you hit the ‘’submit’’ button for the last time…

Good Luck with your search.  I’m sure you will find something.

Congratulations on finishing your course!

In terms of deciding where to go I know I recommended a couple of guys in S. America to chat to, but you might want to add these to your list for Italy and Indonesia:

Italy: http://www.tefl-chalkboard.com/emmafoers and http://www.tefl-chalkboard.com/cherogoth

Indonesia: http://www.tefl-chalkboard.com/robertclarke

Good luck!

Hi Jeanie, great to read your blog. Like you I've taken the big jump and about to dive into a new phase in my life as a TESOL teacher. Training done, and I've signed a contract to teach in China starting in August!!!

I love SE Asia, having travelled extensively there and initially was going to Vietnam BUT decided for my first placement I wanted a position where there was increased assistance and support. Am now hoping that is what I get as I dont speak a word of Mandarin!!!!

Good luck with your ventures and hope you find your dream position

Cheers, Kate.