*hyperventilating*
Okay, so. I’ve been looking into teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) courses for about a month or so now. Not having a bachelor’s degree has narrowed down my choice countries significantly, but honestly, I’m not too worried about my options. I think I’ve finally settled on China, as they have a continuously growing desperation for English teachers there.
I’ve been having a lot of anxiety about China though. The pollution is insane, there are internet restrictions, and getting the proper visa can be damn near impossible without a degree. However, the cost of living is insanely cheap based on everything I’ve been reading. Getting dinner on the way home can be less than $5USD, rent is roughly $300-500 a month with utilities, and the pay for ESL teachers ranges from $1,500-3,200 a month (average is about 2,300).
Last Thursday, at work, I just about flipped my shit because I have a customer that actually teaches ESL in China. I managed to speak with him briefly and get his email address. He has offered to send my contact info off to his employer, which is fucking huge for someone who hasn’t even taking the TEFL course yet. He finally emailed me back tonight when I was starting to get discouraged.
In addition to this, I’ve call the International TEFL Academy just to ask about the viability of getting a job in China without a degree. The recruiter I spoke to helped put my mind at ease and I’ll be having a more in depth conversation with someone later this week.
I’m a little flabbergasted at all of this. My ideas of living and working in an entirely foreign country seem to actually be something I’m currently able to pursue. Like, I could be out of the country by the end of the year.
What the fuck.
