Should I accept this TEFL placement?

[Reiper]

So I am currently not doing too much with my life, I graduated and have been working dead end jobs, and I don't have much momentum going in any particular direction. I applied to a TEFL company, and after my interview, I was selected for a placement in the Czech Republic.

This seems like it would be a great opportunity to break the monotony while I figure things out. It will cost $1500 for the training, paid in installments over the 6 months, and in exchange I receive a TEFL certificate, and a guaranteed job making $800 a week (not great but it will cover expenses) in Prague. I also think it would be great to be able to see Europe.

My main concern is that this might not really help me with developing a career.

Great opportunity or waste of time?

 

[JoJo]

If you're only working dead end jobs, then I don't see what you have to lose by going. Employers like international experience, it's a good thing to talk about in an interview. I personally enjoyed working abroad a couple of years back and thought it was a worthwhile experience.

 

[Reiper]

I definitely think I will enjoy it, and right now I am leaning towards doing it.

I guess the question is whether I could do something similar without having to pay $1500. Does anyone else have experience with other programs that allow you to work in Europe (for non-EU citizens), IE other TEFL programs or working holidays etc...

 

[CeeBod]

I'm just about to start a TEFL/TESOL type job myself. Everyone I've ever spoken to that's done this kind of thing says it was a great experience and they don't regret having done it, and generally speaking we tend to regret the things we haven't done but wish we had, much more than we regret what we tried and failed.

Doing this kind of work also gives you the opportunity to live abroad, pick up some language skills, make friends with people outside of your usual circles, find out about future job opportunities in other parts of the world, pick up some transferable skills that could be useful in other careers and it generally looks much better on your CV/resume than an ordinary everyday McJob.

Quick edit: Our TEFL teacher said she actually did her course in Poland right before her placement there, which made it cost less than if she'd done the course in the UK - so you may be able to take the course in the Czech Republic if that's definitely where you're going.

 

[Albino Boo]

If you are a non EU citizen you will need a study visa to do a TEFL course in Europe. Its also worth checking that the placement will cover the cost of the work visa that will be needed to work in Czech Republic.