1. Hangzhou Beggar’s Chicken— A roast chicken wrapped in lotus leaves, you may be confused when this dish arrives at your table and though you expect food, all you see before you is a large ball of dirt on a plate. Then, as the curious foodie that you are, you start to poke and prod this large ball of dirt and after a bit of struggle, you find a whole chicken in the middle, marinated and stuffed. Have you ever eaten a whole chicken?
2. Balut eggs— If you can stomach the idea of eating a duck egg that has been fertilized for over two weeks, then balut eggs are for you! Although it is more commonly found on the streets of the Philippines, this “wrapped” egg often kept in a warm bucket of sand has its origins in China and is eaten simply with a sprinkle of salt.
3. Bugs on Sticks— They eat bugs on sticks. ‘Nuff said.

4. Snake Blood/Snake Wine— No vampires exist in China (or anywhere really, depending on your mythological beliefs), but some natives may occasionally have this gory alcoholic beverage with a close friend on a Friday night.
5. Penis Delicacies—Yes, you did read that correctly. Jaw dropped in disbelief? Thought to increase virility by the Chinese, you can find a large variety of dishes that contain animal penis throughout China. One might order the penis of a yak, dog, horse, or tiger, the most expensive animal penis of all sold at the price of £3,000.

Imagine yourself travelling through Thailand, starting your trip in Chiang Mai. In this city located in northern Thailand, no tourist leaves without seeing the Wat Prathat Doi Suthep, a famous temple high up on the Suthep Mountain where you can feast your eyes on breathtaking sights of gold statues, gold plated roofs, and—you guessed it—much, much more gold. Moving on to the nation’s international capital in central Thailand, you can squeeze some retail therapy into your action-packed sightseeing day by walking along the riverside, browsing the goods Thai boat vendors have to offer in the floating markets of Bangkok. Making your way down to Phuket, and island at the southern tip of Thailand, you can catch a show with the Simon Cabaret, one of the biggest local transvestite shows where you will spend one of the most flamboyant and simultaneously entertaining nights of your life. And yes, if you now have the sudden urge to book the next flight into this strange and exciting place surprisingly located on the same planet as Yorkshire, England, then we are on the same page.

Now, imagine yourself living in Thailand. Here you can teach English to Thai students as a native speaker, interact with Thai locals, and experience the beauty of Thailand as you immerse yourself in its rich culture. At LoveTEFL, we offer this unique experience for students as an internship in several Asian countries, including Thailand. Through our 6.5 week program which will allow you to live and work in Thailand, you will gain invaluable teaching experience and help Thai children learn the English language. In addition, at the end of the internship, you will have the pleasure of travelling to Koh Samet, an exotic island on the Gulf of Thailand where the magnificent beaches feel endless and you can kick your feet back, and just enjoy the view.

Now when it come to how much you’ll need to live on you are likely to here a variety of figures, from as little as 20,000 Baht per month, up to and beyond 50,000 Baht per month. The truth is, it all depends on the lifestyle you are looking for.

Here’s a breakdown to the possible bills and expenditures you’ll find in Thailand:

(bear in mind that the exchange rate in the early part of 2013 was 44 Baht to £1 UK, and 28 Baht to $1 US).

Accommodation

Prices for basics, no thrills studio apartments can cost as little as 3000 Baht per month. More realistically, if you are looking for a comfortable studio in a nicer part of town, or a one-bedroom house or condo in a friendly suburb or rural location, you’re looking at around 5,000 to 10,000 Baht per month.

Once you start looking at 10,000 to 15,000 Baht per month you are allowing for a far more modern and comfortable house or apartment, and anything beyond that you are heading into the realms of luxury.

Utility Bills

Utility bills are generally cheap in Thailand, you may have to pay a little towards water, and if you have to pay for your own WIFI you are looking at anything from 200 to 600 Baht per month for a fast connection.

The most significant utility bill you’ll need to pay will be for electricity. This can vary greatly depending on how you live. I know TEFL in Thailand teachers who spend very little time at home, just watching a little TV before bed, and using their laptop and charging their phone, while sleeping under the constant blow of their fan, adding up to an electric bill around 500 Baht per month, sometimes even less. On the other hand I know some expats who spend a lot of time at home, playing with the latest gadgets, spending hours on the internet, and most significantly, leaving the air conditioning on for hours on end, including overnight while they sleep. Living like this you can easily rack up an electric bill close to 3000 Baht per month.

Food and Drink

Thai food is inexpensive in Thailand, whether you are constantly eating out or cooking at home most of the time, you don’t need to spend much at all to eat well. Street meals can cost anything from 30 to 60 Baht per meal, while a small banquet at a Thai restaurant will still set you back little more than a couple of 100 Baht. Many food markets and popular supermarkets such as Big C and Tesco Lotus also make food shopping very affordable.

The big expenses come with eating western food and drinking alcohol. If you like to buy imported goods you’re food shopping bill will soon rise, and if you crave lots of home cooked western meals and pub grub you can expect to pay at least double what you would for a local meal.

Alcohol will soon get your budget soaring with a bottle of beer costing around 70 to 100 Baht in a bar aimed at westerners, and if you are looking to enjoy the anything-goes nightlife of Thailand you can soon find yourself racking up bills of 2000 Baht and up on a good night out.

Clothes and Shopping

Thailand has an amazing market culture, here you’ll find everything from the latest boutique fashion and knock off DVDs/CDs, to art, decor, and electronics. If you stick market shopping you can quite easily keep adding to your wardrobe without drastically affecting your monthly budget. However, if you crave the latest gadgets and brand name shopping Thailand has some uber modern mall experiences, but expect to pay as much as you would back home (if not more).

In summary

It’s quite possible to live comfortable on 30,000 Baht per month. Don’t expect to create much in the way of saving, but do expect to have clean, modest accommodation, be able to eat well (sticking mainly to local food), and having a fairly active social life. However, if you are looking to live in a little more luxury,  indulge in Thailand’s wild nightlife, or spending your weekends and holidays travelling around the country, you  can easily see your monthly outgoings rising to 50,000 Baht per month and beyond.

There is so much to see and do in Vietnam, from the manic streets, restaurants, and bars of Ho Chi Minh, to the stunning coast line of the North, and the amazing Halong Bar. The locals are warm and friendly, the food is to die for, and the landscape includes monumental mountains and national park, and lots of paradise tropical beaches.

While there are far more than 7 things I love to see and do in Vietnam (probably closer to 700), here are 7 of my favourites to give you a taste of what’s to come:

1. Visit Hoi An Old Town

A fascinating UNESCO World Heritage site, the Old Town of Hoi An is scattered with historically and culturally significant buildings, the vast majority of which are open to the public. Many of the streets are closed to traffic, making it  a peaceful pleasure to walk around, and explore on foot.

2. Take a junk boat cruise

Halong Bay is one of the great natural wonders of the world, consisting of numerous dazzling limestone islands surrounded by crystal clear waters. And there is no better way to experience the area than by overnight junk boat cruise, sailing in and around the many islands and water-coves, sleeping on the calm ocean, and waking up to a breath-taking sunset. The ultimate chill out for TEFL teachers in Vietnam.

3. Watch an Opera

If you’re an English teacher in Vietnam in need of some high-brow entertainment, why not treat yourself to a night at the Opera in one of the stunning opera houses found in Hanoi and Saigon. These grand French colonial buildings are still active and a fascinating part of Vietnamese history and culture, hosting regular Operas and classical events.

4. Explore the Cu Chi tunnels

The Cu Chi Tunnels are a staggering network of over 120 KM of man-made underground tunnels and a fascinating insight into the life of the Viet Cong. Started in 1948, the tunnels were built during conflict with French colonialists, an heavily used during the Vietnam War.

5. Visit the War Remnant Museum

The War Remnants Museum, previously known as the ‘Museum of American War Crimes,’ is a harrowing exhibition of pictures and US military equipment, telling the stories of the long and tragic Vietnam war, and a great education for those TEFL teachers in Vietnam whose knowledge of the conflict relies heavily o Hollywood movies.

6. Spend a day at the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

The Phong Nha-Ke Bang is more than a National Park, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 2000 SQM limestone area. A great example of the rich and stunning natural beauty of Vietnam, Phong Nha-Ke Bang is also Asia’s oldest karst formation, develop during the development of the earth’s crust some 464 million years ago!

7. Eat a bowl of noodles

It would be wrong of me to make a list of thing to do in Vietnam without mentioning food. One of the simplest and tastiest meals you’ll experience are the $1 bowls of street noodles which can be found on just about everywhere. Don’t worry if you can’t speak Vietnamese, just smile and point and you’ll soon have a steaming hot bowl of tasty noodles sat in front of you. It’s sure to become a staple diet for any EFL teacher in Vietnam.

There is an art to packing for a long trip. Pack too light and you find yourself desperately searching for clothes or items to see you through you first days when you should be relaxed and settling in to your new job and community. Pack too much and you will be physically lugging about huge, heavy bags, worrying about all your valuables, and even paying excess baggage fees!

Here are a few tips for what to pack and what to leave at home:

Things you must packs:

Something from home

It’s inevitable that you’ll suffer from a little homesickness at times and having something that will remind you of home will be of great comfort. Good things to bring include pictures of close friends and family, or a favourite soft toy.

Clothes

While there are no shortage of mall, markets and fashion outlets in Korea, with all the latest and retro fashion firmly covered, you don’t want to need to do any immediate fashion shopping. It’s a good idea to pack a few pairs of pants and tops which are on the tight (the majority of westerners moving to Korea tend to drop a few kilos in their first month). If your shoe size is larger than an 8 you may struggle when it comes to shopping for new kicks, so pack a few favourite footwear.

Gifts and treat

You’ll want to make a good first impression at your new school and bringing a few edible gifts from home for your new boss and colleagues will make you very popular very fast. You don’t need to spend much. It’s also a nice idea to bring some small sweat form home to uses as prizes in class.

Media

You’ll have good internet in Korea but you’ll be far too busy, working, exploring and socializing to search and download for music and entertainment. It’s a good idea to load up your MP3 player, tablet, laptop etc. with some of your favourite TV shows, movies, and music for those times when you just want to relax at home.

Money

Don’t underestimate how much money you’ll need to start with. While English teachers in South Korea are high paid you will have to survive at least a month before you get your first wages, and you’ll also want a little money in case of emergencies.

What not to pack:

Toiletries

Unless you have a certain brand or item you can’t live without, consider leaving all your toileteries at home. You’ll find everything you need in Korea, so there’s really no need to pack shampoos and conditioners, it’s all there waiting for you and much cheaper than it would cost back home.

Clothes

While you don’t want to under pack you don’t need to over pack either. Bring enough clothes to last you between ten days to two weeks (baring in mind you’ll have access to a washing machine or laundry service). Once you are settled in you’ll want to take advantage of the amazing fashion shopping in Korea.

Electronics

Don’t waste your time shopping for any new gadgets in preparation for your trip, South Korea is the king of electronics shopping and you’ll find all the gadgets and electronics you want here cheap and easy.

Books

Gone are the days when you need to lug around a few hefty novels on your travels. If you enjoy reading ad you don’t already have one then it’s time to buy a kindle or reading tablet. Better yet, take a favourite book for your flight and travel, and buy one a new reading tablet when you get there!

To help you decided what type of location would best suit you, here are a few pros and cons of choosing big city locations in comparison to small town experiences:

The pros of big city teaching

Ah the big city, the hustle and the bustle, having lived in a few ‘cities that never sleep,’ I have always been a big fan of downtown living. I like the fact there is always lots happening; live concerts, national festivals, large sporting occasion, art and exhibitions, there is literally always something to see or do (or buy! or eat!). Most TEFL teachers are out to explore and big cities offer plenty of that, not only with their wealth of museums, activities, and cultural experience, but they are a great location for those wanting to travel further afield in their free time.

I have always found people to be more interested in current affairs within the big cities. Global news events and trends seem to always to be up for discussion, whereas in smaller towns and more rural locations you can sometimes lose track of what is going on in the world outside.

Other things that are serious pros to teaching in the big city including the shopping, the wealth of food, the large expat communities and home-style hangouts, and the nightlife options, to name but just a few pluses.

The cons of big city teaching

While you can expect to earn more money in the big cities you can also expect to generally spend a lot more! I’ve always enjoyed the fast pace of life but I have always struggled to save money when I’m living in a large city. Not only will living costs be higher in the big city but there will also be greater temptation (lots of fine restaurants, pricey attractions, and glimmering nightlife demanding your attention and attendance!).

Life in the city can also be a little claustrophobic at times. On a newbie teaching wage you might have to live in a more ‘compact’ apartment than you are used to, the morning trains and buses might be a little more ‘cosy’ than you’d prefer, and sometimes the shadows from the skyscrapers above just seem to eat you up.

Other cons to teaching in the big city include the relentless noise, the horrid rush hour traffic, and the strange, funky smells that often catch you unaware.

The pros of teaching TEFL in small towns

One great thing about teaching in small towns and more rural areas is that you have a better opportunity to feel a part of the community, often more involved in the lives of your friends, colleagues, and neighbours. Here you’ll find more authentic local culture with a real chance to live and work like a native.

OK, so you might not earn as much as you would in the big city, but away from the big city, it’s fancy restaurants, flashy malls, and neon lit nightlife, you’ll be spending far less too, with the opportunity to live in a more spacious and even more luxurious home than you might be able to afford in the city.

Other benefits to living in a rural location is a slower pace of life, far less traffic and noise, and locals who tend to be more friendly and hospitable.

The cons of teaching TEFL in small towns

While life in a small town is typically a far more relaxed and friendly experience than big city living, you may not always get the things you want, or even need, here. Food, shopping, and entertainment options are likely to be limited, as are sports and activities, especially if you are hoping to join a club or looking to play team sports.

However, the worst thing about TEFL jobs out in the stick is the lack of opportunity to travel during your free time. There may well be a few places of interest to explore nearby, but once those have been seen and done, travelling further afield is likely to be a more complex and timely task, with far less travel options than you’d find in larger cities.

Other negatives to consider about small town and rural living include a lack of international cuisine and home comforts, a lack of privacy (expect a few nosey neighbours to be monitoring your daily activities), and  a possible lack of social life.

How about something in between…

For those who are still in a dilemma, drawn to the quieter life and desire to feel part of a community, yet not wanting to be too far from the bright lights and opportunities to travel as much and cheaply as possible, how about considering a satellite city.

Satellite cities are small cities or towns situated on the borders of major cities, offering a taste of local and urban lifestyles, just a short journey from the big city attractions, but far enough away from the chaos and calamity to avoid over spending and enjoying a more relaxed quality of life.

To give you a better idea of what on offer we have decided to compare two of our favourite TEFL destinations, Thailand and China.

Qualifications needed

The qualifications and requirements needed to work in both China and Thailand are quite similar.

For both you are best advised to at least have a 120-hour TEFL certificate to your name, though in China it is possible to secure TEFL work without formal teaching qualifications, but you will need some experience. In Thailand, however, a TEFL certificate is likely to be the minimum requirement, with many school and TEFL jobs requiring applicants to also have a degree and to undergo an criminal background check.

In summary: Teaching requirements are very similar in both locations, but anyone worried about a lack of formal education and qualifications may find China the easier country within which to find work.

Pay and bonuses

The wages you can expect in both countries will also be very similar, with typical earnings for new and inexperienced teachers being around $1000 US/£600 UK per month in both Thailand and China. The big difference comes with regards to the benefits on offer.

You are likely to find far more attractive teaching packages in China with most TEFL jobs here including free accommodation, often with free WIFI and even free meals. Teaching English in China on a 12+ month contract you can also expect to get your airfare reimbursed and a bonus on completion of your contract.

However, TEFL jobs in Thailand tend to come with far fewer benefits. You will get some pay incentives and rewards, such as a contract completion bonus and possibly free school meals (usually equivalent to 1 month’s wages), but in the vast majority of cases you’ll be expected to pay for your accommodation and utilities, as well as your flights to Thailand.

In summary: In both countries you’ll receive a wage large enough to live fairly comfortably on, but if you are looking to build some savings to take home your best chance is with teaching in China.

School life

Thai schools are known to throw new teachers in at the deep end which can be a bit intimidating for some newbie TEFLers. Thai schools also tend to give their teachers more opportunity to try their own teaching techniques and more flexibility with lesson planning. Classes in Thai public schools can also be on the large side, with up to 50 children in a typical class.

Schools in China, however, tend to take things very slowly with new EFL teachers. Classes are much smaller, courses are more structured, closer following a syllabus, and in the many cases new teachers will be given a Chinese class assistant during lesson time. You’ll also work less hours at a typical Chinese school.

In summary, TEFL jobs in China are much more newbie friendly but Thai schools certainly encourage new teachers to learn their trade much quicker and give more freedom and control to their teachers.

Lifestyle

Most foreigners starting a new job and life in Thailand tend to bed in very quickly, soon finding their feet and feeling somewhat at home. This is helped by the large expat communities, very warm and hospitable locals, and a rich culture of food, art, and music. It also doesn’t hurt that the Thais love to party and cities such as Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket have some of the wildest nightlife in the continent.

In contrast to this China can be a much harder country and culture to adapt to as a foreigner, and it can often take some time to really settle in and feel at home. In general life in China is more conservative, but the locals are none-the-less friendly.

In summary: Both countries have lots to see and do, with very rich history and amazing food to explore. But if you are looking for a fun and adventurous lifestyle Thailand may well be the place for you.

Here are a few tips to making that dream become a reality and landing your first TEFL job in Thailand:

Take a look at our teaching jobs in Thailand

You can start your search for a teaching job in Thailand by looking at the TEFL jobs we already have available there! Our Thailand TEFL jobs are spread throughout the country and we even offer to get you qualified if you don’t already have a TEFL certificate or formal training. Not only that but by coming part of the LoveTEFL team you will always get our help and support throughout your time teaching.

Go to Thailand!

Flights to Bangkok tend to be quite cheap as is food and accommodation in Thailand. If you are sure you want to teach in Thailand maybe it’s time to take that leap of faith. There are plenty of TEFL jobs in the country, especially in Bangkok. While it is possible to land a teaching job in Thailand from the comfort and safety of your home country, your options will be limited but by being in Thailand you will have lots of jobs to apply for, especially during the peak hiring months of April/May and September/October. With the a bit of knowhow and determination you can quite possibly land that dream teaching job within a week of arriving in Thailand.

Get your resume ready

If you haven’t got a resume, or haven’t brushed your existing resume up for a while, one of you first priorities should be getting that done! Take your time to really make your resume stand out for all the right reasons. If it’s a general resume you send out to all kinds of jobs, rewrite it to focus on your teaching qualifications, experience and related skills. Including a good clear photo of yourself looking clean and smart (that means a shirt and tie for males), is also a must as presentation can mean everything to some Thai schools. A good resume can be the difference between landing that first teaching job and landing that first dream teaching job!

Visit language schools in person

Once you are in Thailand make sure to visit language schools in person. Do your research and get a list of the best language schools in the area you are looking to work. Dress smartly and be prepared with a resume and formal picture of yourself. Then go about visiting the schools with a smile! Language schools tend to be among the best TEFL payers in Thailand and while they are likely to advertise their jobs by visiting them you get the chance to go straight to the top of the pile, with a good chance of landing a job before it’s advertised, if you can make a good first impression

Check the local papers

While this is the age of the internet and websites such as Ajarn and Dave’s esl cafe have loads of jobs, as do several other TEFL websites in Thailand, but don’t count out doing things the old fashioned way of checking the local newspapers. The Bangkok Post and The Nation papers are a great source of TEFL jobs, make sure to spend a few minutes every day checking the wanted section, contacting the potential employers and sending our your resume to great sounding jobs. If you don’t want to buy these newspapers every morning you can also visit local coffee shops and enjoy a morning caffeine fix while checking the job listings.

TEFL courses are somewhat intense, while many appreciate the speed at which you can start and complete an in-depth TEFL course, during your study it can feel like there is so much to learn and remember. First, don’t worry if you feel overwhelmed or even burned out, you just need to take a step back and relax. Most good TEFL courses are flexible enough to allow you to step back from your studies and take time out. If this is the case then take a day or two to relax and clear your mind, and then go about easing yourself back into the course with a bit of self motivation.

Here are a few of our tips to get you motivated and back in the game!

Feel a part of the team!

Few people rush back into work on a Monday morning and dive straight into their ‘inbox’. Monday mornings are all about having a coffee, chatting to you work colleagues about your weekend adventures, and catching up on the latest office gossip. It’s all about feeling a part of the team again. Take that same approach into your study, chat with your fellow students and share in their enthusiasm.

If you are on our online course take the time to register with our new forum and join in with the latest LoveTEFL chat and gossip!

Rediscover the dream

What motivated you to start the course in the first place? What were you hoping to get out of it? For many the TEFL dream is to travel and work around the world, leaving the UK, earning a living in a new country, within a new culture. That dream is still very real but you need to continue to work hard and finish your course in order to make it a reality.

Also bear in mind how much you spent on the course, TEFL course fees are not cheap, even if you are not sure you still want to be a TEFL teacher it would be a waste not to finish the course, and a TEFL certificate will only enhance your resume.

Review your progress

If you’ve already started your TEFL course, look back over what you’ve learned so far, maybe work through a few of the early exercises and assess how far you have come. You don’t have to spend too long, just get a feel of your progress and the amount of hard work you’ve already invested. What you are likely to find is that you are already well on your way to becoming a fully qualified TEFL teacher and it would be a shame to quit before the real adventure has begun!

Look to the future

If you still need motivation take a look at the LoveTEFL jobs we have on offer. If you complete your TEFL course we can offer you work in China, Thailand, South Korea, and even Azerbaijan. Or if your dream destination is elsewhere in the world we can still help and support you in finding a TEFL job anywhere across the globe. However, if you don’t finish your course it will be very hard to secure that dream job.

Not only will it be hard to find a TEFL job without completing a course, but without the skills and techniques you learn on the course, not to mention the experience and teaching hours, you are likely to find it very difficult to teach at all.

Consider a TEFL Internship

If you are still struggling to get motivated to continue on your TEFL course maybe you should consider an internship. We currently have TEFL teaching internships in both China and Thailand. These internships not only offer to get you qualified, they also give you valuable teaching experience and in-country orientation, fully supporting you all the way!

One of the most popular TEFL Teaching destinations on the planet, South Korea needs little introduction.  Korea has long been an ideal choice for new and experienced TEFL teachers, not only for the wealth of jobs available, or the great level of pay on offer, but also for the rich cultural experience. With more and more new teachers looking to spread their wings and explore the thrills of Asia, South Korea still remains one of the best choices of destination.

Here are our just a few of the reasons to teach English in South Korea:

The Culture

Korean culture like many Asian cultures, is a wonderfully exotic and romantic experience and a perfect example of how the ancient and modern worlds can exist together in harmony. You’ll see lots of modern innovations, futuristic buildings, and loads of examples of high-end technology used in day-to-day life, with lifestyles still revolving around age old customs and practises, from the ginseng and green tea drink, to the wonderful Korean spas and saunas.

The Koreans

Koreans tend to be very kind and polite people, valuing their family and friendships very highly. While they may often seem cold and distant towards strangers, they will almost always be willing to make personal sacrifices in order to help a friend in need. In that same breath, they are always open and committed to new friendships, and those who are respectful and sensitive to local customs and etiquette will find themselves leaving Korea with a lot of close friends.

The Food

While Korean food is very typical of Asian cuisines in the fact that it uses many spices and rice based dishes, it is in fact one of the most unique cuisines of the continent. Koreans use their own unique blends and combinations of ingredients that you are unlikely to find elsewhere, and while you may have been to a Korean restaurant or two outside of Korea, you haven’t experienced the joys of Korean food until you’ve tried it in-country.

The Shopping

Korea, and Seoul in particular, is one of the shopping capitals of the continent. With a wide variety of modern concept malls, giant shopping centres, traditional departments stores, and busy market places, there is a shopping hot spot for just about every taste and budget, with opportunities to shop literally all day and night. Many shopping malls also include large entertainment areas, not just a top floor of bowling and moving watching, but often entire amusement parks, aquariums, and other fun tourist attractions.

The Teaching!

Some say the heyday of TEFL teaching in Korea ended several years back, but that’s not strictly true. While the wages may be slightly lower today in comparison to say, 10 years ago, a typical teaching wage is still as high here as just about anywhere else in Asia, and even a novice TEFL teacher will be earning enough to live a fairly comfortable life.  And the job itself is still as fun and rewarding as ever! Not only will you get to experience and learn about the fascinating culture, make lots of new friends, eat some of Asia’s best food, and literally shop until you drop, you’ll also get all the rewards of teaching, building close relationships with your peers and watching your students learn and grow!