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beat the depression

[dropcap2]T[/dropcap2]he latest news shows that UK unemployment has soared to new highs over the past year, and this is leading an increasing numbers of Brits to turn to TEFL overseas (teaching English as a foreign language) to escape the hopeless job market at home.

[dropcap2]A[/dropcap2]lthough many indicators show that economic recovery is expected in the UK by the end of 2010, the reality is that there are few jobs to be had between now and then. Good news then that the market for qualified EFL teachers is thriving – there are thousands of TEFL jobs posted on the internet every month for positions around the world, even including in the UK, where many qualified teachers can find work teaching migrants at home.

[dropcap2]T[/dropcap2]hese opportunities have always been there, but it has taken a depression at home to encourage people to look at options farther afield, including getting TEFL qualified. That’s where TEFLPlus comes in.

[dropcap2]T[/dropcap2]he 4-week advancedTEFL course gives you all the skills you’ll need in your new career, wherever it may take you. Peter Gibbs from Devon recently completed the course, and he described it as “something new, very different, a challenge and always exciting … it’s opened up so many opportunities for my adventure abroad!” Peter now lives and works in North-east Thailand teaching in a state primary school.

[dropcap2]T[/dropcap2]he huge worldwide demand for TEFL teachers means that once trainees have finished the course they’re in a great position to find work. Those who head abroad to teach find themselves welcomed into the local community rather than just being treated as passing tourists, which gives them a unique chance to gain an insight into a totally different way of life. The money’s not bad either – EFL work anywhere will provide enough to live on and a little left over to save.

[dropcap2]T[/dropcap2]eaching English overseas is not the only option though – lots of people get TEFL qualified in Thailand where its cheaper, then return to the UK to teach English to the large number of migrants there. Robert Nissom from Norfolk completed the February course before returning home to take up a job teaching Polish migrants in a scheme funded by his local council. Bob says “I had a great time in Phuket, combining my training with a holiday. My students’ English knowledge is from zero to not much more! Some can hold a very basic conversation with difficulty and a lot of mistakes. But it’s always fun and they are a pleasure to teach. They are friendly and eager to learn.”

[dropcap2]I[/dropcap2]s it your turn yet? When will you make the break?