Guaranteed Jobs and Job Search Assistance

 Okay, you may have heard some stories about flaky TEFL schools and what they promise and employment is often the area where problems can come up.  The author's bias here is obviously against guaranteed job placement. 

IF you apply for jobs that are appropriate for you and are realistic about your FIRST job - you should have no problems at all.

Rule #1: Remember that there is NO FREE LUNCH - and we will talk about this as we go along here . . .

Be aware that it is almost IMPOSSIBLE for a reputable school to guarantee your employment.  

What if you stutter, never bathe, never brush your teeth and constantly wet your pants?  If a school makes the promise, read it carefully.  If it is vague and doesn’t really say anything, is that indicative of other things that may not be delivered as well? 

If they have never met you before, how can they even begin to make such a promise? 

But Most Schools Will!

Read any guarantees VERY carefully.  A common one is that you must provide evidence that you were rejected from “x” number of applications and interviews.    Well and good, but in much of the TEFL world a rejection is usually the absence of a response at all, so it may well be difficult to provide what they asked for. 

Be aware that a school that makes such promises also has to raise its prices to cover the refunds that they may give out.  You are paying for that.

Be Careful !

Some schools will happily place you in a school that is paying them a referral fee and sometimes you will be paid less on a monthly basis as your employer may need to make even a monthly payment for the referral.  Or, if you are getting paid directly by the school that placed you and not by the school where you work - well . . . do the math, you may be paying for that too.

BUT . . .

HOWEVER, know that the TEFL job market is huge and unless you are applying for jobs you are not qualified for (they require a master's degree and you don’t have one), you should have no problem in most markets.  It is not uncommon in many markets to be offered jobs at almost every interview you go to.  Yeah!  So don't stress so much about this issue.

Know the answers to these questions about Job Guarantees and/or Job Search Assistance:

  What’s the “fine print” - if any?

  Does the TEFL School get a fee from the school where I am placed?

  If the answer is "Yes" - will I be paid LESS because of this?

  What kind of assistance is offered?

  Do you hire your own graduates? Some schools hire many of their graduates

  How quickly can I land a job?

  What are the requirements to obtain LEGAL employment in the country?

  Do MOST teachers in the country work legally?
  In some countries most teachers work illegally. Not recommended! 

Here are your checklists for:

The TEFL School and TEFL Certification

Your Primary or Lead TEFL Course Instructor

Your Visa - Being in the Country Legally

Accommodation during your TEFL Certification Course

Guaranteed Jobs and Job Search Assistance