<p>I am interested in spending an extended amount of time abroad in Russia (my major), but since studying abroad is so expensive through my university I thought I would take a TEFL course (about 3K in St. Petersburg) and then teach English abroad instead for up to 2 years.
I will have to take a leave of absence from my university to do this. I have a 4-year, full tuition scholarship but I'm worried that they won't give it back to me upon return. Does anyone know what colleges typically do in this situation? It's important that I know soon so I can plan out my schedule. (I am doing pre-med, and pre-med classes are very difficult to schedule.)
Also, does this sound like a good idea to maximize my language ability? I would hire a tutor in Russia or enroll in a school because English teachers typically work ~25 hours a week.</p>
<p>Paying for the TEFL course will not be an issue. I should add that I’m doing this primarily for the learning experience, not the money.</p>
<p>This really depends on your college so you should contact them. I’m not sure if they would keep your scholarship, so you should contact someone to make sure that everything’s all set. If it’s not, something to consider is coming back to the US to finish your college, then spending a year or two abroad in Russia, and then moving on to Med School. Right now that’s what I’m considering when it comes to studying abroad - I really want to volunteer in the Middle East, so I’m probably going to take some time off before grad school and volunteer a bit.</p>
<p>Can’t you just do this after you graduate? My sister taught English in France and Taiwan after she graduated.</p>
<p>@smwhtslghtlydzed- I have contacted my university and am awaiting a reply. I have thought about finishing my degree first, but for some reason I feel like I may not have the chance to do this again. Who knows, I may be caught up in other commitments (relationships, internships, work). I would really like international experience as early as possible.</p>
<p>@cupcake- I could, but I don’t know how that will work out with me entering medical school and all. Also, for reasons I stated just above, it may not work out.</p>
<p>I agree, and think you should just do this after you graduate. My sister is teaching English in Korea now, and loves it. She’s making pretty good money (they paid for her flight and apartment) and will be able to pay off almost all of her undergrad debt in one year. I took a gap year before starting college, and it was really hard getting back into academia. I can’t imagine trying to take two years off and then come back, especially after living in another country. What if you decide you love it, and don’t want to come back and then never get your degree? Or you really want to stay, but can’t because you need to go get your degree? I really don’t see that it makes sense logistically to do TEFL now. Doesn’t your university have exchange partners? This would be the same price as studying at your college. Obviously it’s your decision in the end, but most schools are looking for teachers with degrees, not just TEFL.</p>
<p>I would also recommend waiting until you graduate-- If you’re an exceptional student, you could look into the Fulbright program for English Teaching Assistantships. </p>
<p>If you are open to different countries (but also want to use your Russian language), Georgia is particularly needing English teachers right now. So much so that they are willing to pay your travel costs, etc. You can learn more about them at Greenheart Travel.</p>