I am thinking about taking a tefl course (teach English as a foreign language) As I plan to move out to Hong Kong with my Chinese husband in the (not so near) future.

As the courses are quite expensive, I was wondering if they were value for money and what were the chances of my getting a job teaching English in Hong Kong once qualified.

Although I don't have a degree I have a ND and HND in Graphic Design (which is more that adeqaue in this field), would this be a problem?

Any advise would be appreciated.

People always need to learn English it's part of modern day culture

If you're already fluent in English, the course is probably a waste of money. If they are promising to place you after you complete the course, then be wary because they are looking to make a buck off you.

most schools prefer teachers to have a degree so that could limit you if you want to get work with the bigger organisations, but there are som many schools in Hong Kong and China that you should get a job with a tefl qualification. probably best to do the certificate through an agency who will then help you to get work. I've been teaching in Russia for 9 years and it's a great life

Yes. All TEFL jobs now ask for it because there are so many with the qualification. The Times Educational Supplement often advertises TEFL jobs abroad (only 1 this week, not abroad) and they always demand the qualification.

Search the Internet for TEFL diplomas. There are quite a few inexpensive ones, but make sure they are accredited by the British Council.

Yes, courses are quite expensive, but they ARE worth it, as you are then qualified to teach EFL, regardless of having a degree or not. The best course to do would be CELTA, which enables you to teach at all levels. There's no exam, but lots of teaching practice and written assignments, all of which are assessed and graded. Try International House, either in London or anywhere around the world. It's one of the most respected schools anywhere in the world.

I would defintly get one. I taught english in Japan for 3 years and if I had a TEFL I would have gotten paid lots more money. Also you can work in more places than in just those corporate schools.
If you could do the CELTA you would get more for a CELTA then a TEFL. But if you are only going to teach English for v rest of your life I would get a Masters so that you can get a job teaching the teachers who want to teach English. Especially in Asia it pays more.