My husband and I are thinking of becoming TEFL certified. We are thinking about teaching english somewhere in Asia. Has anyone done this before? If so, what was it like and how much did you get paid? And also, did you take your child with you? I have a 3 year old and want to do this and take him with me before he starts kindergarten. Thanks in advance!

I've taught in South Korea for 3 years. The salary may seem pretty low (I think right now the average salary for ESL teachers in S. Korea is about $30-35K per year, a little higher for the TESL certified), but you should remember that most of these language schools would pay for your tickets to the country of your choice, pay for your housing, sometimes for your food (we got lunches at our school), medical insurance and other benefits. You will not spend money on a lot of things in Asia. Public transportation is easy and cheap, no need for a car. You can always find private students too - extra income. In S. Korea I got paid about $40-50 per hour teaching privates. I saved much more working in S.Korea than right now in the U.S. (even though my US salary is higher than my Korean one).

I didn't have a child when I was in Asia, but I knew several teachers who had. They didn't have any problems with their kids at all.

I am TESOL certified and have been teaching ESL at centers and universities in Vietnam for 6 years so I think I can answer you adequately. First is the money, forget it. I get paid $8-$10 per hour. You can make a little more but only if you want to be a slave. You didn't say what country your from and unfortunately it matters here. The flavor of choice right now in Vietnam is white American, (my apologies to anyone else, I'm just being honest here). Young white American females are really the top of the ladder. Bringing a small child is a real challenge unless you stay in H.C.M. city where you can get proper schooling and health care. I would definitely come with a B.A. and ESL certification if you can and I would strongly suggest you come on a vacation first and check it out first have before you make a total commitment.
Having said all this let me say I love it and can't see my self leaving anytime soon.
Best of luck
Russ

I have taught English overseas for several years, and I really enjoy it. I taught in Taiwan, Japan, and Hong Kong. The money varies from place to place, but I was usually able to save at least a few hundred dollars (U.S.) a month. I am single without children, so I can't answer your other question.

I would encourage you to think about your priorities. Do you want to make a lot of money? Have a comfortable, easy lifestyle? Live close to nature? Then go to one of the sites below and read articles on teaching English in different countries. Also, go to some message boards, such as those on Dave's ESL Cafe and ask lots of questions. Keep in mind there are some scams out there, so don't decide to take a job too quickly.