I want to teach English abroad but I can't afford $2500 plus all the airfare and visa fees once I find a job placement.

Does anyone know if there is a way to qualify for financial aid and earn a CELTA or TEFL certificate?

If not, does anyone know of legitimate program that will let me work in exchange for getting qualified? Some programs claim that they will do a work exchange, but it seemed like it was just a scam to get you to go to their website.

If you take your CELTA or TEFL certificate through a university, you should get financial aid. However, if you take the programs that are offered from smaller companies that are not affiliate with a university, most likely will not get any help.

There is another way to do things too. Some countries offer your certification while you teach. I saw a program in Cambodia a few months back that gives you the course and while you teach. But I am not sure if it is good or not. There are some places in South Korea that lets you teach while you study too as along as you have a bachelor. Also, look into Thailand, and China. You may have to pay for your flights to go. You are just going to have to research more on that one. Hope it helps