Frequently Asked Questions

Considerations during the course

How to enrol

Who can enrol?

Our Study Overseas Program is open to anyone who meets the criteria set out in the enrolment form, here . You do not need a university degree or any previous teaching experience; the only requirement is that you speak fluent English. You must also have a sense of adventure and desire to travel, explore new cultures and teach English!

Is there an age limit?

The Study Overseas Program, unlike our courses based in Australia and New Zealand, is delivered in an intensive manner with the practical teaching component directly after the in-class component and being concluded in a tighter timeframe. Our experience is that those under 21 years old and over 55 years old may struggle with the intensity and time frames involved overseas. We require all people considering enroling in the Study Overseas Program that are outside the 21-55 age bracket to speak with a Teach International staff member to discuss the emotional, mental and physical demands involved before enroling.

How do I enrol?

You will need to fill out our registration form, here, and fax, email or post this form to Teach International. Australian-based students can pay by money order, bank cheque, credit card (Visa, Mastercard or Amex) or direct deposit. You can register and pay cash in person at the Brisbane office, or at the information sessions held around Australia and New Zealand. You can also call or email the office to get registration forms, direct deposit details or pay over the phone.

What are the payment options for the Study Overseas Program?

Register and pay for your course in full to receive a 5% discount off the cost of the course, not including the overseas fee. However, an initial $800 payment can be made to secure your position. Full payment is due 14 days before the start date of the course but payments can be made in parts up until that date.

Can I enrol if I do not live in Australia or New Zealand?

It does not matter where in the world you live, as long as you meet the enrolment criteria set out in our enrolment form here, you are able to participate in our Study Overseas Program.

How do I pay if I am not currently based in Australia or New Zealand?

The advertised course price is in Australian dollars and all local and international students will pay need to pay this price. You can choose to pay by International Money Transfer into our bank account, details here, or by entering your credit card details on the enrolment forms, or by calling us on +61 7 3211 4633.

When should I enrol?

We do stress the benefits of enroling for your course as soon as you are able to and starting the online components of the course immediately. By starting the online early you will be able to complete the certificate sooner after attending the Study Overseas Program and feel more prepared and confident for the in-class course and the practical teaching overseas. Additionally, you must complete your Grammar unit prior to joining us overseas for the in-class course and practice teaching.

We are unable to guarantee when the course will be fully booked. Therefore, to ensure your place on the Program and not be disappointed, you will want to book as soon as possible.

However, you can enrol for any of our Study Overseas Programs at any time up to 14 days before the commencement date of the course.

I am a solo traveler. Is this a problem?

Many of Teach International’s students on the Study Overseas Program are solo travelers. We organise group dinners including a meal on the first night, which is a great way to meet your fellow travellers and make friends in a new city. As most of our students are solo travelers, many students organise to meet up outside the normal course hours and explore together.

We want to travel as a couple/group, is this a problem?

We are happy to have family, friends or couple groups on our Study Overseas Program. In fact, we offer a $50 family and friends’ discount for people who enrol with another person.

Are the dates guaranteed?

Teach International is providing the Study Overseas Program in response to interest from our students who would like to complete their TESOL course and practice teaching overseas in a non-English speaking country. We love being able to give our students the opportunity to complete their course with us overseas, however, we need you to contact us when you are genuinely interested in doing the Study Overseas Program. We will guarantee any Study Overseas destination 30 days before the departure date. BUT we can only guarantee departure 30 days beforehand if we have minimum numbers registered to attend the course. (Please note that this guarantee cannot apply if the course is cancelled for reasons beyond our control – please see terms and conditions).

So contact us now and get your adventure started today!

What type of people will I be traveling with?

Teach International students who participate in the Study Overseas Program come from all ages and walks of life. However, they are like-minded adventurers with a desire to travel, experience new cultures, and to learn how to teach English. Previous courses have been fairly evenly male and female, younger through to more mature, a range of nationalities, largely solo travelers, and we also had friends, and a mother and daughter complete the course together overseas.

I am not a new student to Teach International, can I still enrol?

Teach International students who have already completed the in-class component will need to register their interest for the Study Overseas Program waiting list. We will then be able to advise, closer to the start date of the course, if there any places available for students who have already completed the in-class component. Costs will then be applicable as below:

Foundation:

If you are currently enroled as a Foundation student with Teach International, you can enrol in the Study Overseas Program by upgrading to Certificate III or Certificate IV. You will complete a refresher in-class component, the additional online work and the practice teaching hours. The Study Overseas Program will cost:

Upgrade to Certificate III in TESOL from Foundation in TESOL - $1350
Upgrade to Certificate IV in TESOL from Foundation in TESOL - $2050

Certificate III or IV student who has not yet attended the in-class component:

You are able to change your in-class date to the overseas destination and pay the balance of your course plus the ‘in-country training payment’. You will need to request date changes a minimum of 10 days before your scheduled in-class component, and a minimum of 14 days before the overseas course start date.

Certificate III or IV student who has graduated the in-class component:

If you are a currently enroled Teach International Certificate III or Certificate IV student who has not completed all practice teaching hours, you can enrol in the Study Overseas Program. You will complete a refresher in-class component and the practice teaching hours. The Study Overseas Program will cost:

Certificate III in TESOL Students - $750
Certificate IV in TESOL Students - $750

Certificate III students can also upgrade to Certificate IV and complete the Study Overseas Program:

Upgrade to Certificate IV in TESOL from Certificate III in TESOL - $1450

TOP

Pre-departure considerations:

Is my accommodation included, and how do I book it?

Accommodation is not included in the cost for the Study Overseas Program. However, when you register we provide an academic guide which includes accommodation suggestions located near the venue for the course. However, you are free to stay wherever you wish during the course and your travel agent may be able to recommend good accommodation options for you.

Are my flights included, and how do I book them?

Flights are not included in the cost for the Study Overseas Program. You are able to book flights through any airline or travel agent you wish. We do recommend ensuring your flight lands in time for you to attend the first group dinner and leaves after the graduation dinner. See the city itineraries for specific dates.

Do I have to purchase travel insurance?

It is compulsory to have travel insurance for the Study Overseas Program. Please ensure you source and apply for the correct travel insurance. It is good to have cover that provides peace of mind when travelling in a foreign country. Teach International offers a 20% discount on travel insurance with QBE if you book on our website.

You will need to send your receipt of insurance to us at least 14 days prior to the start of the course (refer to Terms and Conditions).

Do I need a passport?

You must possess a passport with a minimum of six months validity from when you enter the country. If you do not have a passport and need to apply for one, visit Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Australia) or get an application form from your nearest post office (not from the embassy). Remember that this process can take up to a couple of weeks unless you want to pay an additional fee for expediency, so ensure you have set aside enough time to apply and collect your passport.

Do I need a VISA?

Depending on which destination you are interested in and how long you wish to stay for you may need a visa. Your travel agent is a good source of information on visa requirements, or contact the appropriate embassy or consulate in your home country. Different visa regulations may apply for different nationalities.

Vietnam

A visa is required for all citizens wanting to enter Vietnam. You can apply for one by mail or in person. To find out more visit the website of the Vietnamese Embassy in your country – Vietnamese Embassy Australia (Consular Services); Vietnamese Embassy New Zealand (email for Visa Forms).

Turkey

Some passport holders are exempt from needing a tourist visa for the first 30 days in Turkey. However, the visa requirements differ greatly depending on your nationality and it is advised to contact your local embassy to find out more - Turkish Embassy Australia (Consulate); Turkish Embassy New Zealand (email for Visa Forms).

Do I need immunizations?

Vaccinations are an important factor for any traveler and different countries have various requirements for vaccination. For more information visit your local GP or Travel Doctor to find out more about vaccinations, travel health advice and current health alerts for overseas travel, visit The Travel Doctor (Australian website, New Zealand website) for your nearest Travel Doctor clinic. You can also visit the embassy website for more information on vaccinations.

What do I need to take?

When you enrol we send you a Pre-Departure Guide with suggestions for items you should bring with you to successfully complete your course and enjoy your time overseas. You should also check out Travellers Point for more ideas on essential items to travel with.

How do I find out more information about the destination?

When you enrol for your course you will be given access to our Student Centre and will be able to access detailed information in the County Guides. You will also receive a Welcome Guide for your destination in the post. This gives you specific information for that city including on how to get around, where to eat and drink, and how to make the most of your time there.

Before you enrol extra information can be found on the Quick Country Facts from each city, or do a ‘Google’ search on the internet.

TOP

The Study Overseas Course:

Specific details on what is involved with the courses can be found here:
Please read this as it may answer many of your questions regarding the course details.

What certificate level can I complete?

You can choose to complete the Certificate III in TESOL or Certificate IV in TESOL overseas. If you are currently enroled or have completed our Foundation Certificate you are able to upgrade to Certificate III or IV and participate in the Study Overseas Program.

What parts of the course do we complete overseas?

You will complete the five day in-class component of the course and all the practice teaching hours associated with your certificate level. You will also complete a special lesson planning workshop only available in our Study Overseas Program.

How much of the online course should I complete before going overseas?

It is up to you how much you choose to complete, but the more you complete the better for you. Your increased knowledge will only boost your confidence and ability when completing the practice teaching hours overseas.

We do stress finishing the grammar component before attending the course overseas.

Will I be offered a job overseas by participating in the Study Overseas Program?

Previous course attendees have been offered employment at the end of completing the course, however Teach International does not guarantee an offer of employment after the course. Teach International’s standard Money-Back Job Guarantee does apply.

If you arrive with the majority of your online units completed and an updated resume, it is likely you will be able to find work once you are there. It is advised to look for schools and jobs on the local expat sites and go see them in person.

Can I complete the course and get my certificate while overseas?

Yes, all online components remaining can be completed from overseas. When you have completed and passed all necessary units we can post your certificate to you internationally.

If you are hoping to obtain your certificate soon after completing the Study Overseas Program, you will want to finish all your online electives and the grammar unit before you go. You will then be able to complete your Certificate III Auxiliary and Certificate IV Units while overseas in a shorter space of time.

How do I access the internet overseas?

Internet cafes are plentiful in all the destination cities and your hotel may allow you access to the internet through their computers or through wireless internet.

It is advisable to bring a laptop with you but it is not compulsory. Having your own computer will help you with your lesson preparation. Make sure you bring a USB stick for any printing you may want done.

Where will the practice teaching happen?

There are different practice teaching arrangements in all destinations. You may be teaching in private language schools, public or government schools, or in community classes. You may be teaching children or adults. We will try our best to provide you with a variety of teaching options, but it is subject to availability.

How much free time will I have?

The day of the Welcome Dinner will be a free day, apart from the compulsory attendance at dinner. During the five day in-class component, free time is scheduled for lunch and in the afternoon/evenings. A free day is scheduled between the five day in-class and the practice teaching workshop. Free time will also be available when you are not practice teaching during the practice teaching week. Do not book any full day tours or extended tours out of the destination city during the three weeks of the course and practice teaching.

You will need to allocate time on some evenings for extra preparation (especially on the first Saturday of the course). Remember, although this course is an adventure it is also an academic course which requires some work and dedication.

Can I travel during the course days?

You are welcome to book tours and travel prior to or after the course in-class and practice teaching days. However, please ensure you are available on every day of the course except for the official 'days off' as outlined in the course itinerary.

Even though you may have days free during the practice teaching component, please do not make any travel plans as schedules can change at a moments notice. Check all travel plans with your trainer.

TOP

Considerations during the course:

What does the course cost cover?

The price you pay for the course includes all the materials you require to successfully complete the entire TESOL Course. Specifically, it covers the cost of your trainer, all course materials, all in-class, online and practice teaching components and the Certificate. It also includes the organization of the overseas destination, organization of practice teaching, organization of venues for the in-class and practice teaching, a welcome meal, a graduation meal, the lesson planning workshop, and staff assistance throughout the course. Please note there are additionally costs in relation to practice teaching preparation, outlined below.

What is not included?

All meals apart from the Welcome and Graduation Dinners. All activities undertaking during free time. Transport to and from airports, hotels, venues and schools.

We advise allocating $AU75-100 towards resources created or purchased during the in-class component, including printing and photocoping, and towards transportation to/from practice teaching locations.

What assistance will the trainers provide?

The trainers will be available to assist you with the course, practice teaching and suggestions for getting around and experiencing the city during the in-class course hours, lesson planning workshop, practice teaching hours and at specially scheduled times during the practice teaching week. During free time the trainers will only be available in emergency situations.

TOP

Post Course Considerations:

After the course, can I return home?

You are not obliged to stay overseas once you have completed the course. You can choose to travel home and then travel overseas to teach again at a later date if you wish.

Can I stay and find work after the course?

If you wish to stay on and find work in that city you are definitely able to; you may even be able to make some great contacts during your practice teaching time. If you traveled on a tourist visa you will need to change this visa once you have found work; this may mean leaving the country (you need only exit to the closest neighbouring country) to pick up your new visa making you eligible to work. Detailed information on working visas can be found in the Student Centre and accessed by enroled students.

Do I have to work in the same country the course is held in?

Once you have completed your certificate you are able to work anywhere you wish, as long as you meet the visa requirements of that country. Your experience from practice teaching in a non-English speaking country can only help your CV and make you more attractive to potential employers. You may choose to move on to a neighbouring country to the course location or to the other side of the planet. The world is truly your oyster!

Have we answered your question? If not, please call us on (AU) 1300 558 890 or (NZ) 0800 832 243 or (International) +61 7 3211 4644, or send us an email.

Please note that when you enrol we will provide you with much more specific advice on the city in which you will attend the course. This will include additional information on obtaining visas, travel insurance, accommodation, what to take, a Welcome Guide and much more. We will also be available to assist you with any questions you may have.

TOP