Well, I have completed another Specialist Module from i-to-i!! I have finished the Teaching in Spain Specialist Module; so I am now up to 110 hours (if I have worked it out properly). I have been thinking about what I am going to do when my mum retires…I want to save her as much money as possible and TEFLing around the world sounds like an amazing thing to do and save her money at the same time; as I will be living in another country.

As mum retires in April; I could apply for an internship through i-to-i. There are many places I would like to visit: China, Poland, Thailand and Vietnam. These are the places where i-to-i have internships in.

China is not until August 2014; the monthly allowance is 2,000RMB (which is about 202 GBP) but before I even start the internship I would have to budget 2,400RMB (about 242 GBP) for visa costs; however there will be a 2,500 RMB (about 252 GBP) bonus from the school at the end of the internship. So far so good…but I don’t know if I would work for 202 GBP each month. The cost of living is low in China and I would be all okay with that; as I would bring “British” things with me (like pain killers and tea bags) and only ask mum to send over some other items every now and again. However; I don’t need a degree for this internship, but if I was to apply for a job in China I would definitely need my degree then.

Five and half months in Poland sounds more my things; as it is a short flight and I could still talk to my family on the phone or over Skype. A living allowance of 7500 Polish Zlotys (which is about 760 GBP) split into 5 monthly instalments, and receive a 1000 PLN (100 GBP approx) bonus from the school at the end of the internship. I have been to Poland before with University and I would love to go back again. Five and half months away is not that much; I would gain experience and I would be able to apply for jobs further afield. I have been trying to learn Polish while I am working at my current job – it is difficult as I can only listen (“learn”) at the weekend. A private room in a shared apartment does sound appealing though…24/7 support in the country is also something that I would love as if I had any problems I would go straight to them.

• A reputable teaching placement set up for you You’ll be placed with at least one other intern in your area
• A monthly spending allowance for your living expenses You’ll receive a 12,000 Thai Baht every month as a living allowance. You’ll also receive a completion bonus of 5,000 THB at the end of the program
• Accommodation provided You’ll live in a private bedroom in shared accommodation
• Full in-country support With airport pickup and transfers, a full orientation upon arrival and a school contact to help you get settled, you’ll get all the support you need from the minute your plane touches down!
• Fantastic 6-day orientation Your chance to mingle with other interns, enjoy a welcome dinner and a Thai cultural show, learn some basic Thai phrases and try some Thai dancing lessons!
• City tour of Bangkok Visit some of the Key temples in this bustling city, combined with an afternoon in Khaosan Road

This is something more my thing; but I do not know if my mum could handle me being over there…I would be careful of the food but then that can happen anywhere…

• A reputable internship setup for you 3.5 – 4 months teaching in Vietnam and heaps of practical teaching experience
• In-country support + local support This is where you’ll see the benefit of travelling on an internship program. TTV are there to support you throughout your placement. You’ll also have a local contact at your school to help you with any issues
• Monthly spending allowance You’ll receive a monthly allowance of 6million Dong + a further 6million Dong bonus from your school at the end of your internship. This allowance will be prorated (e.g. if you were to work half a month, for example, you’ll receive half a month’s allowance). It’s important to note that the cost of living in Vietnam is considerably lower than that in Western parts of the world – a bottle of mineral water can cost less than 10,000 Dong
• Accommodation You’ll have a private room in a shared apartment with your fellow interns.
• Comprehensive one-week orientation in Vietnam TTV will run you through the essentials of living and teaching in Vietnam, including in-depth presentations and workshops to ensure you’re ready to start teaching in Vietnam. TTV will also provide you with all of your meals during this period
• 2 days of practical TEFL training When you arrive in Vietnam, i-to-i will provide you with the 20-hour Classroom Course during your orientation program – this way you can be sure that these essential, practical skills stay fresh in your mind!
• Fun Vietnamese lessons You’ll have conversational Vietnamese lessons during your orientation to give you basic language skills to enjoy day-to-day life in Vietnam
• Explore Vietnam – On arrival in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh, you’ll go on a tour of the city with our TTV partners! After your tour you’ll also have one free afternoon to explore – use your time to discover yummy Vietnamese street food and explore the bustling Asian streets – or if you’d prefer you can join our staff on a visit to a local market. If you’re still not tired then get ready for the evening entertainment ‘Vietnam style’, it’s the perfect chance to get to know the other interns (and make some good friends)!
• Airport pick up and transfers to your school
• Visa assistance TTV will help arrange your visa.
• A network of new friends You’ll be joined by interns from the USA, UK, Canada, Ireland, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand and Europe, and you’ll also definitely be placed with at least one other intern so you’re not on your own – unless you want to be!

Important Visa Information:

You’ll enter Vietnam on a 3 month single-entry visa, for which TTV will send you a letter of invitation from the department of immigration which you print off and bring with you.

You’ll present this letter upon arrival and pay between US-$45-$50 in cash for your landing visa.

After 3 months, your visa will be extended in-country through sponsorship by your TTV program in association with the Ministry of Education and each participating school. The visa extension and work permit cost is US $350. This is payable in cash on arrival in Vietnam during orientation week.

You’ll also need to budget US$150 – $200 to have your documents notarised in your home country before arriving into Vietnam.

Sadly; the additional payments are something I would not be fully happy about. I would sell a lot of my things here in the UK; which I have already done…

What do you all think??