Tips For A TEFL Budget

Teaching EFL is usually not the profession to get rich in. It’s possible to save some money, and in a few countries even amounts that will make a difference at home, but in general you need to watch your spending if you want to save anything.

Books
Join the British Council – save money because you won’t need to buy new books and newspapers and meet other English speakers at the same time.

Travel
See if you are eligible for a teacher discount card (or under-26 card). As the ability to travel or proximity to other places is often a reason behind people going into TEFL, it doesn’t make sense to me to say don’t do it. Bootsnall is a great place for cheap air tickets everywhere, cheap international airfare, or other international air tickets. You can also compare hostels for price and availability through Bootsnall.

Eating out

The relative cost will vary, as will the relative benefit (depending on whether you can cook). It’s hard to believe that it is always cheaper to eat out…try to bring your lunch with you and if you go out to eat, try a local place, not an international chain or cuisine.

Local Transport
Get a monthly pass! It will almost certainly save you money…invest the time in finding out how to do it. Taxis tend to be more expensive across the board.

Alcohol
There’s no good rule here but many teachers feel this is where the bulk of their unnecessary spending goes. Suggesting that you drink at home or alone sounds like advice for alcoholics, so I’m going to say just be aware of your spending here