A Dubliner has taken a positive view of the current economy by fulfilling one of his passions – living and working in Asia.
26 year old Michael Igoe of Raheny was fed up of being unable to secure a job in desktop support in Ireland.
So instead, he is now living his ambition and is teaching English at a school in Iksan, South Korea.
Michael gained a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) qualification through County Waterford based i-to-i, and is now into his first month of work.
Apart from his life-changing adventure, Michael was canny enough to realise that he can earn enough to pay living costs in South Korea, and bills in Ireland.
Michael’s potential earnings are €1200 per month. And with outgoings at €600, and accommodation and return flight paid for, it suits his pocket perfectly.
Michael is one of a growing number of people from a professional background, deciding on a different direction during the economic squeeze, and having a rewarding English teaching experience abroad.
He said: “South Korea seemed an obvious choice. The idea of teaching, seeing a different country in its real day-to-day life, and learning something new every day is fantastic.”
To secure his placement, Michael enrolled on i-to-i’s 120 hour course, and also took advantage of the company’s free job placement service. He said: “I can’t recommend this enough. It’s simple and very straightforward.”
The TEFL qualification and his BSc in Business Information Systems from the National College of Ireland, were the only main criteria for the role.
His new lifestyle is very different: “My first few days were a culture shock – everything seemed so different. I’m settling in very quickly and the satisfaction out of my current job is infinitely better than my last.”
After his one year placement, Michael explained: “I’ll look to teach English. It opens up many opportunities that you don’t have in a normal job.”
For further information on how Michael gained his life-changing TEFL certificate through i-to-i, visit www.teflcourses.com or call 058 40050.
