The World is a Class: How and Why to Teach English Around the World

Rating:
Summary: Good stuff, read it before you sign on the dotted line
Review: A friend showed me this book AFTER I had already done a tour as a teacher in Korea. I wish I had read it before I went. Powell gives a lot of practical information on the process of getting a job without getting scammed but the parts I enjoyed most were the stories he told about the people and situations he has experienced. He has taught in several countries and some of the cultural comparisons are downright profound. I came back to the states after a tour but reading this book makes me wish I had made a career of it.
This book would make a perfect college graduation present- give it to that young man or woman who you fear is about to do something really boring with their life- it may plant a seed in their head and give them a lot of memories

Rating:
Summary: Worth the money
Review: I came to Japan this month and bought this book, and it turns out it has helped save me some headaches, specifically, my apartment was poorly furnished, and far from my school. If not for the book I might have accepted 'what you see is what you get' and said nothing. Instead, I told my employer I was not happy, and ended up getting the apartment furnished to my liking and better hours to facilitate my commute time. Complaining immediately seemed to make a difference. I don't know what the previous review was upset about, there is a difference between wanting to make a buck and wanting to avoid being exploited. Maybe the reviewer would have been happy as a Red Guard in China, there anyone who 'made a buck' was punished. THe only problem with the book is it could be longer, but has enough valuable information that it's money well spent.

Rating:
Summary: A must read for travelling English teachers
Review: I should have read this book BEFORE teaching English in Taiwan. This is the best guidebook about teaching English in a foreign country. I am from South Africa and I did a lot of research before coming to Taiwan. I have travelled before, but I didn't know anything about teaching, working hours, contracts, recruitors, etc. If I had read this book beforehand, I would have been better prepared for my teaching experience in Taiwan. (Believe me, I've learned the hard (and expensive) way!) Everyone interested in teaching English in a foreign country MUST read this book. This will save you a lot of trouble and money!

Rating:
Summary: An outstanding primer on Where, Who, Why, Where and How
Review: I took a TESL (teaching English as a second language) position in Bogota, Columbia and learned much of what is in this book the hard way. If you are new to TESL then by all means read this book!

Caleb Powell has covered most all of the needed information to help you move forward to new worlds. He covers topics from "Why Teach Overseas" ("I saw islands and temples, climbed mountains, ate raw fish and beetle larvae and took a vacation in Taiwan."), to contract negotiations (an especially helpful section in this book).

Helpful are the short quips from other teachers around the world who have learned the various life lessons and the ins and outs of TESL.What is missing is an important appendix section that covers `web' resources. Only `Dave's ESL Café' is noted in the book. Strongly Recommended.

Rating:
Summary: Don't waste your money ...
Review: The only thing I got out of this book (and I work with people who want to teach/work overseas) was that the author wanted to make a buck. If I could, I would have given it no stars. Don't waste your time or your money.