1. I will not take a TESOL course until I KNOW I like TEFL teaching. I know I can always go back
and take a TESOL later if I want one that badly.

2. I will never sign a teaching contract before actually inspecting the school I'm interested in. This is especially true in SK.

3. I will buy my own plane ticket to SK instead of relying on a 'director-provided' ticket, a ticket I may have to sign a contract for before getting (see #2 above).

4. I will always read a TESOL mill's website's fine print and never moan when I can't get a deposit back from a TESOL outfit if I decide not to read that fine print, pay the deposit, then not take the course (see #1 above).

5. I will always ask for second and third opinions of schools from teachers who work at those schools. If a school can't (won't) provide me with contact info of present/former teachers, I will forgo visiting that particular school.

6. I will never go a foreign country to teach ESL nearly broke. I understand it is important to have plenty of cash on hand in case I have to make a quick escape via the airport.

7. I will make it my goal to inform others of my fortunes and misfortunes in TEFL. I will never 'keep secrets', a lame attempt to eliminate my competition.

8. I will ALWAYS be fully aware of my host country's requirements for visas and work permits before leaving my own home country.

9. I will NEVER pay the US price for items if I buy them in the third-world.

10. I will not attempt to become a TEFL teacher unless I am firmly committed to teaching. I will not be discouraged if my students don't want to learn English. I will never think their own lack of initiative is 'my fault', and I will always place blame where it belongs--on the students.