I'm currently a secondary school teacher in the UK, and have decided, for many reasons, I want to teach English abroad. I've been working in my EAL department for a few months so have got a bit of experience at teaching basic English, and obviously 4 yrs in the profession means I have plenty of experience teaching young people. I am doing to CELTA in Madrid in August - and basically I'm just after any hints/tips/advice anyone could offer in the following queries:

1) I have heard that late Sep/Oct is when Madrid schools recruit - so I am considering staying on after the course, but though it's an exciting thought, it's also a little daunting turning up somewhere and having to look for both somewhere to live and to work! Anyone done this? Or know anyone that has - I'm planning that by the time I start the course I will have absolutely no debts/financial ties and have a little saved, but is there a 'minimum' amount anyone would recommend having to cover the time waiting to get paid? (assuming I do of course get a job!)

2) Korea - bit of a contrast to Madrid I know, but before I considered staying on in Madrid, I had been reading a lot on forums etc and the idea of a year in Korea appealed. Given that they tend to recruit for Feb/Aug start dates - my other plan of attack following the CELTA was to come back to the UK in September and hope to get a job for the following February - any advice on such a massive cultural change, i.e. essential things to know/plan for/learn would be appreciated, or anyone's experiences (positive or negative!). Also - is it being too laid back if I 'assume' I'd actually get a job in Korea? Is it really competitive?

3) Teachery question now - I am reading lots on different forums and websites to try and get as much info as I can - but I am just wondering if there is anything I can prepare, lesson plans and resources wise, before I begin a job? Obviously being a teacher in the UK, I'm aware of certain 'tools' that would be useful if I was to teach my subject anywhere else, and am after the same kind of thing for teaching English - do there tend to be set schemes of work or syllabi? Where would I be able to see examples of these? (I have tried searching!) I know it's very advance thinking, but if I was able to make or have a nice pack of resources that I could take wherever I went, I'd feel more confident and prepared!

Any advice would be very greatly received!

Thanks

Mel x