i-to-i experiences?

[woola]

I toying with the idea of teaching English abroad. I've been looknig at the Polish and Hungarian placements offered by i-to-i and I'm wondering if anyone could give me some honest advice about them, whether you've been on these placements with i-to-i, or done other work through them, or other experiences in these countries?

[filthiestfis]

Im also interested in answers to this question.

[carinadee]

I went to Costa Rica with i to i on a six month exp to teach English and help in an orphanage. I returned after one month.

I was extremely disappointed, the average age of i to i-ers was 19 years old (I was 39); I was the only 1 doing 6 months in 1 place (maybe my fault but i really wanted to have a go at making a difference) but they didnt suggest a variety etc.

I was told i would have separate accomm to my host family, this was 400 dollars a month (the family were lovely) but hubbie sat surfing on the pc all day with 800 dollars from us. .

i to i failed to tell me that there would be another volunteer staying at the host family house; an 18 year old lad who had to access his room via mine.

After a week staying at a youth hostel "bonding" I went to start at the orphange but was called in to the offices of the orphange. They were disgusted to find out i (+ other volunteers) had paid �2000 to i to i for some admin fees and some insurance. i to i gave them no financial help and they said they needed money more and volunteers were suspended. i to i sent me to a house where a woman babysat about 10 children but again the family just looked at me as i tried to entertain the children (again they expected that i should have brought over games and toys etc from the UK, which i did and lots of my friends donated things), and then to school but really it wasnt what i had come to do, and although my level of Spanish was pretty good i did find it hard.

In hindsight i should have contacted orphanges etc inthe country of choice and got a flight, i to i were of no help whatsoever and the online TEFL course wasnt very good you need to put it into practice if you have never taught before not sit on a computer.

I know a lot of my fellow volunteers ended up leaving, doing their own thing, or sitting around alot ....

but i wish you luck in whatever you do.. i did

[woola]

Hmmm...unfortunately that's now not the only bad experience I've heard of, although to be fair I've heard good things too. Think I'll shop around a bit more.

In the mean time, anymore thought on TEFL in Poland/Hungary/Eastern Europe in general? Any recommendations?