Hi! Decided to enter world of TEFL as I adore children and h...

Hi Dee,
welcome to the ESL world. I have taught ESL in Taiwan and have been researching other markets: Middle East, China to name just two. The bureaucracy seems to vary even province to province in China, with age limits depending on local whim. Shen-Zhen doesn’t want teachers over 60 but the province next door says 65. And individual employers can decide their own limits. Plus, it may vary year to year as the supply of teachers goes up or down. Age is just one thing that varies, visas are another. But do not despair, I think you can find what you want there seems to be a huge market, if you are flexible. I would look at Taiwan if I were you. I met several teachers from RSA there and they had good situations I think.
Also, read the articles at a website called Middle Kingdom Life dot com

Dee, I would stay as far away from the middle kingdom as possible. It is a land of opportunism and guanxi and a total lack of regulation. (Think the wild West). Also, women have a particularly hard time with the racism, bigotry, ageism, and sexism. I've lived here for 7 years only because of my wife, but we are both keen to get away from the hate.

Yes to most of what you said, but in my experience we are not on the receiving end of it. I'm at a legit school, my needs are met, I'm mostly given what was promised. There is animosity from local teachers because the difference in benefits is huge, but I justify it by saying that, to leave my own country and come somewhere so unfamiliar to meet the demand for English teachers, the package does need to be attractive. I miss SA so much though! I struggled more with the food and not understanding the language but I don't regret coming here. As long as you get legit employment, the experience here will be what you make of it.

I couldn't disagree more, Todd. I have lived in China for 12 years and love it, and while there may be things others would object to enough to make them leave, I've NEVER heard before the claim that 'women have a particularly hard time'. There is minimal sexism, and none that would affect an expat teacher. Almost the only sexist and bigoted comments I hear are from middle-aged expat men, too many of whom who settle here with the intention of finding themselves a younger, attractive woman who will be impressed by their 'exoticism', purchasing power and foreign passport. I should add that this is by far the safest country for women I have ever visited. Being able to walk around pretty much anywhere after dark without looking over your shoulder for possible assailants is a huge luxury for many Western women.

Hello OP, I worked in China with two different schools and I absolutely loved the experience. I am an Indian teacher but I had no issues with regards to racism (overt racism at least), though the parents at Disney English, Shanghai were a little concerned when I first started. But their misgivings were soon dispelled as I have the classroom experience, passion and the credentials to teach kids. I worked with English First and Disney English and both are stellar organisations to work for. My family was with me when I was with Disney (2013-2014) and we'll loved every minute of it. Pollution is a concern though - a huge one. My 3 yr old and I fell sick multiple times and it is one of the reason we decided to move back home. I'm currently teaching IBDP classes in an international school but I'm already plotting an 'escape' from home:-) All the best with whatever you chose to do. Mathew