Job Discussion Forums

[AnzaExo]

Hello,

I've been considering moving to Myanmar as an English teacher. I traveled through the country earlier this year and was absolutely fascinated by the people and their culture.

I understand I will need to get my tefl certification which is not a problem, though I am having trouble writing my resume for an efl position. I'm a US citizen that graduated from a well-known university in California around a year and a half ago. I majored in economics and have nearly two years of combined internship and work experience (financial services). Although I don't have any professional teaching experience, I've always found I had a knack for presentations and speaking in front of people. My first question is, how would you recommend structuring my resume for an efl position without any direct experience?

Points of emphasis on my resume so far are:
My education, traveling through Myanmar extensively, finance/economics work experience


Also, I was wondering the feasibility of opening my own English/mathematics/business/computer specialized private school. Is this common among foreign teachers? Or do they typically teach somewhere for a year or two and move on to another location. I understand that I will need to learn some Burmese and find good local partners to work with.

Thirdly, which tefl certification do you recommend? 120 hours seems to be the best choice, should I work towards tesol as well? Other than eslcafe do you know of a good website to find teaching opportunities in Myanmar?

If I can't find the right opportunity online I would have no problem entering the country on a tourist visa and searching "door to door" for a position, I was offered multiple jobs while traveling through the country and know there is a lot of opportunity to be had. I would really rather arrange a contract and accommodation online before entering the country though.

If any of you are currently working in Myanmar I would love to learn more about your experience. I would appreciate any advice you guys have =)

Thanks!

[suphanburi]

[AnzaExo]

I really appreciate your reply, thanks for the advice.

[plumpy nut]

I chased you down from the Newbie Forum. It would be best not to jump into the ESL world without giving it some thought. With that in mind it might be best to forego a TEFL Certificate and pursuit a Master's Degree in Education that includes a licensing component. The licensing component at the school that I am familiar with is included in the Elementary Education Masters, but of course there are different Universities. The problem is TEFL's CELTA's even TESOL's are becoming very common in the ESL teaching field, almost a dime a dozen. Along with a degree it will get you a job in SE Asia, but not one where you will get much respect nor treated well in, or for that matter paid well - and whether or not they like CELTA's or TESOL's isn't going to change that. Your fascination with Myanmar is easy to understand. When I was in Thailand I was fascinated with the culture also. If you have ever read the "Culture Shock" books, I'm sure there is one on Myanmar, your fascination with the culture may remain, but you will likely become disenfranchised with having to live in the country after around 6 months or so of teaching and being in the country. That is why it is best to be flexible in the area of Education. It is best to enter the field with more credentials and if you like teaching there great, if not you can come back and teach in your own country for a while get more experience teaching in your country and come back to Asia and if you have enough experience get a better job perhaps at an International School, beware there are a lot of fake International Schools out there. At any rate plan for the long term, and don't put all your eggs into one basket, you will be better off, believe me.

[AnzaExo]

[bacasper]

I'm thinking of heading there, too. What are some good sites to look for teaching jobs in Myanmar, and what can one expect in terms of hours, salary, conditions, etc., with appropriate credentials, that is (i.e., degree, CELTA, experience)?

[AnzaExo]

[EFL Educator]

Myanmar s the same ias its neighboor the Land of Smiles Thighland when it comes to salary....lexpect to earn around US 1,000 - $1,500/Month...and remember you will have to share an apartment or flat with one of your esteemed colleagues that is the catch....you will have no privacy....jump in the EFL bandwagon to Myanmar!!

[AnzaExo]

[guobaoyobro]