Job Discussion Forums

[Jay-bird]

Hello all!

I'm looking for some general advice if at all possible. I have researched some older threads but I'm still not quite sure of what path to take. Basically my dilemma is that I am looking for a first time teaching job with no experience and a DWI on my record.

I'm a 25 year old American male. I have a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degree from a small liberal arts school in Arkansas. Teaching abroad became incredibly appealing to me late into my college career. I took two ESL courses my last semester (one involved teaching students of other cultures & the other dealt with various teaching methods) though I'm not sure how much (if any) that little tidbit might help me with finding a job. I am not TEFL certified but I could take a class if it would help (I've read mixed feelings on this subject as well).

Originally I was interested in going to SK as that seems to be the hot spot for first timers. I liked the fact that housing/airfare is commonly paid for and it is a good location for saving cash. Well, in late 2007 I received a DWI. I am deeply regretful about this incident. It's truly an embarrassment and has been a hindrance on many opportunities in my life. Anyways, as you probably already know, this mark on my record prevents a job in the land of the morning calm.

Initially my goals were to immerse myself in a different culture, instill knowledge into young minds, & maybe save a bit of $$ along the way. I'm hoping these things are still somewhat doable in a different place than SK. I've gone over the threads about which countries require background checks & after going back a few years the answers are mixed. I am interested in China, Taiwan, & Vietnam...also, to a lesser extent I've thought about Laos, Cambodia, & Indonesia (quite a few places I know, but I'm trying to keep a very open mind as I'm not sure which country's schools will hire me). China is my first choice but I've read that they now require 1 year teaching experience which I don't have. Taiwan seems to be a somewhat viable option but the Taiwan boards offer a very pessimistic view of current job availability. With Vietnam I can't find a clear cut answer about the effect of my DWI on finding a job. Another option would be to wait a year and have my DWI expunged, but I would really love to start teaching sooner if possible (I was thinking sometime this summer, possibly June-July).

I guess I'm just hoping someone may be able to push me in the right direction. I feel a bit stuck. Surely someone here is or knows a newbie that had a mark on his or her record. I've become very passionate about wanting to do this & I'm really hoping to figure out the best way to go about it. Considering I don't know which countries will take me is it pointless to talk to a recruiter at this stage? Would taking a TEFL course of some kind help my chances tremendously?

I would truly appreciate any advice or words of wisdom that can be offered and if you've made it this far, thanks for reading!

[tttompatz]

With the exception of Korea and Taiwan (both need authenticated FBI checks for a proper visa) you can get around your DWI in most of the other countries because either:

a) they don't ask for one
b) you can get an "out-of-state" check done that will come back clean and will be adequate for a visa application (this is always subject to change as they catch on to the loophole (doesn't exist in the other countries) and close it up).

China is a bit of a question mark with the definitive answer being "depends" but most of the rest are good with a "State level" check and do not require authentication/legalization of the document.

A TEFL course won't make any difference since the CBC is usually a visa issue and not an employer one.

.

[Zero]

You'll very rarely be asked for any background check at all in China.

[naturegirl321]

We can't talk about SK on this forum, but it is possible to work there with a DWI, I'll PM you.

[Jay-bird]

thanks to all of you for your help! I guess I will head on over to the China board to see what I can learn...

tttompatz, I really appreciate all that you contribute around here...I noticed you had replied in some of the older threads I had researched on this topic...I would certainly be a lot more lost without your input, so many many thanks to you!

edit: to naturegirl321, the site won't let me pm you back because I do not currently have enough posts, but thanks for that piece of info...it gives me a little glimmer of hope that I might be let in...did your friend do this in 2011? I ask because I've read that they changed the law at the beginning of the year making it impossible to get a visa with any mark on your record....regardless, I appreciate your help very much!

[tttompatz]

If you had a history in the country without blemish then possible.

If you are a newbie applying for the first time your chances are very, very, very small.

.