Job Discussion Forums

[spiral78]

Yes, I also know non-native speakers who are teaching ESL in Canada. The thing is, though, that they immigrated there on something other than 'prospective language teacher' creds.

Canada has a list of 'needed' professionals, which does not include English language teachers. I am a US citizen and have been occasionally based in Canada and have taught there. I've got a related MA, over a decade of experience, and am functional in other languages as well, but NO WAY could I have qualified to immigrate to Canada as a language teacher (got in on a spousal visa as my spouse is in a 'strong need' professional category).

Your Ukrainian frined most likely came on a family package; someone in his immediate family had some professional experience that Canada officially needs, or he was married to a Canadian citizen.

[Baileys1]

Hi I would like to say something on this topic as I currently work in Canada as an ESL teacher. I must agree with previous comments. It is diffucult to get an ESL teaching job in Canada if you are not Canadian and it is even more difficult if you are non native speaker. There are schools in Canada that hire non native speakers but you usually need a BA TESL or CELTA certificate to teach English. You will not get a teaching job with FC.

Canada needs professionals, but not English teachers. There are many English teachers who can't even find a full time teaching job. Canada is not a country where English Teachers are in high demand.

If I were you , I would focus on Europe first.

Wish you best of luck. Sorry for being honest, but I had to tell you what the reality is like!!!!!!!!!

[coledavis]

In general, I think Spiral is right (as usual). You are at a big disadvantage compared to native speakers and, at FCE level, nowhere near the level of most practising Polish teachers of English. When I taught in a town in Poland, my Polish colleagues had, in addition to their original relevant degree, Proficiency level English, the equivalent of being a literate native speaker.

However, you are not completely completely wrong about your masters degree. At least it would give you an area of expertise. If you also improve your English up to Advanced level, then it may be possible for you to get translation work, probably translating from English to Polish. I think Polish to English should probably wait until you have Proficiency level English.

FCE: Yes, you should be proud of having this, as it is quite challenging, but the level is somewhere between upper intermediate and advanced. Not quite enough yet to make you competitive in a rather crowded labour market, and certainly not enough to do anything outside Poland.

To give you an idea of what teaching work is available outside Poland, I do know some Russian teachers of English who are employed in China. However, they have at least an Advanced level of English and also some experience, at least part-time.

So keep up the English. Advanced level is not a big jump when you have finished FCE (and your written English does look good).

Good luck and remember: be kind to people on the forum. People like Spiral are trying to help you by giving you a realistic view of the labour market.