Job Discussion Forums

[mcloo7]

I've been working with my Dad, helping with his small business for most of the time since I've been out of college, minus some time in retail, and some teaching at an after school learning and tutoring center run by Chinese immigrants with mostly Chinese-American students, plus private tutoring with some of those students. I worked at the tutoring center for about sixth months, and did the private tutoring for two months in 2010-2011. But the bosses there are from China and barely speak English so I can't ask them, not that I would anyway, and the parents of the students I tutored are also from China and don't speak good English, even though they would make good references. The retail job was years ago, so like I said the bulk of my post-college work experience has been with my Dad doing tree work. Since you can't use family for reference letters, I'm worrying a bit about who I would ask to write them for me, if needed. I'm thinking about doing a CELTA, so would the instructors there be people I could ask, if it goes well? I'm thinking I could also ask a friend who I've worked with a lot over the years, but I really don't have any good professional references. I'm just wondering how important references are in places like Korea and China.

[artemisia]

Provided you�d passed the Celta, you would get a letter of reference from the trainers/ institution detailing your performance.

Not sure how important refs would be in China and Korea as these are places where lots of first time teachers begin, but it never hurts to have them. A few months here and there of private tutoring may not count for much in terms of teaching experience, but I don�t see why you can�t get refs in Chinese if you�re thinking of China. Of course you�d want a fairly good idea of what�s in them! (If you ever get an official ref in another language you can always get an official translation done- not cheap though).

It also wouldn't hurt to post your question on those countries' boards below if you haven't already done so. The Korean board requires separate registration though. Anyway, ttompatz will probably be along sooner or later to answer this.

[mcloo7]

Good suggestion, thanks.

[tttompatz]

Letters of reference (job related) are usually not needed for entry level jobs in Asia.

A couple of notable exceptions would be for work at a government school/government program (EPIK/GEPIK/etc) in Korea or the JET program in Japan.

For work in a language center in Asia they are not needed (personal reference letters wouldn't hurt but are usually not asked for).


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[mcloo7]

If you don't mind, what's the protocol for EPIK in regard to reference letters?