Job Discussion Forums

[PhilOffice]

Hello everyone,

I hope some of the questions I'm asking in this thread aren't asked too often. My apologies in advance...

I am a 25 year old Canadian man teaching English to French kids in Quebec, Canada. I have a bachelor's degree in ESL (4 year program with internships, and will have a year of experience being a full time ESL teacher (grades 7 to 9) in a private school.

Much has happened in my life since I got the job, and I decided to teach abroad next year instead of renewing my contract. I chose this degree to discover new cultures, travel, and spread my love of the English language. I feel like if I stay where I'm working right now for too long, it'll be too late.

I know it's still early, but what would be the best time to look for a job if I want to leave Canada around August - September. I have a lot of time to pick a place, but I'm leaning towards Asia or Eastern Europe.
Here are my questions:

Are schools/agencies looking for people this early in the year?

Will my teaching experience in Canada be recognized anywhere?

Am I eligible to teach in international schools or do I need some kind of certification?


Hopefully somebody can enlighten me, thanks in advance.

[nomad soul]

What overseas teaching situation are you interested in? Teaching children in a Canadian curriculum international school (usually requires a teaching license), children in a public school, or adults in a language school or university?

[SPG]

You are at the right age to go somewhere in Asia and 'discover new cultures' as you say. Japan might be a good choice, plenty of interesting things there, China or S.Korea as well to name just a few. You could apply to the bigger chain schools that recruit throughout the year, or even find a small school willing to take you on. Like Nomad Soul said, it depends on what particular type of environment you want. You already have some relevant teaching experience so that should help as many people start teaching with no actual teaching experience, the fact that you have worked with kids is also a bonus. There are probably quite a few employers that would value your experience teaching kids, and the fact that you are young and enthusiastic helps.

In the countries I mentioned, the academic year starts at different times I think: China in September, S.Korea in March and Japan in April, so that may affect applications for certain jobs such as public schools. I think you may need special qualifications for international schools but I'm not totally sure, it may depend on the actual school.

[PhilOffice]

[suphanburi]

As a licensed Canadian teacher with a focus on ESL (similar to but not the same as EFL) you are a great choice for:

- JET ( http://www.jetprogramme.org/e/aspiring/howto.html ) in Japan,
- NET ( http://www.edb.gov.hk/en/sch-admin/admin/about-sch-staff/net-scheme/recruitment-secondary-net.html ) in HongKong
- EPIK ( https://www.epik.go.kr/index.do ) in Korea
- Public schools in Taiwan
- the "international" school circuit ( http://www.searchassociates.com . http://www.tes.co.uk/international-education-jobs/s_cid/JobsMap_International/ ).

ALL of them pay better and have better working conditions than language schools throughout Asia. Typically the remuneration range (combined salary and benefits) would be just about double what an unlicensed EFL teacher would make anywhere in the region.

Other fallback options always include or private (K-12) schools throughout Asia. Don't be in such a rush to get abroad that you choose the devil (chain schools / language centers) rather than waiting a month for a better option to come along.

The school year in most of Asia is NOT the same as it is in Canada.

Depending on the country they often start their academic year in the spring (March (Korea) April (Japan), May (Thailand), June (Philippines), etc)).

China is on a Sept - June timetable.

.

[rtm]

[suphanburi]

Actually, all of the "programs" have recruitment periods that are significantly ahead of the academic terms of their respective countries.

The "start months" were for general positions that would be open outside of the "programs" and are an option for the OP since he is both qualified and licensed as a teacher in his hope country and could obtain work in the general k-12 world.

.

[PhilOffice]

Thank you for all the replies, I will look into it right away!

[spiral78]

As for Central/Eastern Europe, the year starts in September/October and most hiring of new teachers is late August/September.
Jobs aren't usually found from abroad in this region (exception far East Europe/Russia), so you need to pick a city and come over in late August.
This obviously means that flights aren't paid, and wages are subsistence level in general here.
Most children prior to university level are taught by qualified local teachers in this area, and most EFL teachers start out working with businesspeople in their offices, though there is some variety of other work around, such as test prep. You might find something at an 'international' (or real international) school working with kids, but it's not that common.

Asia is likely easier and more lucrative.

[Sashadroogie]

Come to Russia!

[water rat]

[esl_prof]

[spiral78]

Some of us like winter.
The OP expressed interest in Central/Eastern Europe - we most definitely have winter here!!

[Sashadroogie]

Russian winter. Canadian winter. Same

Russian dyevushki. Canadian dyevushki. Not same.

Russia = come to

Q.E.D.

[Shonai Ben]