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Where could I get a job with this CV?
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Monchi

Joined: 27 Oct 2013
Posts: 42

Posted: Sun Jan 25, 2015 2:46 am Post subject:

nomad soul wrote:

It's unfortunate that you see it that way. None of the posts so far have been condescending to you in any way; the comments and suggestions were all given with the intent of helping you and giving you straight information. That said, it's more likely that you're shocked and very disappointed at the reality of what your qualifications can get you in terms of TEFL abroad. Unfortunately, there's no way to sugar-coat reality and tell you what you want to hear. (And I say this without sarcasm or as an insult.)

I suspected that might be the response -- that I expected "sugar-coating". No, I do not expect sugar-coating, just polite responses with information based on previous experience or knowledge. Thank you for your presumptions (condescending, once again), but no, I am actually NOT disappointed, and have suspected this information all along, due to my conversations with someone I know currently teaching ESL abroad. I simply wanted further information. I appreciate your input, but please refrain from responding to my posts in the future unless you can keep yourself from sounding so insulting.

rtm

Joined: 13 Apr 2007
Posts: 1003
Location: US

Posted: Sun Jan 25, 2015 4:13 am Post subject:

zugora wrote:

So, does it seem feasible that I should focus my job hunting on the following countries? And if so, which schools are preferred - public, private, or university (if qualified)? I am mostly concerned with saving money.

...
JAPAN
...

For Japan, with your qualifications, you would likely be competitive for entry-level positions either at eikaiwa (conversation schools) or as an ALT (Assistant Language Teacher) at public schools.

ALT positions with dispatch companies (where you work for an ALT company who then farms you out to schools) are increasingly common in Japan, which is unfortunate as they generally pay quite a bit less (around 220,000yen/mo) than what used to be standard (250,000yen/mo) and offer reduced salary during school holidays. Pay for ALT positions generally range from around 190,000yen/mo to 270,000yen/mo.

Depending on your timeframe and your age, you might want to apply for the Japanese government-run JET Program (applications due in November/December for a start the next July/August). The salary for JET positions is quite a bit better (300,000yen/mo with no reduction during school holidays).

Eikaiwa positions generally pay around 220,000yen/mo to 270,000yen/mo. The drawback is that many of these positions require work most evenings and weekends, and without 2 consecutive days off.

Japan, however, has a substantially higher cost of living than most other places in Asia. Also, the market in Japan is a bit tougher now than it was a few years ago, with many people already in the country who already posses a work visa and can start working right away, making it more difficult to find a job from abroad. But, in Japan, work visas are 'owned' by the person rather than the employer, so a less-desirable job might be an 'in' into the country, after which you could look for a better job.

Other EFL job types that are common in Japan are university teaching, but that requires a relevant MA (and often Japanese language ability and academic publications), or at private high schools (though these are usually filled by word of mouth, and often prefer people with some experience in Japan and/or home-country ESL/ELA teacher certification).

If you are interested in Japan, read through the Japan forum and you'll see what the market is like.

Monchi

Joined: 27 Oct 2013
Posts: 42

Posted: Sun Jan 25, 2015 4:21 am Post subject:

rtm wrote:

Depending on your timeframe and your age, you might want to apply for the Japanese government-run JET Program (applications due in November/December for a start the next July/August). The salary for JET positions is quite a bit better (300,000yen/mo with no reduction during school holidays).

Thank you so much, RTM. Smile

I'm actually not a spring chicken (mid-30s). However, I do feel that I look more like 30-32, if that helps any (probably not). Smile

Will I have a difficult time getting hired at this age? Is it unheard of?

Last edited by Monchi on Fri Jan 30, 2015 11:42 am; edited 1 time in total

rtm

Joined: 13 Apr 2007
Posts: 1003
Location: US

Posted: Sun Jan 25, 2015 4:36 am Post subject:

zugora wrote:

Thank you so much, RTM. Smile

I'm actually not a spring chicken. I am currently 38 and single. However, I do feel that I look more like 30-32, if that helps any (probably not). Will I have a difficult time getting hired at this age? Is it unheard of?

Don't worry, you're still younger than many of us here.

I believe the age cutoff for the JET Program is generally 40 years old. It's not a matter of "looking young".

More info here: http://www.jetprogramme.org/, http://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/JET/

Scott at UW

Joined: 03 Apr 2014
Posts: 6

Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2015 7:24 pm Post subject:

Quote:

As as a parting shot.... your on-line TESOL course is virtually worthless. Get a decent and recognized one (SIT, Trinity, CELTA) or save your money.

Just not true. And on a side note, one of your decent/recognized ones lack the number of practicum hours to qualify you for TESL Canada's Level 1 which is the base cert for teaching ESL in Canada. TESL Canada wants a practicum of 10 observation hours and 10 teaching hours. Not important if you are not Canadian but pretty important if you are. I think CELTA may have up their hours in Canada to meet these requirements.

nomad soul

Joined: 31 Jan 2010
Posts: 11454
Location: The real world

Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2015 8:18 pm Post subject:

Scott at UW wrote:

TESL Canada wants a practicum of 10 observation hours and 10 teaching hours. Not important if you are not Canadian but pretty important if you are. I think CELTA may have up their hours in Canada to meet these requirements.

Sure, that's fine for those who want to teach in Canada. However, for many employers worldwide, an online TEFL cert---even one with a practical component---won't cut it. That's their requirement---like it or not. Plus, doing TESL Canada's practical component overseas is iffy, contingent upon the supervising teacher's verified qualifications.

That said, TESL Canada's cert is certainly a better option for the OP, an American, since she states an online course is all she can afford.

Scott at UW

Joined: 03 Apr 2014
Posts: 6

Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2015 8:49 pm Post subject:

Just clear something up. TESL Canada is a governing body which accredits courses throughout Canada. They don't offer a certificate of their own. They just verify that a course meets their standards. Why would you assume that the online course is cheaper?