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Red535
Joined: 16 Jun 2015
Posts: 5
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 Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2015 1:43 am Post subject: What are my chances/choices? |
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Hi,
I tried doing a lot of research but I still can't seem to have a good narrowing of what my best options are. So I decided to ask the much more knowledgeable people here. I have a B.A. in English and a few years experience working with kids (non-teaching). I am in my late twenties and reside in the USA. I don't have any certificates, which seems to me that it drastically narrows my ability to land a decent job.
My first choice is Japan, but almost everywhere I look it appears that they wants people to be in the country already to conduct interviews. I don't really have enough money saved for a trip to Japan, set my self up, and start doing interviews. Jet program looks great but I can only apply in a year, not a problem if that's the best option.
For Korea it seem that I've missed Epik/Gepik. I am still trying to apply but it seems that it's pretty late. I know they hire again in March so, once again, I am thinking of waiting here. I considered the Hagwans but I am not really in a good position to take a chance at getting screwed over.
China just confuses me as an option. Not sure what to make of it.
So I guess I am just trying to figure out what is my best option? Wait and apply to programs like Jet? Get an online Tesol now and apply then, will that open more doors? Wait, and do an in course Tesol and apply later (I certainly don't have the money at the moment to spend on an in-class course)? Hagwan job? These seem scary for a first timer.
I'd appreciate any input. |
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scot47
Joined: 10 Jan 2003
Posts: 15343
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| Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2015 6:30 am Post subject: |
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| China ? At some point you will have to get a certificate if you want to stay in the game I think. |
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nomad soul
Joined: 31 Jan 2010
Posts: 11454
Location: The real world
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| Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2015 6:41 am Post subject: |
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| Red535 wrote: |
I have a B.A. in English and a few years experience working with kids (non-teaching). I am in my late twenties and reside in the USA. I don't have any certificates, which seems to me that it drastically narrows my ability to land a decent job.
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I don't really have enough money saved for a trip to Japan, set my self up, and start doing interviews. |
Not just Japan --- you'd need a good chunk of start-up money set aside for other countries as well.
At your young age, consider staying put, getting your teaching license, and then teaching English for a couple of years in the US. You'd then be set for just about any of the better overseas international schools. |
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rtm
Joined: 13 Apr 2007
Posts: 1003
Location: US
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| Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2015 9:48 am Post subject: Re: What are my chances/choices? |
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| Red535 wrote: |
Jet program looks great but I can only apply in a year, not a problem if that's the best option.
....
So I guess I am just trying to figure out what is my best option? Wait and apply to programs like Jet? Get an online Tesol now and apply then, will that open more doors? Wait, and do an in course Tesol and apply later (I certainly don't have the money at the moment to spend on an in-class course)? Hagwan job? These seem scary for a first timer.
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The JET Program would probably be the best way for you to go to Japan -- good salary, team-teaching (so you might have a bit of guidance from the local teachers), and housing is often subsidized. But, it is quite competitive, and definitely not a sure thing. It could be almost a year from now until you find out whether you are accepted or not. That's a long time to wait to hear that you weren't accepted.
Almost anything is going to be "scary for a first timer". All you can do is to do enough due diligence about any organization you are considering working for (searching for information online, posting here, asking to talk with current/former teachers, etc.). Eikaiwa/Hagwon/Buxiban are not categorically scary, but your experience can be radically different depending on which employer you go with.
Are you hoping to make a career out of EFL teaching? Or is this just a chance to get away from home and see the world? If you are thinking of making this a career, then spending more on training now will be better.
You might want to also consider volunteering at a local organization that does ESL or adult literacy classes. That would give you some exposure to English teaching.
Last edited by rtm on Tue Jun 23, 2015 7:30 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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Deats
Joined: 02 Jan 2015
Posts: 503
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| Posted: Tue Jun 23, 2015 7:07 pm Post subject: |
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Go to China to kick off your career. You will save a decent amount of money, and if you choose, move on after a year to a country more to your taste - or maybe you'll love it and stay.
If you take a position at a uni you will have a lot of spare time to do an online TEFL, or you could even squeeze it in before arriving. |
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