Job Discussion Forums

Sudz · Joined: 09 Aug 2004 Posts: 438

Hi guys,

I've finished my MA TESOL through Nottingham, and would like to have some idea of where I can use it - for instance, decent pay and work at the tertiary level ideally (though I do quite working with junior high school students.) I feel pretty done with the language center thing - though wouldn't totally dismiss it.

I'm now in Japan, and with all the competition, there is little guarantee that I will be able to find uni work. In addition, I feel a slight desire to move on. I previously taught in Vietnam, and really enjoyed my time there. Actually - while I really do appreciate aspects of Japan - I feel more pulled to developing areas such as SE Asia. Latin America does interest me as well.

Anyways if anyone has any experience with this - or has second-hand experience - I would love to hear it.

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

For higher ed only, check out higheredjobs.com, IATEFL, and TESOL.org's career page. However, recruiting for the 2016-2017 academic year may not yet have started.

currentaffairs · Joined: 22 Aug 2012 Posts: 828

Generally, you work in a country, develop contacts and add to your CV. A number of employers are examining how long you have stayed with your previous employers so it might not be wise to keep jumping around. If you have been working for three years or so with your current employer then it shouldn't be an issue. The language schools aren't so picky but for most full-time university gigs you need solid experience and relevant quals. In Japan, you typically need three refereed publications as well.

When I was in Japan, most of the teachers I knew worked their way up the ladder and moved into part-time and then full-time university work. Positions opened up, contacts recommended them, and so on.

In China or other SE Asian countries like Vietnam I think it is fairly easy to get a university job but the pay will be quite low; perhaps Korea might be an option?

daryl_ks · Joined: 23 Jun 2014 Posts: 23

Hi Sudz,

I worked for years in Taiwan with my MA and found it to be of little to no use. Potential employers didn't really care. I did use it to get a job at a local university, but the job was not worth it.

Now being back in NZ, I find my NZ-based MA to be extremely helpful and recognized when applying for jobs.

Outside of Taiwan and NZ I can't be of much help.

Cheers