Job Discussion Forums

rogergurr · Joined: 23 Sep 2016 Posts: 1

OK, so I'm male, 62 (fit & active, feel much younger), have BA degree, CELTA & 3 years international experience teaching corporate adults (full time) + high schools ...
where in this wonderful world am I likely to still be considered legally OK, at this age, for employment as an English as 2nd language teacher?

Would be interested in any of your thoughts, TYIA

thanks
Roger

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

Possibly Mexico/Latin America. And if money isn't at the top of your list, there's the Peace Corps (if you're American).

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

I have met oldies who were doing their stint in the Peace Corps.

Jultime · Joined: 25 Jun 2014 Posts: 113 Location: Mexico

Mexico....I'm sure my boss has had enough of unreliable and immature teachers. 99% of our students are corporate clients. We're having difficulty finding reliable, mature teachers.

suphanburi · Joined: 20 Mar 2014 Posts: 916

mephi · Joined: 06 Apr 2013 Posts: 11

This is interesting to me as I am in a similar situation - 64, qualified, with 2 years experience.

If you are British you can go to the EU.

I got a visa for Japan when I was 63.

However, I am looking for work now and don't seem to be making the short lists - of course nobody will tell me why.

Suphanburi - Is that an absolute about the retirement age? I had thought that exceptions could be made if you have a skill that the local population are unable to supply ie being a native English speaker.

I was hoping to go to S America, Chile in particular, but the system seems different over there - they want you to be there for a demo lesson, and nobody is going to pay your air fare or find you accommodation. It's a long way to go, from the UK, with/out all your gear, on spec. And then there's the visa...... Not to mention the American English and grammatical names.
Any advice about this would be welcome.

Jultime - any suggestions on where to start with Mexico - the land of the people who appreciate that maturity does not equal incapacity?!

Thanks for any advice.

piglet44 · Joined: 26 Aug 2010 Posts: 157

Me too- also interested. Now 59, female, MA plus TEFL cert. Want to work SOMEWHERE, no kindy or elementary.

suphanburi · Joined: 20 Mar 2014 Posts: 916

mephi · Joined: 06 Apr 2013 Posts: 11

Well thank you, but it is as clear as mud! It seems that you get different answers everywhere you look.

The China travel guide site says that there is flexibility on requirements.

I am not sure what a 'cultural' visa is; I got a one year working visa for Japan, when over 60.

I guess it is just a case of perseverance and research. I suppose the international chains must know.

Any other thoughts?

peripatetic_soul · Joined: 20 Oct 2013 Posts: 303

Below is a reputable website (updated July 2016) on age restrictions in various countries. Some countries impose an age limit for visa eligibility, while others may issue a work visa but limit health coverage based on age. For example, in China, some ex-pats have been hired at age 60 but are not eligible for any medical coverage.

You can google countries of interest as to visa requirements since these restrictions are subject to change at any time.
https://www.internationalschoolsreview.com/nonmembers/age-article.htm

Regards,
PS

uh huh · Joined: 14 Oct 2011 Posts: 110 Location: United States

My two most satisfying experiences in my five years abroad were language exchanges, one in Guatemala and the other in Senegal. If you have financial flexibility, that's an option I would recommend, and it could lead to some paid work.

Dr X · Joined: 04 Jul 2016 Posts: 84 Location: Everywhere

plumpy nut · Joined: 12 Mar 2011 Posts: 1652

Good locations in China are not closed to you. However the substantially higher paying jobs in China are. If you become interested in China, you have to get your degree certificate notarized by the registrar, certified by the county your school is in, apostilled by the Secretary of State of the state your school is in, and then authenticated by the Chinese consulate that handles the state your school is in. The cheapest way of doing this takes two months.

mephi · Joined: 06 Apr 2013 Posts: 11

Many thanks PS for this link - it makes interesting reading, and it's nice to know that there are so many 'young oldies' out there who enjoy what they are doing enough to want to continue.

My conclusion is that in most places it seems to depend on how much the employer needs you - if they want you enough they find ways around the bureaucracy. So it's a case of sticking at the applications and eventually one might come up.

Good luck to us all!

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

The office in London (England) that recruits through the Catholic Church told me some time ago that 60 is retirement age in PRC, unless you have super-duper quals in an area that is greatly needed.

The story of how a leading cadre like myself with impeccable Stalinist and Calvinist credentials became involved in recruitment through the Vatican is too complicated to explain. See Chapter 18 of my biography.

The first para is serious. the second a jest.