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Hemlock32
Joined: 14 Apr 2017
Posts: 69
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 Posted: Sat Oct 21, 2017 3:39 pm Post subject: The US Department of State teach abroad program |
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Anyone else considering working for them? Have any of you already worked for them and want to share an experience? It really doesn´t look too bad. A lot of perks for a 10-month full-time job. You just need to be willing to go anywhere, it seems. Doesn´t this kind of sound like an extended vacation?
It reminds me a little of Peace Corps, but I never did that, so I really don´t know.
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nomad soul
Joined: 31 Jan 2010
Posts: 11454
Location: The real world
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| Posted: Sat Oct 21, 2017 5:12 pm Post subject: |
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| I was on a special project with the State Dept a few years ago. Which specific program are you referring to? If it's the English Language Fellow (ELF) Program via Georgetown University, it's been discussed a few times within these forums, including this one. |
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Hemlock32
Joined: 14 Apr 2017
Posts: 69
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| Posted: Sun Oct 22, 2017 4:41 am Post subject: |
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| Ya, this is the one I am referring to. It has the feel of the Peace Corps, but I am wondering what others think about it? Has it been a good career choice? Does having the US Department´s name on your resumé open up lots of doors? |
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nomad soul
Joined: 31 Jan 2010
Posts: 11454
Location: The real world
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| Posted: Sun Oct 22, 2017 7:06 am Post subject: |
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| Hemlock32 wrote: |
| It has the feel of the Peace Corps, but I am wondering what others think about it? Has it been a good career choice? Does having the US Department´s name on your resumé open up lots of doors? |
It's not the same as being a Peace Corps volunteer. Working as an English Language Fellow (ELF) is much more involved than the PC, requires a graduate degree, and the role isn't considered voluntary.
It's not an easy program to get into; competition is high, especially given the decrease in projects over the years. A TESOL-related MA is ideal and post-degree experience beyond just teaching are expected. Per the ELF website, "TESOL experience that includes skills such as classroom management, instructional technology, syllabus evaluation/design/development, materials and/or resource development" help an applicant stand out. As such, ELFs are expected to hit the ground from day one and be comfortable working with minimal supervision.
Friends of mine who have completed several ELF assignments are seasoned teachers with years of diverse TESOL experience. However, being an ELF isn't really a "career" choice per se. The experience (rather than the "US State Dept" indicated on a CV) enhances one's career and can open doors for those who make the most out of their assignment and professional development. Although I wasn't an ELF, the State Dept project I was on mirrored some of the same responsibilities. (Not surprising, a couple of my colleagues on that project were former ELFs.) I'm back in the US and find that a few people are mainly curious about where I was (I was in a warzone) more than what I did, while others are interested in what I'd accomplished. |
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Hemlock32
Joined: 14 Apr 2017
Posts: 69
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| Posted: Sun Oct 22, 2017 3:16 pm Post subject: |
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| I´m trying to decide whether sticking to a part-time job in the states or heading abroad with the EFL program is a better decision. I think the question is: what experience will be better in the long-term. |
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rtm
Joined: 13 Apr 2007
Posts: 1003
Location: US
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| Posted: Sun Oct 22, 2017 4:26 pm Post subject: |
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| Hemlock32 wrote: |
| I´m trying to decide whether sticking to a part-time job in the states or heading abroad with the EFL program is a better decision. I think the question is: what experience will be better in the long-term. |
In general the ELF program will look a lot better on your CV than part-time teaching in the US, especially if you already have some part-time teaching experience (5 years of part-time work doesn't look much better than 2 years). The ELF program is certainly much more selective. |
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Hemlock32
Joined: 14 Apr 2017
Posts: 69
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| Posted: Sun Oct 22, 2017 5:22 pm Post subject: |
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| rtm wrote: |
| In general the ELF program will look a lot better on your CV than part-time teaching in the US, especially if you already have some part-time teaching experience (5 years of part-time work doesn't look much better than 2 years). The ELF program is certainly much more selective. |
Ya, that is what I suspect. Thanks for your thoughts. I think I will stick it out in the US in the short-term and once I get the call from the department of state, see if I can 1) barter with the current employer or 2) march off bag and baggage.
Gracias |
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nomad soul
Joined: 31 Jan 2010
Posts: 11454
Location: The real world
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| Posted: Sun Oct 22, 2017 7:16 pm Post subject: |
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| Hemlock32 wrote: |
| I think I will stick it out in the US in the short-term and once I get the call from the department of state, see if I can 1) barter with the current employer or 2) march off bag and baggage. |
Keep in mind the ELF program is very competitive. If you're serious about getting selected, thoroughly review the application requirements and documents in addition to what the upcoming projects entail. You'll also need to show evidence of the competencies they look for (e.g., classroom management, instructional technology, syllabus evaluation/design/development, materials and/or resource development, professional development...). Since you completed your MA TESOL only a couple of months ago, I suggest creating a digital portfolio of your work. (See A professional ePortfolio can help you stand out.) Lastly, in your current part-time position, make sure you're formally observed. Even though you're not full time, you should learn as much as you can to make the most of your experience. |
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