Job Discussion Forums

Mikana · Joined: 18 Aug 2004 Posts: 7 Location: The Bul

Despite the topic line, this is not a personals ad, though come to think of it I could probably do with a new man in my life. At least later. Right now, I just need some energetic opinions, guidance, however one-eyed. I'm a 53 year old woman, born in Australia, living in Baltimore (otherwise known as Charm City, Pig City, or Mob City). I've done many things: nurse, a university professor in Japanese history, projects manager, editor. I'm bored to tears here in the US and want to go back to being a bit of a gypsy again. I taught English at a language sweat shop in Japan for a while back in the 1980s (NOVA) and enjoyed the classroom, so I'm thinking of heading off somewhere European and doing a CELTA with the aim of being able to find work somewhere approximately European for the next 15 years prior to an elegantly impoverished retirement back in Australia. Is it at all realistic of me to make such plans? Are some CELTA study centers better than others? Are the pre-admissions tasks they send out for real? One of them asked me to talk about how I would explain "on purpose" and "couldn't have done" in a class of students from varied language backgrounds. Grrrrr. How seriously do CELTA centers help with job placements? Will my relatively advanced age inhibit my overweening ambitions? I still look fabulous! Any and all advice greatly appreciated.

Celeste · Posted: Sat Aug 21, 2004 11:33 pm Post subject:

Without citizenship in an EU country, you may find it difficult to secure employment anywhere within the EU. There are still some non-EU countries out there, but many of them do not pay so well. If I read your post right, you still need to save money for your retirement? Teaching in Eastern Europe is not really a financially sound plan if you need money to retire on. Have you ever thought of returning to Japan? You would probably stand a better chance of not only securing a work visa and a job, but also saving money.

Mikana · Joined: 18 Aug 2004 Posts: 7 Location: The Bul

Thanks Celeste for the advice. I have thought of going back to Japan --- I speak and read good Japanese and know my way around. But it is the sheer familiarity of it that makes me reluctant. I know I'm not going to have friends in Japan; I know I'm not going to take a Japanese lover; I know I'm going to stand out like a sore thumb (6 feet tall and blonde). From a financial perspective, I know too that Japan is the right thing, that as before, I'll soon have private students, that the local alumni section of my doctoral school will look after me, open doors. I know too much, I think. I do need to save for my doddering years, but I need to live in a place and in a way I want to live as well. The visa thing is bound to be a major hurdle in the EU, but if i found a way through it for the US maybe I can find a way again.

yaramaz · Posted: Sun Aug 22, 2004 3:34 am Post subject:

Have you considered Turkey? They seem less age-fussy than east asian schools and you can live quite elegantly cheaply there. I saved a lot of money in two years whilst living well there, travelling a lot and eating out and buying lovely wines.

Mikana · Joined: 18 Aug 2004 Posts: 7 Location: The Bul

Turkey would be perfect if I could be near the sea ----- CELTA first though, I think. I applied already to a couple of Turkish schools. The PhD didn't impress them ---- it doesn't do much for me either.

yaramaz · Posted: Sun Aug 22, 2004 4:15 am Post subject:

What is your PhD in? If its in a subject other than English you might find work teaching in some of their English language universities, like Bilkent or Bogazici. As well, thee are a few places for CELTA in Istanbul but I'd have to look up the info before giving it to you. Do remember that it needn't necessarily be a CELTA-- I did a 3-month intensive TEFL program at a Canadian college several years ago and it has been well received wherever I've gone.

yaramaz · Posted: Sun Aug 22, 2004 4:19 am Post subject:

I just realised you taught Japanese history. D'oh. Although it isn't a city I'd readily recommend due to its conservative and religious nature, I believe that Erciyes University in Kayseri has a Japanese (or at least East Asian) department. I know there is at least one korean and a japanese teacher teaching there. Check around for univrsities like Koc or Bilgi as well who might want you for more than CELTA level work. You have the education- make the most of it.