Job Discussion Forums

madeira · Joined: 13 Jun 2004 Posts: 182 Location: Oppama

I`ve taught in Thailand and Canada. I considered a lot of countries before I chose Japan for this (permanent) gig.

Again, just like which school you choose, it comes down to your goals. If you want a long-term stay, I`d choose a country with a stable political situation, the lowest possible tax rate, decent infrastructure and food you could eat for a long time. A pay rate that allows you to live in a similar fashion to what you`re used to, and to visit family at least once a year. A country with lots of demand for people with your skills.

For me, Japan was the best choice. I may retire in Thailand or Mexico, but Japan is great for work!

Regrets? Not getting to Japan a lot earlier.

J. · Joined: 03 May 2003 Posts: 327

I would encourage you to research online and especially read about the experiences of others who have done it, but as a mom who is also a teacher and an esl teacher, I think the same qualities which make you a great mom will stand you in good stead with your employers and students. The one caveat I have is that you should understand a bit about teaching before you get here as once you come you will be overwhelmed unless you have some teaching skills or experience. There is quite a bit of adapting to do in living in a new culture, but it will be one of the most life-altering things you can do. You will learn so much and through that learning grow as a teacher and a person. The fact that you are considering this move indicates to me that you have the qualities of courage and open-mindedness necessary to succeed. And your life skills as a mom mean that you will be able to relate to a broad range of ages and people working in many different fields. If you are older and more mature, so much the better for your prospective students. Gambatte!

TokyoLiz · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1548 Location: Tokyo, Japan

Canuck,

You asked me why I wanted a TESOL diploma. You can't work in a Vancouver international English school without one. The professionalism at VCC is very high, and the instructors are working in the field. It's a great place to network, too. I've worked with a lot of graduates from VCC's program. The program is probably the most widely recognized college-based TESOL diploma in western Canada.

canuck · Joined: 11 May 2003 Posts: 1921 Location: Japan

Liz,

What's a Vancouver international English school? You need to take your one year or two year education training to get into the public school system. In international schools, you need to have this plus a few years experience in your home country before moving abroad. Most of the other schools in Vancouver, especially language schools, have different requirements, as there are varying degrees of acceptance according to the provincial government in regards to accrediation. Please explain. Thanks.

Celeste · Posted: Tue Aug 24, 2004 10:21 am Post subject:

canuck · Joined: 11 May 2003 Posts: 1921 Location: Japan

If that's the case, all of the schools would hire someone with a 120 hour TEFL course as well. Most of the schools in Vancouver require the teachers to have a degree and experience and hopefully some sort of teaching certificate. I have no doubt that VCC's program is very good, however there are quite a few schools in Vancouver which offer quality language training/TEFL courses too.

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

Vancouver schools want degrees, some experience and unless they are paying minimum wage, a TEFL certificate. I've never known of a school requiring more training than a standard TEFL.

BTW, VCC does have a great program. I never did the certificate, but I did work there. The best job I ever had and highest paying.

kovac · Joined: 12 Apr 2003 Posts: 78

its embaressing that if you had an incompotent boss back home , we could name em and shame em, sure there were always repercussions, but if they were justified and people shared the same opinion you could air em.....Its a pity people cant name and shame shabby bosses from eikaiwas or schools....Ive never really went for the X company is rubbish tit for tat...depends on region, branch, manager, etc...I would be more than happy to name "names" (just ask me) but with this industry you will run into little hitlers, incompotent fools, tomfoolery and all sorts, doesnt mean where you end up will be the same...one guy will go to X company and one guy to X company too, both could have completely different experiences.....

Still wouldnt it be nice to set up a real hall of shame (endless biatchin gets nowhere, but give um corporate board scanners summat to read...)

canuck · Joined: 11 May 2003 Posts: 1921 Location: Japan

GambateBingBangBOOM · Joined: 04 Nov 2003 Posts: 2021 Location: Japan

TokyoLiz · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1548 Location: Tokyo, Japan

Canuck,

Yes, Celeste answered the question there for me. Thanks, Celeste.

Yes, some of the International ESL schools will hire people without degrees, but the better ones will caution their TESOL-less teachers to do the teacher certification.

Gordon,

I never had a chance to work for VCC, although I did volunteer with the outreach program to get teaching experience. The guidance and encouragement I got from instructors was invaluable.