Job Discussion Forums

[Marmalade]

High there, I am a so-called 'newbie' and this is my first post. I am a 26yr old British male with a degree and a little TEFL experience, lots of travel experience, and a thirst to work and explore the world.

I am currently saving to do a CELTA course, and with any luck shuld be doing it by November of this year.

I have a few ideas as to where I want to do my course, and am in the process of applying to a couple of schools.

My question is, what is the general concensus on how easy it is to find work when you are a new CELTA graduate?

My current favourite school is the ECC in Bangkok, as they do a train then teach programme offering a years contract to successful graduates.

However, I am also considering Budapest as it is a lot cheaper to do the course there once you take flights etc in to account.

My dilemma is, if its hard to get work with little previous experience then obviously the Thai school looks like the better option. Pus I have been to Thailand, loved it, and think that it would be a good place to gain teaching experience.

But if finding work is not all that hard, then Budapest would probably be the best option as it is cheaper, and I can then return home to apply for jobs abroad.

Any input is appreciated

Marmalade

[ls650]

With China and Indonesia, you will be tripping over job offers.
I can't say anything about Thailand specifically.

[vre]

I would say it is generally quite easy to start off. Being a Brit, you can also include Europe in your domains. Make your CV look 'sparkling' with your experience so far and as long as you can back it up with references if necessary, you will be sorted. This is a fantastic cafe to get to know lotsa things about places. I did my CELTA one November and I had a job by that December.

The world is your oyster!

[Marmalade]

So you think that I shouldn't worry too much about getting a job after the course?

What I am trying to avoid is doing a course, and then being back home and having to carry on temping till something turns up. This is why ECC in Thailand is an attractive proposition.

I am not hugely driven by money, and obviously working in Thailand is not going to make me rich, but I am wanting to be able to travel around, and possibly visit neighbouring countries.

In your experience/s what is the standard length of contract for work? Is it a year or iis it quite easy to pick up contracts for a few months?

Cheers

M

[vre]

It really depends on where you go. It is good that you are not money driven, since starting off can mean low wages but it doesnt take long before you can start applying for better positions.

Many contracts in Europe are academic year e.g. sept to june/ july. This can pose a problem of money in summer but you can do summer schools really easily too.

As far as the far east, I dont really know much but other posters can help you there. You can also pick up jobs easily in between, like I said, in my first job in Greece I took over a position from a leaver in January for a six month contract and I stayed there for nearly four years.

try TEFL.com for loadsa jobs, regularly updated.

Try to contact the employers personally if possible.

aim high too (but not well over your league) and just apply for loads and loads of jobs before you decide.

Make your C.V as relevent to the field as possible and you can 'play' with it a bit because your references available on YOUR request can be your CELTA trainer and a previous employer in the field (if poss).

ANything else?