Job Discussion Forums

titanicman · Joined: 17 Feb 2003 Posts: 71 Location: Qatar

I'm thinking of moving to the US to teach English. Has any other Canadians ever immigrated to the US? What are some useful websites? Are there more opportunities down there? What does it take to complete?

Thanks. Titanicman

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

Titanicman,

Why would you want to do this? Most American ESL teachers can't find jobs and the vast majority of jobs that people find have lousy pay and no benefits.

Most ESL teachers in the US are married women whose husband has a 'real' job that provides them with enough money to allow them to live above the poverty level and to have health insurance.

The only acceptable teaching jobs are in primary / secondary schools, but you would need an original degree in education and Canadian certification - and then after jumping through hoops for a few years, you may get American certification.

Immigrating to the US would be easier for you than most other nationalities, but your Middle East background may make you 'suspicious' in these days of paranoia. But, the system is very backed up now (as is the Canadian system due to people giving up on the US and choosing Canada instead)

VS

ntropy · Joined: 11 Oct 2003 Posts: 671 Location: ghurba

I agree with VS. There is such a plethora of church groups, volunteers and housewives "teaching" ESL that the compensation has been driven through the floor and anyone with real qualifications/experience has little chance of getting a decent living wage.

This goes for both of the two countries on the top end of North America.

AcidBurn · Joined: 31 Mar 2004 Posts: 28

I'm a dual US and Canadian citizen who has lived and worked in both countries for over 10 years each. I have never worked in ESL (thinking about it for temporarily work if I move to Brazil to be with my fiancee), but I can give you general advice about immigrating and living in the US and life comparing to Canada.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

dervish · Joined: 01 May 2004 Posts: 46

titanicman,

it is true that canadians have the easiest time immigrating to the us than all others.

If you're looking to work in private ESL schools.....yeah no jobs, and no pay/benefits.

If you're looking to teach in public schools.......pleanty of jobs and you might be eligible to teach other subjects, it depends on your undergraduate work/degree. NYC is desperate for teachers.

Arab decent?? I read this! Oh God what alarmists. That is not going to prevent you from getting a job. Rolling Eyes

However, if you have an accent then you may have difficulties, but if you're English is standard N. American then it's not a problem at all. What state would you like to teach in?

It will cost you about $200 to get transcripts evaluated. $60-100 for certification application. $200 for work permission.

Standard starting salary in the US is $40,000 and that is fine to live. This varys from state to state, but that is average.

Many public libraries, churhes, and YMCA's offer private ESL so there are virtually no opportunities there.

You could check zoni in NY for private adults. the pay is crap for NY, and hours are unpredictable, but it can get you over until you get the rest of your paperwork done.

ta, ta

canucktechie · Joined: 07 Feb 2003 Posts: 343 Location: Moscow

Immigrating to the USA is tough you know. I seriously doubt you would have a chance getting in unless you have some hot qualifications, and EFL doesn't cut it.

As previously pointed out, even if you did get in and get a job, your situation would likely be even worse than in Canada. Remember that in Canada, even if you have a lousy job (or no job), you get the same free healthcare as everyone else.

Ryry · Joined: 08 Nov 2004 Posts: 7

Titanicman,

Actually I work for an ESL school in Los Angeles, and there are benefits. The pay rate is about $15-20 US per hour. The previous posters are correct about much of what they say, but I don't think it is as terrible as some may indicate. Very Happy

However, it is not like Canada, eg: health insurance. The school I work for pays part, but not all of the costs... it is not completely "free" to the teacher.

As for Canadians teaching ESL in LA, I know it can be done because we have a teacher here now who has done it.

Anyhoo... if you want more info, please email me via the profile. I can contact the teacher in question and ask how they arranged to teach here.

I should mention (for both you and the moderator) that I am not offering a job or anything... I couldn't if I wanted to, it is not my position at the school. Oh, and there is a lot of competition for ESL jobs here, even the lowest paying ones.

Cheers,

Ryry