Job Discussion Forums

elf · Joined: 19 Nov 2004 Posts: 3

First off, hello all, this would, of course, be my very first post on this board.
So first a little about me, because I'm an american, what else can I POSSIBLY be thinking about?

I am a trained russian linguist for the navy, however, unfortunately, I will never be able to leave the base, and they are planning to discharge me due to knee problems, which is the basis for one of my future questions.
However, I will have a bachelors degree in the russian language before I set out on all of this (please, if you would, imagine me raising my arms motioning towards YOUR world, ESL, that is). My Plan (capitalized, of course, as I am a 21 year old recovering hippy) would be to finish my bachelors and get the hell out of the US of A. Naturally, I would get a TESL cert as well, because I can't imagine being in the least prepared to teach english to anybody with a russian degree. My plan is to go to 4 countries, for 2 years a piece (longer if I haven't gotten the language down). In order, Thailand, Egypt, Turkey, and Russia. Why these 4 countries? If I knew that, I'd be a much wiser man.
Now, for questions. It offends my logical mind, to think that I can get a bachelors in RUSSIAN, and a tesl cert, of course, and seemingly be allowed to teach a bunch of people from another country. Them allowing me to, would be almost...laying down as dogs before the forseen might of the giant american. It makes me sick to my stomach. However, be that as it may, it's still something I'm willing to do. Would I really be able to? Maybe not egypt, or turkey, but at least in thailand?
Furthermore, how long do you suppose, being immersed in the language, it would take an average person to learn it?
Back to the degree, as it bothers me somewhat, while a smart employer will look at me askance, would I have the chance to be hired, under these conditions?

Also, imagine if you will, me trying to get a job in egypt, with 2 years of teaching experience, and this bachelors degree in russian...would that, too, be possible?

And lastly, for my ending, back to me, since, after all, I am an american. I am not in this for the money. At all. My wish would be to traverse this switchback of culture, learn from it, absorb it and the language, and at the end of the 8 years, come back to the US, get my degree in education, and be a normal, happy english teaching in some sweltering hellhole of a middle school. 12 year olds, scary, huh?
Elf

Hopefully you are at least mildly amused by this point?

elf · Joined: 19 Nov 2004 Posts: 3

Ah, jeeeeez, I forgot one of my questions. Will me having to either walk with a bad limp, or use a cane, at all influence my ability to get jobs in these countries?
Elf

dmb · Joined: 12 Feb 2003 Posts: 8397

If you have a BA and a CELTA you would easily find work in Turkey. The standard of living here (for English teachers) is better than most of Europe. You can easily immerse youself in the culture and learn the the language, although many don't. A limp wouldn't be a problem either. 2 years? I came here for a year- that was about 12 years ago!

elf · Joined: 19 Nov 2004 Posts: 3

thanks for your responce, dmb. So it really and trully only matters if you HAVE a degree? like...in theory, I could get a degree in juggling and be work permitable?
strange...very odd. At least it will be in A language!
thanks for the info. any other insights?
Elf

ls650 · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 3484 Location: British Columbia

In many countries a bachelors degree of some kind is required to receive a work visa. Most schools could not care less what your major is in.

Sekhmet · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 329 Location: Alexandria, Egypt

Come to Egypt!!!!!
I have a bachelors in Music and French, a TESL certificate, 2 and a half years of experience, and (almost) a Diploma in TESL. I had no problems with finding a job, and I know people with much fewer qualifications who have had no problems.
Plus, Egypt is such a nice place!!! I'm in Alexandria, which is somewhat smaller than Cairo, but it's actually nicer in my opinion!!! There are quite a few jobs available here (PM me for more details), and although most do require a degree, thats not a problem for you!!!
Get in touch if you want any more info...!

go_ABs · Joined: 08 Aug 2004 Posts: 507

Hmm, yes, my Political Science degree qualified me not a jot for teaching English, but a degree of some kind is required to get a working visa in China. DO do the TEFL training course. I did too - and although now I don't think about it, I use a lot of what I was trained (in my own way, of course) in my lessons. In the short term it stopped the nerves hitting so hard before each class, and in the long term has probably made me a better teacher. Make sure to do one from a recognised/reputable organisation.

I too have some knee problems - and am also but 21 years old. It sucks - though I'm nowhere near using a cane. I don't know specifically about the countries you're talking about, but here it's not unusual to have your accommodation on the 5th floor or higher (I'm on the 6th) without elevators. Maybe specifically asking for a lower-level place would be an idea? Depending on how many hours per week you will teach, standing up for a long time can be hard on knees, feet, hips. I'm sure you do already - if applicable in your situation - but if not - go buy orthopedic (sp?) insoles for your shoes. Anything that might make standing up for most of the day more bearable.

At first coming to China I attempted to learn the language. But once I got past basics the novelty wore off, and it has tapered away. I still get by on only basics. However, if you wanted to learn, then immersing yourself in the language must be the best possible way. Many contracts offer free language training (say, 3 hours per week) - or at very least the school can help you find someone to give you lessons.

Good luck in your travels, and keep posting here! The more the merrier.