Job Discussion Forums

The Edge Express · Joined: 23 Feb 2005 Posts: 1

Hi..I am at the moment 17 and graduating from highschool.
I want to possibly in the summer go to Asia and get a teaching job.
I know that my lack of credentials is a definate turn off and my age, I'll be 18 by then, is rather young.
However I have spent a year in Korea and was in the English teaching environment as my parents were ESL teachers. Also I did have a part time job teaching English. I do know what it takes and what it's like teaching in Asia and the culture shock won't be a problem for me as I have done travelling to elsewhere in the region.
Anyways to get to the point, I just want to know what my possible chances are of employment and where would be the best place for employment. Also if any one could give me any links or help in any way it would be greatly appreciated.

thanks

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Your chances in Japan are practically zero. Even with a student visa, you can only work part-time, and you would probably be half the age of most students. Very few employers would take you seriously at 18.

Student visa is your only option, too, unless you marry a Japanese or marry a foreigner with a FT job here.

Girl Scout · Joined: 13 Jan 2005 Posts: 525 Location: Inbetween worlds

Your chances in a lot of Asian countries is pretty low. Most require a degree. You also have to consider that a school that will hire you will be desprate and unable to find anybody else. That might not be the kind of enviroment you want to work in.

I suggest you go for the student visa. That will alow you to possibly work part time but most importantly do privates. Then you could do some 1-on-1 or small group teaching.

sigmoid · Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 1276

You might look into teaching in Viet Nam or Cambodia...

dajiang · Joined: 13 May 2004 Posts: 663 Location: Guilin!

It's hard but I'm sure you can find something.
Youngest FT I've met was 17 as well btw.

True enough you'd need somekind of degree in most places,
but not all... yet.
So, it's doable, I'd say just go there and look around.
Just go traveling and see what comes along.

Good luck,
Dajiang

Sun Mai · Joined: 18 Jan 2005 Posts: 7

Dear Edge...
I too was considering applying for work without TESL training. In the end I bought the bullet and took a course. I'm only in my second week, but when I see how much is involved in ESL, I can't believe I even considered not becoming certified(I'm already certifyable Wink

). It has already given me a lot of practical knowledge and I have had some previous teaching experience. It is only four weeks long and well worth the time and money.

Of course, this is only my personal experience. It may be completely different for you.

Good luck.

Sheep-Goats · Joined: 16 Apr 2004 Posts: 527

If you find work it'll be teaching young kids, which is pretty taxing -- especially with no real academic or professional background. You may be able to find work in Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, or rural China. Most of these jobs will not be worth you time and none will pay for your plane ticket. And schools most definetly will not want to hire you for just summer work -- they'll want you there for a year at least. Furthermore, it's quite unlikely that you'll find any work at any school until you're in-country -- which means you'd need about 2000USD (or, as little as 1000USD if you can stretch your money) plus plane fare to be able to afford the job search in the first place.

I mean -- you'd have a hard time finding any kind of job at home, let alone a fairly taxing high-profile job like teaching in a foreign country.

Get a degree, learn some Japanese, and apply for the JET program when you're in your Senior year at college and all set to graduate. That's a good way to sample things and still make a bit of money.