Job Discussion Forums

[Nomad Dan]

Hello all,
Well, I have spent a few fitfull nights tossing and turning wondering if I made the right decision.
I am just finishing my third consecutive year as an elementary school teacher in Texas. The work has been hard. The paperwork has been ridiculous. I finished my master's degree in an education-related field, and I am ready to move on...
I have experience in Texas public schools at both the secondary and elementary school levels...It was my goal to move into teaching in INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS overseas.....mainly in China or Southeast Asia.
I am certified to teach ESL K-12
Spanish
Social Studies
Gifted and Talented
Physical Ed.
However, I have grabbed up a job teaching English at a hagwon in Korea....because it seems to pay well enough (2.9 million won a year) and the teaching will be in the afternoons. I keep telling myself that this is only for a year, then I can attend an international school job fair....but another voice tells me to attend that international school fair now...that this isn't a "real" teaching job...in the sense that it will not be recognized as a year of experience by schools in the US, or in International Schools.
My goal is to become involved in teaching IB classes in overseas schools.
A year in a Korean hagwon, even for 30K US seems a step backwards.
(That was fun when I was 25, now I am 37....)

Just curious what you think I should do...Especially any of you in international schools.
OR in Hagwons.

Cheers,
Nomad Dan

[mlomker]

From what I understand, you meet the minimum qualifications for working at international schools in most countries. You could also qualify for some attractive jobs in the Middle East due to your graduate degree.

If you are single then your only consideration is the ethical question of backing out of your existing commitment.

[Nomad Dan]

Thanks...
They needed me quickly. Way too quickly really. So I could just let them know that this is too quick, and I can't. That is the truth.
It is a problem. But getting feedback from people with experience will make the choice some easier...
I appreciate it.

[moonraven]

Before you jump on a jet. sit yourself down and determine what you REALLY want to do.

You might surprise yourself by staying put in Texas....

[Nomad Dan]

No, I might not.
Of course I have been thinking about it ! Been thinking about it for 36 months.

[moonraven]

Try thinking about it serenely. Without exclamation points.

And don't ask for advice when you're wearing earplugs. It smacks of hypocrisy. Or obtusity. Or immaturity.

[Nomad Dan]

In investigating your postings, you tend to just throw out a rude blurb here and there and offer nothing of substance. I guess I am requesting that I get friendly advice from anyone but you.
Fair enough?

[moonraven]

I am not unfriendly. I am just honest.

You don't want advice. You want attention.

I have given you all I choose to.

[Celeste]

Have you looked into working for US department of defense schools? THere are a whole lot of those in Korea.

[Gordon]

The hiring season for int'l schools in Japan is January. I have taught in hogwans before and I think it would be a big step backwards. Some int'l schools may question your decision to work at one, I would if I were them. What sort of int'l teaching experience do you have?

[Glenski]

[tedkarma]

Cancel the hogwan job - and go into international schools. You are qualified - and you are right, the hogwan job is a step backwards and won't be considered legitimate teaching by any "real" international school.
And you might even find yourself out of the loop.

You said, "They needed me quickly. Way too quickly really."

Their big rush to get you there is a bit of the old "fire sale" psychology. They know they have a big fish on the line - and don't want to lose it. Hurry, one time offer only - just for you . . . today only.

The reason you are tossing and turning is that you already know all of this. Be patient do the international process and you'll be much happier in the long run.

I first went overseas when I was 37 (I'm 53 now) and it changed my life totally - and I have seen a good part of the world since then. But, 37 is also a time to start thinking about securing you future also. International schools will help you do both.

Don't feel bad about backing out of the hogwan job - you have to look out for yourself in this world - no one else is going to.

[Nomad Dan]

I really appreciate all the good advice. It confirms my earlier apprehension. I just jumped to quickly into something...and I guess that I did go for the hard sell. I wanted to teach high school...I do have two years of secondary teaching experience, which is all most international schools require...but most of my experience in the US is with elementary students (which I feel is much harder work btw)....Also, I have NO real experience with an international school I want to start getting some!
I have lived abroad teaching at universities, and language institutes but never at an international school. I just need the chance.

[johanne]

Unfortunately you have missed the international school hiring season, which is late January to mid February and most jobs are now filled. You could however, try and get casual part-time or substitute teaching work. If you settle in an area with a large number of international schools you may even support yourself without having to teacher ESL, although you may also encounter visa problems as no school I know of will sponsor a visa for casual teachers. It might be worth your while to decide which country you would like to try and live in, look for an ESL job with fairly regular hours, preferably in the evening, try and make contacts with international school principals/directors/headmistresses, etc., get on a few sub lists and prepare for the hiring season for next January. Just a thought ... Good luck

[JZer]