Job Discussion Forums

LS · Joined: 04 Jun 2006 Posts: 4

Hi everyone!

I'm a certified TESOL teacher (children and business English) with years of experience in tourism and hospitality. I would love to teach English within this area in, say, eastern Europe or wherever the tourism industry may flourish. So, where do I start? For example, I do the research on-line, ask tourism boards if they need native speakers to teach English to tour guides?

Any advice would be fabulous. Thanks!!

tedkarma · Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2006 8:39 pm Post subject:

I live on Phuket - in Thailand - a major tourism destination.

Many major hotels in tourist areas hire English teachers. It is an issue of quality and the ability to serve their international guests. And, often in those same areas - are company contracts through the local language schools.

You might cold call - resume in hand - the major resorts in the area where you would like to live/work. For every ten you visit - you might expect a good connection, an anticipated opening, or a referral to someone hiring. Not always easy - but the jobs are there.

Much of the world operates on "connections" - and TEFL does too.

BTW, hiring season will always tend to be during "low season" when people have time for training. Typically during high season - everyone is too busy working.

I've done some training of hotel staff - front office, wait staff, housekeeping, accounts, etc. - and loved it!

peterpan13 · Joined: 21 Jul 2005 Posts: 64 Location: neverneverland

Have you tried the airlines? Recently, Kuwait Airways was advertising for an English Language Teacher. Check the websites for the airlines and click on "Career Opportunities" or the like.

Will. · Joined: 02 May 2003 Posts: 783 Location: London Uk

Try the Swiss hotel schools.

I remember one advertising a few years ago. La Roserie or Rosiere somethig like that. odd money and live in situation.

tedkarma · Posted: Thu Jun 08, 2006 9:27 am Post subject:

Some of the hospitality schools do hire language teachers - whether this is true in the home of the very best schools - Switzerland - is a different story. My guess is that all instruction is already in English - and the students there will sink or swim on their English skills.

I taught at a hospitality school in Bangkok - and that was a different thing altogether. Instruction was in English - but really the students weren't ready for it - and struggled quite a bit.

Lesser name brand schools - I would guess are more likely to hire English teachers than the world class schools.

Just my opinion - and experience - says that.

LS · Joined: 04 Jun 2006 Posts: 4

Thanks guys for your help! I'm tickled with some ideas on where to look. Thanks again! Very Happy

tedkarma · Posted: Sun Jun 11, 2006 2:10 am Post subject:

You should be tickled! Good luck!

People often forget to tie their previous career to their TEFL career.

It is a good tie-in for you AND the students.

Though we are not still in our previous careers - we often still have a strong interest in the area. That interest, experience, and knowledge comes across to students and schools/employers - and greatly enhances your opportunites. Just my opinion.

omanized · Joined: 04 Jun 2006 Posts: 152

There are at least two fairly large Tourism colleges in Muscat, Oman. Hundreds of students getting higher diplomas in tourism management and courses in chef training, front desk, marketing etc. I don't know any links to them but their names are the Oman Tourism College - I think - formerly known as the Oman Tourism and Hospitality Academy - and the National Hospitality Institute.

omanized