Job Discussion Forums

Quebecer27 · Last edited by Quebecer27 on Sun Jun 25, 2006 1:10 am; edited 1 time in total

Hi everyone,

This is a long post, but I think I'm covering all the angles.

I've been reading a lot lately on the subject of teaching abroad and the more I learn, the more I feel like it would be a great experience for me. I'm the kind of guy who likes to move around and learn new things. So it seems to me that I would fit into that kind of lifestyle without too much trouble. South Korea looks good to me as a place to start.

However, I have questions in regards of my qualifications since the path I'm taking is a little different than what I've read from others.

So, I'm a 27 yr old male student from Quebec, Canada. My first language is French but I'm fluent in English as well (I've had the chance of studying in an English setting when I was younger.) As of the end of August, I'll have a Bachelor's in English and Intercultural Studies (which includes 8 literature courses) with a Minor in translation, and a Certificate in Film Studies. I'm enrolled in a Master's in Comparative Canadian Literature for September, and this is where I need your help.

I love English and Literature. Before I looked into teaching abroad, I thought I'd do a Master's and teach English lit. in college. I still think of doing this on the long term, therefore my choice of Master's is relevant. I already have a bunch of subjects I'd love to work on for my thesis, so I'm not questioning my choice here. However, I wonder if having this degree before going abroad would help me get a "better" job in a foreign country as an inexperienced teacher? Would my Master's also be of interest to an employer even if it is different from others? Or is Linguistics and Education the only proven way to go?

I'm also very much interested in SLA theory and such, so it is certain that I'll take a TESL training of some kind, with supervised teaching practice. As I've read before, I'm not thinking of going there with my MA and act like I'm the Man. I have no experience in teaching and I really want to learn. I'm a perfectionnist, always been.

So to sum this up, would my Master's in Comparative Canadian Literature give me better chances of getting a "better" job abroad? Or should I go straight for the TESL certificate and leave now to do my Master's when I come back? (In case I like teaching English so much that I end up doing a Master's in Applied Linguistics or Education instead...) And also, are there any asian countries where French teachers are needed? Thought I could teach both since I'm a translator after all.

So many questions... hehe. Thanks for you generous help!

Cheers

Jonathan Very Happy

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

Here in Japan, your qualifications (bachelor's or master's) are suitable only for entry level jobs, meaning JET Programme ALT or conversation school teacher. Most people with those jobs have degrees unrelated to teaching, and hardly any experience.

If you want to teach literature, it'll have to be in a university setting, and you're likely going to need to do it with lots of Japanese language. To get a university job here, you're also going to need more experience teaching IN JAPAN (usually), publications, and contacts.

JDYoung · Joined: 21 Apr 2003 Posts: 157 Location: Dongbei

There are a number of coutries that would appreciate a teacher who can teach both English and French. Try those that have a past history as a French colony. They still want French but now want English as well.

tedkarma · Posted: Mon Jun 26, 2006 9:57 am Post subject:

I think you are well on track. But a Masters in Eng. Lit (vs. Comparative Canadian Lit.) - would make you a much more attractive candidate for a Korean (or other Asian) university. Your speciality is in demand.

I wouldn't mention that French was my first language - at least when applying for jobs in Asia - just say Canadian - and they will assume English as a first language. They WILL have definite ideas about their preference on that issue. Don't lie - just don't raise the issue.

You do have two options - Get your TEFL Cert and go overseas and see if you like it - but don't judge by the jobs you get. Or get your Master's degree first - and with a graduate degree the type of work you will land will be far better and provide a much more comfortable lifestyle.

caneisha · Joined: 29 Jan 2006 Posts: 6 Location: SEATTLE

My friend has been working in Macao for a year and is now back in the States on Summer vacation. He will be returning to teach in September and he loves it there. He told me that there are many new opportunities for ESL instructors in Macao. With a BA in English, you can easily get a full time job teaching ESL in a high school. The compensation is good and accomodations are paid for. With HK less than an hour away on jetfoil and China minutes away on taxi, you have many options for fun and travel during short breaks and long weekends.

qas419 · Joined: 12 Jun 2006 Posts: 32

Well, you have raised a very important question. Let me give you a realistic view of teaching English in the Middle East. I think this should be applied to all Asian countries. A postgraduate degree in English literature is not required for teaching English as a second/foreign language. What you need is a BA in any discipline and a certificate or Diploma in TESL/TEFL. Unless you want to work at a university level where they teach English/American literature, you may need a high degree (Ph.D) in literature. So my advice is get a certificate in ESL and keep your MA in literture for some other time.

Craig! · Joined: 23 Jan 2005 Posts: 202

Welcome to the forum! You seem to be already very well-qualified and suited to TFL abroad.
The other posters have very good advice. I would reiterate, having only a bachelor's degree 'is your ticket' (to China), and an advanced degree will not help you land a "better" job as a new FT.

But, just consider this, an unspoken requirement (and this is a biggie), is how well you speak "standard English".
With a heavy accent, you might face discrimination of sorts. I have seen many 'well-qualified' teachers dismissed because of the accent issue.
American, British, and Australian accents are preferred (in that order) - this is just from my experience in NE China.

Be careful of tedkarma's advice: ...."not mention that French was my first language - at least when applying for jobs in Asia - just say Canadian - and they will assume English as a first language. They WILL have definite ideas about their preference on that issue. Don't lie - just don't raise the issue."...
You should raise the issue. Telephone them, feel them out, and try to discern " their preference on that issue." Good luck