Job Discussion Forums

[gmjones]

A quick couple of questions for anyone who, like me, works in a language school/system with an academic year leaving you jobless over the summer... How do you spend your summer and how, if necessary, do you subsidise your income? I work in Spain where I don't earn enough to do all the things I'd like to, so am now spending my summer temping in an office back home which is extemely tedious... but still, I have Spain to look forward to again after I finish!

[JZer]

Interesting. I think in Korea most schools have more classes in the summer. Well, I guess that public schools have the same number of classes but there are plenty of camps out there if you need the money.

[Glenski]

Same situation applies in Japan. Conversation schools are open all year, with about 5 weeks scattered throughout for major holiday periods.

As for high school, you usually get only a month without regular classes, but if you are assigned club activities, you might be working every day of the week. In addition, you may also have to take part in special activities like open campus or study support or "Saturday course", so you may not have any down time at all.

Universities are slightly different. This year I get 2 months off. I'll have to let you know what I'm going to do, since the break doesn't start until the second week of August. Even so, that's right after the last final exam, so I'll have tests to correct and grades to enter into the system. Moreover, I will spend some of my break time preparing for the next semester classes, many of which have totally different formats from the classes I've already taught.

[Chris_Crossley]

[tedkarma]

If you are considering TEFL as a long-term career - I'd suggest that you RUN, don't walk, to a graduate degree that will afford you much more PAID time off.

In the mean time, consider a country that doesn't leave you hanging for three months a year.

[Frontline]

Sorry, what?

What do I do in the summer? Why, I work every hour God sends and earn enough money to see me through the lean winter. I thought that's what all TEFLers did?









(used to run summer schools. Given that up but still UK based)

[fat_chris]

What do I do in the summer?

Work out
Start to wrap up my MA in TESOL
Nothing
Take Spanish classes
Check out the Gran Manzana
Prepare my trip to Africa
Read some books on class management and get some ideas for teaching
Feel anxious that there is one day less in my summer vacation
Look for an apartment
Hang out with friends

And stay up waaaaaaaaay past my bedtime....

I am paid 12 months a year even though I only teach for 10. It makes it all a bit easier. I don't "work" in the summer.

[Boy Wonder]

I do summer schools as I have done since the year of our Lord 1997.

3 to 6 weeks free accommodation and food. Trips to decent tourist sites plus the chance to be with energetic, bright and friendly kids rather than in some company listening to middle managers droning on about their own importance.

Great........

Done them in the UK, Thailand and the Middle East for various schools and colleges...usually they provide enough money to have a good holiday afterwards.

This year however it's paid for a 1965 Truimph Herald Convertible in red and white.....

[fat_chris]

[Sweetsee]

Heard that, sweet indeed! Enjoy your toy!

[dmb]

I've been in a car with Boy Wonder. The streets of Clacton on sea aren't safe.

[Sweetsee]

Are they clean?

[gaijinalways]

Myself, another university lecturer, I just returned from a holiday in Europe (since 7/20) and am leaving again on Saturday for a party in the States. I did work this week at another job, and will work for a few weeks in Sept. before preparing for another busy fall semester starting from around Sept. 20th.

[mondrian]