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jsbankston
Joined: 12 Sep 2006
Posts: 214
Location: Texas
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 Posted: Sun Oct 01, 2006 10:48 pm Post subject: |
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This is what he just wrote on the France board. I responded early on to one of his posts and asked him if he was doing research anywhere other than this messsage board. His reply? NO.
Ah, okay. I reread your posting. Yes, at that point Dave's ESL Cafe may well have been the only resource on TEFL I had yet consulted. I've looked into a few and plan to look into much more, but I must admit I have been really busy job-hunting the last few weeks for a survival job. Maybe when I get some money coming in I'll buy some current books on the topic. |
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jsbankston
Joined: 12 Sep 2006
Posts: 214
Location: Texas
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| Posted: Sun Oct 01, 2006 10:49 pm Post subject: |
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| Double Clutcher wrote: |
| Has anyone brought up Taiwan to the OP? Sorry I can't read the whole fifteen pages right now. Taiwan may not be very romantic sounding, but the cost of living is affordable, the pay is good and there is a fair amount of western influence which most newbies appreciate. |
If it has been mentioned, it was only very briefly. I've not yet looked up anything about it. |
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jsbankston
Joined: 12 Sep 2006
Posts: 214
Location: Texas
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| Posted: Sun Oct 01, 2006 11:04 pm Post subject: |
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| Glenski wrote: |
jbankston,
I've already told you that JET programme has an "official" cutoff age of 40, but that they sometimes make allowances and hire people older than that. Have you done any research on JET? Good grief!
I have been reading up on all sorts of countries, not Japan exclusively. And since everyone seems to think I'd need a huge amount of money before I went to Japan, I don't know how likely I am to go there at first. Japan interests me the most of all Asian countries, but it may not be do-able in my present circumstances. But no, I've not done any kind of in-depth study on the Big Four yet. Despite my heavy presence on this board, I've been very busy looking for survival jobs the last few weeks.
Geez, man! AEON is one of the Big Four eikaiwa (conversation schools |) in Japan, and one of the most trusted. You have been searching on this forum and the Japan forum for a long time, and you don't know that?? Poor researching, very poor.
I know it's one of the Big Four but I haven't researched any of them enough to know which ones are trusted or not, because, again, my focus is not totally on Japan.
By the way, do you even know why jbankston wants to go overseas? It's not to teach; it's to get his butt overseas so he can write about the experience. Not something I'd want my students to know if I were their teacher.
What difference do my motivations make as long as I keep them to myself?
I would probably handle this about the same way as anyone who had no preparation. So how do you prepare? (This certainly flies in the face of my detractors on this thread who keep saying to rush into this or don't bother with it at all.) |
No preparation? Ok, you've just set yourself up for failure... again.
Wait a minute. Did you not read where I wrote "How do you prepare?" I have no problem with the notion of preparing because I just asked how to do so. How is that setting myself up for failure? If I'm going into an unknown situation then logtic would dictate I need to find out what those unknowns might be and how I can ready myself for them.
I've just given you the general outline for one of the major weeding out segments of a major interview. You're a librarian for goodness' sake. How do you IMAGINE you should prepare for such a test?
Well, I would imagine I'd do research on the matter. That's what I'm doing right now. But there seems to be outrage at me for not knowing all the answers already in my bones and marrow.
I think what they are really trying to tell you is to defecate or get off the pot.
Yeah, that's what I concluded.
[/quote]Oh, c'mon! How do you prepare for an interview that requires you show charisma or personality? THAT is what you should be trying to learn. Practice with friends or in front of a mirror or video camera. Whatever it takes. I can't believe a 42-year-old man asked that question.
Actually, that part is what I would worry least about. Although it might not come across in this thread, I'm pretty good at and comfortable with entertaining large groups of people. I may be inherently private, but I'm a good comedian when the spotlight's on me.
Showing an energetic personality is what is needed for any eikaiwa, and it sure doesn't hurt for any other sort of school position, but you aren't qualified for anything other than eikaiwa or JET. As for getting hired by one of the major companies/eikaiwas in the USA, you have 2 choices:
1. use them (there are only about 10-12), or
2. come here with US$4000-5000 and job hunt for 1-2 months (but in other threads, I've already given you that advice.)
| Quote: |
| Naturally, I would not want to sign on with a bad school with poor conditions, but I have to wonder if all the English teachers America is sending overseas are as good as these requirements would seem to indicate. |
What requirements? All you need to get a job at entry level in Japan is a bachelor's degree in any subject... period. There are no requirements like EFL/ESL certification, degree in linguistics, years of experience, etc. (although if one doesn't have a degree, one can get a visa with 3 or more years of teaching experience). But once again, I've already told you this in other thread.
Please humor me, sir. I can't wade through 15 pages of posts. If it's "traveling the world and writing your impressions of it", you have a long, hard road to hoe and a castle to build in the clouds. Just my opinion, though, based on everything you have written about your attitude and such.[/quote]
Well that's basically it. I know nothing will be handed to me, but I don't think it's an unrealistic goal. |
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jsbankston
Joined: 12 Sep 2006
Posts: 214
Location: Texas
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| Posted: Sun Oct 01, 2006 11:10 pm Post subject: |
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| Henry_Cowell wrote: |
| jsbankston wrote: |
| I'm single, I have no committments and only one major debt.... |
And now we've learned about all sorts of "committments" and constraints that this bankston fellow says he has. The list grows as this thread grows. Make a suggestion? He has an excuse. Suggest a change of behavior? He has an excuse. Perhaps a new way of thinking or a new line of work? Oh, he's been there and done that.
Typical troll behavior. |
I mean no commitments to the extent that I have no wife or kids or mortgage. That sort of thing.
And I've said this before-- not every explanation is an excuse. People who seem to be on the offensive all the time, though, rarely see the difference.
As for "been there and done" that, well, excuse me for having had life experiences that I've actually learned from.
Last edited by jsbankston on Sun Oct 01, 2006 11:25 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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katybell
Joined: 30 Jan 2006
Posts: 16
Location: Huntsville, Ontario, Canada
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| Posted: Sun Oct 01, 2006 11:19 pm Post subject: |
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Okay, yes, I concede, after reading more of the thread that jsbankston may have a breakdown working abroad. Yes... I agree that he ought to pay off the $7000 before he goes, unless he is able to arrange good employment before leaving the US.
I don't think that he is going to go anywhere within the next year at least.
You know... I decided to go to Korea, and eight days later I was there, teaching. So, I cannot relate to this indecision at all, it is driving me crazy just imagining someone ruminating about this for so long.
The reason I suggested Thailand is that it seems that jsbankston might benefit from it... he's 42, unmarried... he might find a girl to cook for him, take care of him... that kind of thing. Of course, he might find a girl that puts him farther into debt!
I still think that Glenski is wound up tighter than a $5 watch.
Yes, I do have a happy, rosy, optimistic outlook... I like to think that things will just work out... and I am super spontaneous... I do look at difficult situations with a sense of humour... I know that everyone is not like that ...
I wouldn't call myself a "failed" teacher in Japan... I just liked making twice as much for pretty much the same job (teaching ESL, just in a bar). |
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jsbankston
Joined: 12 Sep 2006
Posts: 214
Location: Texas
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| Posted: Sun Oct 01, 2006 11:25 pm Post subject: |
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| So what I'm basically getting is "You have a BA and no experience or extensive training in TEFL, but you don't need to bother with that. But expect a tricky interview where you'll be expected to intuitively know how to do this without any training. Don't bother unless you want to make a lifetime commitment to the profession, but you've got to decide that now before you've ever tried it." |
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jsbankston
Joined: 12 Sep 2006
Posts: 214
Location: Texas
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| Posted: Sun Oct 01, 2006 11:36 pm Post subject: |
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| katybell wrote: |
Okay, yes, I concede, after reading more of the thread that jsbankston may have a breakdown working abroad. Yes... I agree that he ought to pay off the $7000 before he goes, unless he is able to arrange good employment before leaving the US.
Well, if I have to wait to pay off my credit card debt doing more crap jobs, then I may never get to leave. The crap jobs I've had have barely paid enough to cover rent, utilities, and groceries. Part of my motivation for going overseas is to find a place where I can live decently, yet still make enough to actually put some money aside and pay off that debt. Another motivation is that I want to get far away from this neurotic and unhealthy situation I'm in with my mother.
I don't know as I'd have a breakdown overseas. As I've pointed out many times on this thread, as long as I don't have to worry about money too much and my life is more or less interesting and I have stuff to keep me busy, I stay on an even keel. Financial woes, crappy jobs, boredom, etc.--those things set me off.
I don't think that he is going to go anywhere within the next year at least.
Why do you say that? I don't know how much more of my current situation I can stand.
You know... I decided to go to Korea, and eight days later I was there, teaching. So, I cannot relate to this indecision at all, it is driving me crazy just imagining someone ruminating about this for so long.
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katybell
Joined: 30 Jan 2006
Posts: 16
Location: Huntsville, Ontario, Canada
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| Posted: Sun Oct 01, 2006 11:41 pm Post subject: |
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Hi Jsbankston,
Whether you need TEFL training totally depends on where you want to go.
I think that if you really expect concrete, helpful advice, you need to tell us where you want to go.
Expect a tricky interview? Again, depends where you are going, and what kind of school who are applying to.
Lifetime commitment to the profession? No way. Again, depends where you are applying to. If you want tenure at a university, then yes, maybe.
So, you need to decide where to go at this point.
And, when are you going, exactly?
Have you considered Mexico, at all? You would probably have to take care of your debt first... but you would be closer to family at least. And, if you like dogs, you might be able to find a set-up where you can have one there. I just started a thread about that very topic in the General Discussion section.
Answer me about ajarn... did you go there yet? |
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jsbankston
Joined: 12 Sep 2006
Posts: 214
Location: Texas
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| Posted: Sun Oct 01, 2006 11:53 pm Post subject: |
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| katybell wrote: |
Hi Jsbankston,
Whether you need TEFL training totally depends on where you want to go.
I think that if you really expect concrete, helpful advice, you need to tell us where you want to go.
That's the thing. I'm still looking. I've got lots of travel guides I'm thumbing through, trying to see what the countries are like. One area I'm considering but haven't posted about yet is Eastern Europe.
I've only been pondering this major life change for about a month, and I've got a lot of other things going on, as I've said, what with a sick dog and job-hunting. Researching TEFL has not become a full-time occupation yet. I've spent a good part of the month trying to figure out if it was possible to get a legal job teaching in Western Europe without an EU passport, but it seems very unlikely. Asia and Eastern Europe have only been secondary options, though they now seem more do-able than Western Europe at this point.
Expect a tricky interview? Again, depends where you are going, and what kind of school who are applying to.
Lifetime commitment to the profession? No way. Again, depends where you are applying to. If you want tenure at a university, then yes, maybe.
So, you need to decide where to go at this point.
And, when are you going, exactly?
A lot depends on when I finally land a make-do job state side.
Have you considered Mexico, at all? You would probably have to take care of your debt first... but you would be closer to family at least.
Being near my family is not something that is a priority, actually. I had not given much thought to Mexico, no. My only experience of Mexico has been border towns, which I realize are poor indicators of any country. I have studied some Spanish. I am by no means fluent, but studied it for three years in secondary school and two in college. I know the vocabulary better than the grammar. But I find it an interesting country.
My friend who taught in Japan for two years and married a Japanese woman is an Hispanic from Texas, but after Japan they lived in Mexico City for a few years, where he got a consulate job. The last I heard he was working for the Mexican consulate in Dallas.
And, if you like dogs, you might be able to find a set-up where you can have one there. I just started a thread about that very topic in the General Discussion section.
Answer me about ajarn... did you go there yet? |
I clicked on the site, but have not had a chance to look at it yet. I plan to tonight after I fill out some job apps. and go exercise some at my apt. complex gym. |
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katybell
Joined: 30 Jan 2006
Posts: 16
Location: Huntsville, Ontario, Canada
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| Posted: Mon Oct 02, 2006 12:08 am Post subject: |
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[quote="jsbankston"][quote="katybell"]
Researching TEFL has not become a full-time occupation yet.
Why does researching TEFL need to be a full-time occupation?
I've spent a good part of the month trying to figure out if it was possible to get a legal job teaching in Western Europe without an EU passport, but it seems very unlikely.
That's too bad that you spent a month on that... I could have told you that in one minute...
A lot depends on when I finally land a make-do job state side.
I don't understand... what do you mean? Do you mean that you want to get a job in the states, pay off the debt, and then go abroad?
Being near my family is not something that is a priority, actually.
Well, the title of this thread you started was all about convincing family that teaching abroad is okay. Maybe Mexico would be an easier sell.
I clicked on the site, but have not had a chance to look at it yet. I plan to tonight after I fill out some job apps. and go exercise some at my apt. complex gym.
Post your dilemma on ajarn ASAP because I can't wait to see how the crazy guys on that site will respond. |
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jsbankston
Joined: 12 Sep 2006
Posts: 214
Location: Texas
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| Posted: Mon Oct 02, 2006 12:18 am Post subject: |
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katybell,
No, I need a make-do job here right now to pay for my rent, utilities, and groceries. I need to be able to take care of my dog for however many weeks or months he has left. And I need a little money to operate with, if for no other reason than to be able to rent a storage space to put my stuff when I go overseas. Even if I got a job thast paid for everything up front, I would want to have some pocket money for emergencies, if nothing else.
Western Europe is still my ultimate goal, and I would like to wind up there eventually. |
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konyoku
Joined: 09 Sep 2005
Posts: 54
Location: neither here nor there
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| Posted: Mon Oct 02, 2006 12:28 am Post subject: |
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I am of the mind that people don't change. This is especially true the older we get. Considering this, I would like to offer a few suggestions to assist you in working out what it is you're looking for.
You're quite good at caring for sick animals. You're devoted to Fred and, obviously, spend a lot of time looking after his renal failures. I would say, after his passing, that you find yourself another sick dog to look after; preferrably one with renal failure since this seems to be where your gifts lie. You could take Fred's corpse to the taxidermist and have him stuffed and hung on your wall or use him as a sort of teddy bear in the future. That way, you'd always be together.
You're also a professional job-seeker. Not too many people can boast of such an occupation. I would say continue in the line of work as it must give you a slight thrill at the prospect of having new prospects to consider everytime you fill out one of those apps.
Please don't take this as a joke. I'm being quite serious. You've conditioned your nervous system to the lifestyle you're presently leading and any sudden changes could very lead to system failure. We all find comfort in our routines. And I think your greatest happiness lies in continuing to do what you've been doing. Let's say you took everyone's advice - hopped on a plane and started teaching. If you discovered it wasn't suited to you, why we'd be to blame, wouldn't we? I certainly wouldn't want that and won't have it. So please, please, stay home and take care of Freddie for all our sakes. |
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jsbankston
Joined: 12 Sep 2006
Posts: 214
Location: Texas
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| Posted: Mon Oct 02, 2006 12:33 am Post subject: |
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| konyoku wrote: |
I am of the mind that people don't change. This is especially true the older we get. Considering this, I would like to offer a few suggestions to assist you in working out what it is you're looking for.
You're quite good at caring for sick animals. You're devoted to Fred and, obviously, spend a lot of time looking after his renal failures. I would say, after his passing, that you find yourself another sick dog to look after; preferrably one with renal failure since this seems to be where your gifts lie. You could take Fred's corpse to the taxidermist and have him stuffed and hung on your wall or use him as a sort of teddy bear in the future. That way, you'd always be together.
You're also a professional job-seeker. Not too many people can boast of such an occupation. I would say continue in the line of work as it must give you a slight thrill at the prospect of having new prospects to consider everytime you fill out one of those apps.
Please don't take this as a joke. I'm being quite serious. You've conditioned your nervous system to the lifestyle you're presently leading and any sudden changes could very lead to system failure. We all find comfort in our routines. And I think your greatest happiness lies in continuing to do what you've been doing. Let's say you took everyone's advice - hopped on a plane and started teaching. If you discovered it wasn't suited to you, why we'd be to blame, wouldn't we? I certainly wouldn't want that and won't have it. So please, please, stay home and take care of Freddie for all our sakes. |
You are a vile, evil person. Karma is gonna dump on you big time. |
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katybell
Joined: 30 Jan 2006
Posts: 16
Location: Huntsville, Ontario, Canada
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| Posted: Mon Oct 02, 2006 1:09 am Post subject: |
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| Okay people.... not that anyone cares... I just hate it when I'm wrong... I suggested Thailand... and another poster said that Thailand would be a bad idea... and told everyone never to listen to my advice... WELL, I went to ajarn and asked them... and the answer I got was that yes, you can pay off that kind of debt working over there. So... nah nah nah nah nah (in childish tune). |
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Henry_Cowell
Joined: 27 May 2005
Posts: 3352
Location: Berkeley
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| Posted: Mon Oct 02, 2006 3:20 am Post subject: |
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| jsbankston wrote: |
| Western Europe is still my ultimate goal, and I would like to wind up there eventually. |
If that's the case, why not get a job in Brussels with the EU or NATO? Both organizations need qualified expert writers and translators to create reports, whitepapers, proposals, and other documents.
Oh, I'm sorry. You are not qualified and don't have the credentials.
So you'd better fall in love with and marry a rich EU national pronto (with Mummy's permission, of course). With your low levels of energy, motivation ambition, money, skills, and credentials, you'll never get there otherwise. |
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