Job Discussion Forums

[bauerke]

Hello,

I've been a public school teacher in the states for the past several years now and am seriously considering embarking on a new career teaching ESL abroad. Before I make such a move, however, I'd like a better idea of what type of career options exist for this platform? How difficult would it be to acquire a university job? Would this experience help my resume in the corporate arena?

I appreciate any advice...

[saint57]

International schools are career options.

[movinaround]

[bauerke]

I currently do hold a Masters in Education although it has nothing to do with Linguistics. To be honest, I've been recently laid off as a teacher (in the most depressed state of the union). Since finding another K-12 job (or any job for that matter) out here is proving to be very difficult, I was wondering if I had a chance at a university job with my current degrees and certifications (not TESOL)? If not, could I get that kind of training while on another teaching gig overseas?

[Gordon]

[GambateBingBangBOOM]

[Jerezgirl]

[John Hall]

Jerezgirl,

This is why the acronyms "TESOL" and "ESOL" have started to appear. TESOL means "teaching English to speakers of other languages," and is what should be used instead of TESL. Unfortunately though, the acronyms "TESL" and "ESL" are so well established that they have proven difficult to root out.

[Jerezgirl]

[Jizzo T. Clown]

Well there's why. In the UK it's called ESOL or EAL (English as an additional language). We still call it ESL here in the states and EFL abroad. This has been discussed at length in this forum and all across the web.

I suppose it has something to do with location (hmm...you think?) as in, when you're learning a foreign language in your home country, it's not necessarily looked upon as a second language; and when you're learning English in an English-speaking country, it's not exactly looked upon as a foreign language (by the populace anyway)--it's a second language.

[dialogger]

Meanwhile back with the OP...
I think you have to get a first 2 years exp under your belt before you make a longterm decision about TESOL as a career.
Like others I think China is the way to go as there are low entry requirements and the university sector can provide a less than onerous teaching schedule plus accom and round trip airfares if you stick it out for the full contract period of one year. Some half year gigs are available but only one way airfare paid in this instance.
The real hurdle for TESOL is not the in class stuff but can you live the life and deal with the culture?
After 2 years basic then there are the options of continuing in the university sector - this might mean moving from a Chinese provincial city to Beijing for better dough and you can visit the uni before commtting yourself.
The other route after the basic 2 years is into the private language school sector and look at management positions ie Director of Studies and school or territory/city management. Once again you can check out potential employers by calling on them in person. Remember a lot of English schools are franchises and conditions can vary from school to school even though they are branded the same.
I don't think it matters really where you do the initial 2 years and you can move to another country and still take up either of these 2 routes. If you can deal with China and still deliver a good classroom product you can make it anywhere.
One last thing - please do not bring your US cultural burden to China - as if you would!
We are teaching English as an international medium of communication - not to ready our students to become AMWAY reps in Alameda. If you don't believe this is a problem check out the New Interchange texts.
Timewise I think the university sector is probably not accessible as the next start will be at end of Feb. You have plenty of time to get yourself set up for an end August start though and this would be preferable for most hirers.
Remember there will probably be 2 jobs - the one that gets you to China and the one that keeps you in China. On the ground eyeball to eyeball is the only way to get to grips with the country.
PM me if you want a contact at the university I taught at.

[zorro (3)]

If you teach in language schools and go for the management options (or DOS), you will be confronted with the necessity for round about 5 years of experience plus the DELTA in most language schools in Europe. These jobs in Asia are also very much sought after. Once you get this, where is the next step? I'm dubious about this route as a career. You're much better off going for the university route. You may even be able to escape from ESL/EFL before you start if you do a PHD in a totally unrelated field!

[dialogger]

I agree with Zorro re PhD as you are reactivating yourself for teaching in general with that approach.
If you are mature age you may want to consider the cost v benefits of the investment in a PhD.
DOS postions fairly regularly advertised in China so not sure that they are that keenly sought after there. Language school teaching exp is the only way of really determining if that industry is for you at whatever level.
You can do a summer at a language school between semesters even while you maintain your university job and apartment - or be on call during the holiday if you are staying in town.
I repeat what I said earlier about branded franchises as the quality can be expected to vary a lot even though systems and teaching materials are the same.
All of my comments are based around my China exp.
However I do detect an understandable air of depression with OP.
Just by thinking about opportunities outside US you are taking the first step to reclaiming the initiative in your life and career - go for it!

[vashdown2]

I'm new to posting, but have been reading and researching for months now.

The International Schools are in recruiting mode NOW. Why don't you sign up with ISS or Search Associates (if you sign up for SA in the UK, there is no fee to join), and start applying to schools abroad? As far as everyone seems to say, int'l school beat the salary and benefits of ESL schools hands down.

I am sure with your qualifications, you could land a plum job starting August 2007.

Bon courage!

[JZer]