Job Discussion Forums

[bosnian]

Hi everybody,

I posted a newbie question a few years ago and did not relly get a solid answer; the discussion quickly changed to something else. Well here I am, two-three years later, again with a similar question, but a little more hope of getting some help...


Here is the short hand: I am almost done my BA Honours in History at the University of British Columbia (Canada) and I am currently teaching ESL and writing at a small local learning center (most students are of an East-Indian origin) three times per week. The question that I would like answered the most is: What could I do with my BA and little experience (more precisely, 9 months by the time I`m done with school) in terms of teaching English overseas? Please do not digress into a discussion about how general my question is, keep on reading...

Now to the second, more precise question: What Southeast Asian country is best for people who have never tought overseas and who have qualifications and experience close to my level? How tight is the job market in the same country?

Finally, is there any Arab country where my limited qualifications and experience could get me a job with relative ease?

Now for those who might have been in a similar position as me, I need some advice on the following. I was offered a $14,000 Graduate Scholarship to do my MA in Toronto. If you have a dagree in History, tell me how that prepared you for an ESL-teaching career. Did you consider graduate school bafore going overseas? Would an MA in History help me while looking for a job in the ESL market overseas?

Any advice based on the above questions would be greatly appreciated. I take sarcastic advice very well too, as long as it is at least partially informational...

A guy stuck between a BA, a desire to travel and teach, and do graduate research...

[Glenski]

[Gordon]

Your MA in history would be almost useless if you want to teach ESL. Choose what you want to do more, teach history or English. Can't kill 2 birds here, unfortunately.

I also have a BA in history (from the other Vancouver uni, up on the hill) and now an MA in applied linguistics. If you aspire to teach English in a university, then think about a masters in TESOL or applied linguistics. The masters needs to be in a related field if you want to maximize its usefulness.

[GambateBingBangBOOM]

[rossttuedu]

I can only tell you about China but it is very easy to get a job here teaching English. I graduated in December with a degree in Anthropology and History and by late January I was moving into my apartment in Tianjin with a job secured. I plan on teaching for probably a year or two then I am going to get an MA in International Business and International Relations back in the states or maybe in Australia. One thing to keep in mind though is the pay here in China is not so good if you have student loans to pay off. If I had student loans then I certainly would not be here. However, I have been told that you can make some real money teaching in Korea and Japan. But, I would not know personally.

[vashdown2]

If you have such a strong interest in History, why not get your MA and teaching credentials, then become a Social Studies/History teacher at the high school level in the International Schools?

That is killing birds: travel, your passion for history, and teaching!