Job Discussion Forums

abauer · Joined: 18 Feb 2008 Posts: 24

*cracks knuckles* Okie dokie, where do I start?
I would like to take a year off from school after I get my general AA to teach ESL overseas for about one year. Right now, I'm a volunteer ESL tutor/teacher at a Vietnamese community center. Preferably, I'd like to go to Japan to teach (since I have considerable knowledge of the Japanese language), but I'd be willing to go to other places as well. I'm not quite sure of which certification or which program to enroll in. I've heard of some pretty unsavory things can happen (e.g. struggling to get adequate housing when abroad and other living issues). *rubbing temples* What are some of the best programs to get into for a young man like me (I'll be 21 soon) to enroll in?

denise · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 3419 Location: finally home-ish

You would need a BA for Japan, for visa purposes. Or if you're not American you could look into a working holiday visa.

d

abauer · Joined: 18 Feb 2008 Posts: 24

mcsam · Joined: 06 Dec 2005 Posts: 65

Afraid if your American Europe is out too. I don't know anything about Senegal but if you can stand upright you'll get a job in China.

abauer · Joined: 18 Feb 2008 Posts: 24

mcsam · Joined: 06 Dec 2005 Posts: 65

Sorry I should have said Western Europe i.e. France and Germany. The reason is visas. If you are a European citizen you can work anywhere in Europe without a visa but if you are from outside Europe you will need one and basically it's too much hassle. Why employ someone who needs a visa when there are loads of other people you can employ who don't?

I believe some Eastern European will employ you if you are American.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad tidings.

Good luck

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

If you were really set on France, you might be eligible for some sort of student working visa. Check the France forum for details. Germany requires a long, arduous process to get working papers. If you're just going for a year, without previous experience or much in the way of quals, it's unlikely to pay off.

The 'new' EU member states (CR, Slovakia, Poland, etc) would be a bit easier for you to get work in - the working visa issue is still relatively arduous, but do-able, and basic qualifications are usually enough to get one decent work.

You would need a CELTA or equivalent certification to be at all competitive for entry-level positions in Europe.

abauer · Joined: 18 Feb 2008 Posts: 24