Job Discussion Forums

stevenabroad · Joined: 16 Jan 2004 Posts: 34

I'm searching for my first ESL job and it just utterly amazes me how many opportunities there are from countries all over the globe, in a way its overwhelming. I could be on a plane tommorow and have a job in no time, my only problem is deciding where to go. I wonder what I would have done if I found out about this earlier on. As it is at this point I dont really have any other options but even if I did this is where I would want to be, how many other people have the opportunity to work half way around the world. Well guess I'll be on this gravy train till it runs out of gas

grahamb · Joined: 30 Apr 2003 Posts: 1945

Like I said on another thread, there are a lot of Bill and Ted types in EFL.

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

Good luck! I decided just a couple of months into my first teaching job four years ago that I was in it for life.

d

stevenabroad · Joined: 16 Jan 2004 Posts: 34

yaramaz · Posted: Tue Jan 20, 2004 11:55 am Post subject:

I saw nothing wrong with your post. In fact I thought it was great that you were so enthusiastic. I hope the enthusiasm transfers over to your teaching too.

BTW, I loved Bill and Ted too... highly underrated as an art form Very Happy

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

Steven,
Why don't you have any options?
I also like your enthusiasm.

It is a pretty crazy profession when you think about it, that's why there are so many nuts on this discussion forum. If anyone takes offense, than it must apply to you. Wink

grahamb · Joined: 30 Apr 2003 Posts: 1945

Steven, I've had more than my share of unemployment, so I know exactly how you feel.
My point is this: working abroad is not simply a question of getting on and off a plane, moving into an apartment and starting work the next day. If you think it is, you most certainly will not "be on this gravy train till it runs out of gas." Chances are you won't even get on it in the first place.
Enthusiasm is fine, but it's not enough. Do some serious research first. Get yourself a basic qualification if you haven't already done so. Check out the various EFL websites to see what jobs are available. Consider the economic and political stability of the places you might want to work in. How easy is it to get a work permit? What are the potential health risks? Will you be able to adapt a different culture?
Being prepared will increase your chances of success.
Graham.
PS Personally, I preferred Wayne's World to Bill and Ted.

grahamb · Joined: 30 Apr 2003 Posts: 1945

That should of course be "... adapt to a different culture."

stevenabroad · Joined: 16 Jan 2004 Posts: 34

ntropy · Joined: 11 Oct 2003 Posts: 671 Location: ghurba

Since Americans claim some of our (Canuck) best for their own, could we ask you to also take "credit" for Keanu Reeves and William Shatner. Embarrassing that these guys have actually made a living "acting." I guess Keanu at least looks cute.

Oh, I forgot, you can have Jim Carey, too.

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

Congrats on finding the world of TEFL> Where do you think that you will go first?

RK · Joined: 07 Jun 2003 Posts: 16

Sorry, wrong thread!

Canuck2112 · Joined: 13 Jun 2003 Posts: 239

Steven, it's outstanding to finally see some enthusiasm on these boards! Don't let anyone tell you otherwise...if you come into this profession with the right mindset and a positive attitude you stand a good chance of succeeding. I agree, there is more to it than just hopping on a plane and going somewhere, but with a little research and planning you can be well on your way. A few pieces of advice, for what they're worth:

1.) Keep an open mind. This is very important. You won't be in your home country, so don't expect things to be the same, because chances are things will be very different.

2.) Keep a sense of humour. You can't take yourself too seriously in this line of work. Learn to laugh at random, inane stuff. I'm in Japan so this definitely isn't a problem for me Smile

(why just the other day I saw a young kid with a hat that said "tasty carp sucker". What's the deal with that?!)

3.) Explore. Use your weekends wisely. Don't just sit around playing playstation....go SOMEWHERE, even if it's just a neighbouring town. In a new country, there is adventure to be found everywhere.

4.) Avoid negative foreigners. I'm in Japan, so to me it's "negative gaijin". You can spot these types a mile away...they'll purposely avoid eye contact with you on the street, they won't respond if you say "hi", and it's plainly apparant they can't hack it in their own country. Their habitat is the "Gaijin bar", where they congregate with others like them. The usual topic of discussion revolves around how much their job sucks and how different/annoying things are in Japan. They have the basic social skills of a wet dishcloth, and should be avoided at all costs. "Misery loves company" as they say, and these people will try to drag you down to their level. AVOID THEM. There are plenty of cool, adventurous, "Bill and Ted" types who realize it's possible to do your job well AND to have an amazing, positive experience at the same time.

5.) Learn to take BS in stride. You'll inevitably have to put up with at least a moderate amount of bureaucratic annoyances, at least in Japan. You may very well have incompetent people at the helm of your Eikawa. Luckily, I work with a good bunch, but things will start to get on your nerves after awhile. Keep things in perspective...you're making a good income, you're halfway around the world....a little BS won't kill you. Just keep a smile on your face.

I'm in Japan currently, but I think some of my advice applies to any country.

Best of luck!