Job Discussion Forums

ivory · Joined: 13 Jul 2008 Posts: 6 Location: Los Angeles

I have recently become greatly intrigued by the prospect of teaching English overseas. I love teaching and have had a successful (not monetarily) career as a teacher. I am at the point in my life where I feel called to something new, and I'm thinking TEFL might be it. My main reasons for doing this would be that it is a vastly different experience, the potential to save money, and my love for teaching.

I am a 38 year old male who has spent the last 14 years teaching primarily World Religions in two Catholic high schools in Los Angeles. I do not possess a teaching credential as it is not required in the private school system. I also have professionally tutored countless children in younger grades in all subject areas.

I do not have any TEFL experience nor do I possess a certificate to do so. I am very willing to get TEFL certified if necessary.

I'm just wondering if anyone has any insight as to if my experience will count.

I'm sure knowing which areas I would be interested in would help, so here goes (provided with a comment about my worry for each...each of these worries developed from me reading this website, please feel free to allay my fears if you feel it's appropriate):

-South Korea (xenophobia/I don't want to be hated for teaching.)
-Hong Kong (read a poster call it the "gran prix"/with no TEFL experience, am I fooling myself?)
-Japan (will I save money?)
-Taiwan (no great worry, yet I haven't read as much)
-Thailand (will I be able to save money?)

Any suggestions on what might be one of the larger decisions I have made about my life would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

fluffyhamster · Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2008 5:35 am Post subject:

Hi Ivory, I've replied at length on your Japan forum thread, so I'll be brief here:

Hong Kong: Have you heard of the NET (Native English Teacher) scheme? Might be worth applying for. The more TEFL-y jobs there may require more certification and especially specific experience than you seem to have at present, but by all means apply for whatever jobs you can find and see what they say!

South Korea: From what I understand, the employer retains control over the visa, so it could get tricky if you ended up with a very exploitative school that refused to let you go. I'd therefore advise taking at least a return ticket or airfare with you! They will apparently be introducing background checks soon also - could be time-consuming and expensive. Generally, Japan seems the better destination of the two, but as I've only been to Japan and not Korea, I can't really say for sure.

Taiwan: A pretty thorough health check is required, but not a bad destination IMO.

Thailand: There's a lot of red tape e.g. running around umpteen ministries to get a work visa, criminal background checks, visa runs etc etc. Not sure that's all worth it if it wasn't one of the better jobs that you'd be getting.

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

Can only comment on Korea, in big cities, you shoudl have no probs.

Anda · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 2199 Location: Jiangsu Province

What degrees do you actually have?

I lasted eight and a half years in Korea so it isn't that bad. I did five years with the EPIK program in the public school system. You can save good money straight off provided you lead a simple life.

The NET program in Hong Kong is harder to get into and they expect their pound of flesh so to speak.

Japan isn't what it used to be and wages haven't progressed for a long time. Many institutes have closed up in the last year. Settling in costs will eat up your wages for the first year. You normally have to find your own accommodation. The JET program for the public school tend to go for younger teachers.

Public schools in China pay about a quarter of South Korea.

fluffyhamster · Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2008 3:51 pm Post subject:

Ooh yeah, EPIK, I forgot about that! Good on yer, Anda! Just curious, though - is there an age limit for that, or would 38 still be OK? (I'll need to refresh myself on the details for the JET, TEIJ, and NET programmes at some point also!).

Anda · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 2199 Location: Jiangsu Province

Currently it is 55 as far as I know.

ivory · Joined: 13 Jul 2008 Posts: 6 Location: Los Angeles

thanks for the replies. my BA is in Religious Studies/Comparative Religions from a California State System University (4 year).

GambateBingBangBOOM · Joined: 04 Nov 2003 Posts: 2021 Location: Japan

parrothead · Joined: 02 Nov 2003 Posts: 342 Location: Japan

I think you could get a job in Japan if you are flexible enough about where you will live. I don't put much stock into the theory that if you are older, like 38, you won't be able to find a job. At 32 I am the youngest instructor at my school.
I like gaijinpot.com as a source for job openings. Look into a few schools there, read up on their websites, learn a little about the city the school is in, carefully read the school's bio. My school once had an applicant inquire in his cover letter about which stop on the Yamanote line our school was at. We are in Northern Honshu.
As far as apartments, I think most employers will help you find an apartment and may even offer key money assistance. Chain schools usually have something lined up for you right away.