Job Discussion Forums

[timmy the teacher]

Hi everyone! I�ve been reading posts for a while, but this is my first. I�m an 23 year old American recent college grad. I've spent the past 8 months doing one of those "pay to volunteer" programs- half my time was spent teaching EFL in Senegal and the other half teaching EFL in Nepal. I know most people think that the whole concept of "paying to work" sounds ridiculous. However, I wanted to experience living and working in a developing country, and I found that these programs are some of the only opportunities to do so (especially for a relatively inexperienced recent college grad such as myself).

Now I�m back in the U.S., teaching ESL at a language school. However, I'm eager to head out and explore the world again. In particular, I want to teach ESL in a developing country. I have this altruistic notion of using ESL to improve the lives of people who need it the most. Yes, I know I probably sound incredibly na�ve- but give me a break, I�m young and dumb.

So my question is: Is there a country out there where people are in severe need of teaching aid and English language skills- yet at the same time, a country where its actually feasible for a foreigner to get a job? A good salary is not a particular concern of mine at this stage in my life.

I�ve lived in West Africa, and I know there are countless people there who would love to learn English. However, I�m also well aware that it�s near impossible for a foreigner to get a teaching job in many African schools- unless, of course, one joins the Peace Corps (which is not an organization which I desire to commit to at this point in my life).

So where in the developing world is the best place to look for an ESL job? Where can ESL make a real positive difference, and where do I have a good chance of actually finding a position? Preferable in Asia or Africa. Also, I prefer to teach young learners, and I prefer working in government or private schools (as opposed to language schools)- but this is not absolutely necessary. Any input would be greatly appreciated (just please don�t call me a na�ve idiot because I�m already mildly aware of that). Thanks!

[Phil_K]

Being in Mexico, I can confirm that there is always a big demand for native speakers here...and in other Latin American countries.

Also, as an emerging economy, I would imagine China is a good place to go...and a little more adventurous than just crossing the border.

[MO39]

I have the feeling that when the OP wrote that he wanted to "make a positive difference" in a developing country, he wasn't thinking of teaching the children of the well-off or successful professionals to learn English. Unfortunately, in Latin America (including Mexico), those are most likely the kinds of students you'd be working with if you want to make a decent living, though not necessarily gobs of money.

[william wallace]

CHINA IS A FOR PROFIT TEACHING COUNTRY. If you do go here and teach, it is highly likely that you will volunteer,and someone or some group will reap a hefty profit from your free to almost-free labor.

Avoid China!

[Phil_K]

[Prof.Gringo]

[arioch36]

I'll put words in Williams mouth.

If you come to China to teach, make sure you are paid well, or other teachers such as myself will hate you.

Personally I believe Phil_K is on the money. Congratulations. It took me until I was 30 to become dumb and naive.

Most of China is 3rd world. it also has lots of money.

Sometimes ignorant scabs come to China on a volunteer program and don't get paid. The people you are working for have plenty of money, and it is a lie to avoid paying another foreign teacher a decent salary. We have some voluteers at my school right now. They are teaching the same kids I teach. There is absolutely no reason they should be volunteering. IT IS A SCAM 99% of the time. This is what William is saying, and these "volunteers are just making the education system worse.

But working in CHina as a paid teacher, especially if you work away from the big cities in the dirtier provinces and lower-level colleges, I think you will get exactly the experience you are looking for.

[Phil_K]

[arioch36]

Phil

[arioch36]

PS william is on beijing time, along with me, 1:30 at night, so maybe lso under the influence of a few too many

[Phil_K]

Well, I'm learning a thing or two today to reinforce my capitalist pig ideals. Good luck with the school. Noble aims are a very good product, and any business sure needs a good product. That's what philanthropy is all about, there is always a good reason for giving your money away.

Stand by for the bullets!

[arioch36]

Having volunteers help sucks, because by the time you train them, they have to leave. The "best" Chinese feel it is wrong to accept money to work at a school to help severely disabled children. To make a good product, a stable work force is needed. How can I get the "good-hearted" Chinese helpers to accept a decent wage so they can make helping the children a career, and they can get better at it?

[william wallace]

There truly is many places in the world that could use help...Africa is the first to pop into my mind; though I think impoverished folk's need for English or a new bible/koran is a bit less than say help in agriculture,engineering or other life enhancing skills.

[parrothead]

There is nothing dumb or naive about wanting to volunteer and donate your time for something you believe in. If you are interested in Asia, I'd look into Cambodia or Laos, or any country not listed on Dave's Forums.

[Marcoregano]

How about VSO? (Voluntary Service Overseas) - they work all over.