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