Job Discussion Forums

[krisrauc]

Hello,

I am a recent college graduate. I have an elementary education degree and a professional teaching certificate. I also have a TESOL/TEFL certification through the Oxford Seminars. I have volunteered teaching ESL to adults at a community organization for about 6 months. I have started my job search; however, it seems as though all international schools in Latin America require at least 2 years of classroom experience. Would it be easier for me to secure a job if I apply in person or should I just abandon the idea of me getting a job in an international school due to my lack of experience? Can anyone recommend reputable language institutes? I originally wanted to teach in Argentina, but now am open to explore my options in any country in Latin America.

I know this is alot.......Thank you!

krisrauc

[naturegirl321]

Yep, most international schools require two years at least, anywhere in the world. try a bilingual school, look at www.ibo.org

Just apply, you-ve got nothing to lose, I was at an internatinoal school and towards the end of the hiring season, they get desperate trying to fill jobs and hire poeple with no teaching license or experinece. But then, they did have life experience, adn they were teaching Business, law, etc.

DON_T apply in person.l Apply online, you-ll get better benefits if you-re an overseas hire. try to get into schools. If you-re not picky about the country, or city, you should find something. Larger cities mean more competition.

Another place to try is www.tes.co.uk

good luck

[Kootvela]

Try to find a teaching job locally for those 2 years. Time runs fast, and after a year you might be experienced enough to go abroad.

[Guy Courchesne]

[john_n_carolina]

....i agree with Guy -- go to one of the intl recruiting fairs in NY, Miami, Atlanta, or wherever you are (you didn't say). they'll probably take you with 6 months....if not, be a sub, long term replacement, or maybe Adult Ed classes for a couple years??

[keepwalking]

There are different kinds of international schools, just as there are different types of language institutes.

Here in Peru for example, I know of an international school that won't even look at your CV unless you have 5 years teaching experience, preferably with IB. I also know of international schools that take people with teaching degrees and little experience. Don't be put off by the requirements of the major schools in the capital cities of Latin America. There are always other options.

Check out the LAHC website. This is an association of British schools in Latin America (Colombia, Chile, Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Ecuador, Mexico mainly). This is the time of year to be applying as the new school year generally starts around February/March time.

I am a Head of English at one of the many international schools in LA. I look for enthusiasm and joy of teaching as much as paper qualifications. Of course the qualifications are important but think back to your own school days: every one of your teachers had an education degree and probably some higher qualification too. I bet some of them bored you stupid and were incapable of managing a class or getting their point across. Teachers aren't defined only by pieces of paper.

If I were in your shoes, I would do some research into which countries you would like to teach in and then find the names of schools there. Send them your resume with a covering letter which tells them who you are, what you offer their school and why you are interested in teaching. Make it clear that you are interested in THEIR school - I almost always bin the letters that begin 'To whom it may concern... I would love to teach at your fantastic institue which has such a wonderful reputation...' If the person can't even be bothered to find out the name of my school, I can't be bothered to find out more about them.

Good luck with the job search - don't give up thinking you lack the experience. We all had to start somewhere and there are places out there who are willing to give a newbie a chance.

[krisrauc]

Thank you everyone for your advise and encouragement.

Keepwalking, could you please post a link to the LAHC website. I am having difficulty finding it.

Thanks again,

krisrauc

[naturegirl321]

www.lahc.net

[atimeforeverything]

does anyone know where I can find information about international school job fairs? in the US?