Job Discussion Forums

[Beautiful Mind]

I would love to teach English abroad but I'm reading lots about racism. I don't relish the idea of facing discrimination myself but I could probably deal with some of it. My daughter is a very different story. I would not take a position in a country where she would not be treated with respect. Does anyone have any suggestions for countries that might be good for us? I'm pretty open geographically. I just want a place where we can live in relative comfort and put a bit into savings.

[Justin Trullinger]

Dear Beautiful,

Pardon what I know is a personal question, but are you a single parent? If so, it limits you considerably to the places that two can live on one TESOL salary, never mind putting something away. There are such places, mind, but not too many.

Which takes me to question two- what experience, education, and qualifications do you have?

What kind of discrimition have you heard of, and what worries you most? I know this is a broad question- but in most of the world, actually all of it in my experience, racism is a sad reality, though it's hardly the same from place to place. Is it wrong to ask what kind of discrimination you're already used to?


Best,
Justin

[Glenski]

Terms like "relative comfort" and "a bit into savings" also need to be qualified.

I'll give you the benefit of the doubt on being qualified for a work visa and job, but how old is your daughter? She would have to be schooled, I would think, and you may find schedules challenging to that, depending on where you go.

[spiral78]

Unless you are an EU member citizen and have significant experience and qualifications in the TEFL field, Europe won't possibly work for you.

Wages for newbie teachers across the continent are essentially subsistence level and would certainly not stretch to supporting and educating a child, much less provide a comfortable daily living and savings.

In fact, I'm afraid that it's become a myth that teaching English abroad ANYWHERE provides a comfortable lifestyle plus some savings these days

(unless/until you have experience+qualifications+local contacts+ local language skills).

But I can really only personally speak for Europe. Other regions, guys?

[Justin Trullinger]

I'd say, in general, that Latin America gives you a decent local lifestyle, and allows local style savings (not worth much back home) if you're single.

If you have dependents of any kind, it gets a lot harder. Both my partner and I are reasonably well qualified. Both foreign, in Ecuador. But we couldn't afford to school a child in an international school here in our current jobs. We've frequently said that if we have kids, either we leave Ecuador, or one of us has to go work in an international school to get the tuition break.

If you're a US school teacher, you could find international school work in Ecuador, get your daughter into the same school at free or dramatically reduced tuition rates, and still save money. As a bonus, the large number of international students in those schools make race less of an issue. But those are some of the most sought after jobs in town. If you have the quals to get them, Ecuador could suit you well.

If you don't, I think most of Latin America is similar. An entry level or new teacher can't really support a foreign child on their own. (Local kids are cheaper, as they go to cheaper schools, don't speak English, and mostly aren't gonna.) But unless your daughter is fluent in Spanish, the expensive schools are where you'd want her.


Best,
Justin

[Justin Trullinger]

And, not to pepper the OP with too many questions...

But "treated with respect" would be a culturally variable term as well. I've worked with teachers of a great variety of ethnic backgrounds, and most teachers have finished up glad that they came. What respect means varies from individual to individual, though.

At the moment, I'm an extreme ethnic minority. I'm a white guy in not-very-urban Korea. (Just a short term gig.) I can go days without seeing another person who isn't Korean.

I have not felt disrespected for my differentness. But people notice it, and aren't PC about saying so. Many people stare. Strange children occasionally touch me, and usually stare. Adults I work with ask me extremely personal questions about what people are like where I'm from. (Including questions about religion, family life, work, and attitudes about sex.) They have also asked me what I think about black people, and why it is that my country has so many of them. I don't think this is necessarily racist, though some individuals undoubtedly are. (like everywhere) BUt here, nationality, race, and language are one and the same. Koreans are ethnically Korean, speak Korean, and live in Korea. The idea of ethnic diversity within a country and language is fascinating and confusing to them.

Racism is a loaded term. Most places in the world, people will be curious about you, as a foreigner. And your race is part of you; they'll be curious about that. Be prepared to be asked, and to talk about being an American of African descent. Be prepared to encounter stereotypes, and to be asked about them.

In the best of circumstances, this is a chance to educate- teaching people about racial diversity is important, essential. But know that some opportunities to educate come in the form of being asked impolite questions.

If you're not comfortable with that, none of the places I've been really are recommendable.

Best,
Justin

[Beautiful Mind]

Thanks for the info everyone. I have a BA and 17+ years of experience in the classroom but not as a teacher. I'm a sign language interpreter by trade. Since I only wanted to do this for a couple of years just for the "experience", I was planning to get the TEFL cert (I think that's what it's called). I'm sure my experience would only get me an entry level position. It sounds like, unless I'm willing to homeschool her before/after work, teaching English abroad may not be an ideal choice for us.

[spiral78]

Realistically, it probably isn't.

Yes, it could be a great experience, but it would take some significant dedication on your part to really make it work - and likely you have easier/better options in other areas.

[naturegirl321]

Sign language is a small niche market, can you teach subjects, lke maths or science? If you can, then you might be able to get a job in an international school, if not, then spiral78's right.

[Beautiful Mind]

[GambateBingBangBOOM]

[keepwalking]

Your best bet would be to look for work in international schools as they would provide at least reduced fees for your daughter. Also, the students in these schools are a little more aware of people from different countries/cultures/ethnic backgrounds and so are less likely to succumb to the type of curiousity and bluntness Justin describes above. Although he is quite right that this is not racist in nature, it can get annoying when every conversation you have turns into 'western women are more sexually liberal, aren't they?'

Most international schools here in LA ask for a teaching degree or at the least TEFL but it often depends on the status and age of the school: the more established the school, the more rigid and traditional their requirements. However, there are newer schools and schools outside the capitals who are more flexible. With your experience in the classroom they may well consider you.

Good luck in your search

[Beautiful Mind]

[Beautiful Mind]

[spiral78]

The language used in most international schools is English. And they run up to high school level - you might find a niche, though job openings are fairly rare and, to be realistic, usually go to people with connections, I'm afraid.