Job Discussion Forums

[lareveuse]

Hi guys,
I�m Natalia, originally from Argentina. I�m right now in Buenos Aires but I lived in other countries before. I�m fluent in English and I hold a Diploma in Visual Communication done in an English Institute in Singapore.

My question is, how is the job market out there for people who are fluent but not native speakers? do we also have good chances to get a job as an English teacher?

I remember when I was learning English and French, most of my teachers were fluent but not native speakers. So I�m interested in becoming a teacher but I dont want to spend lots of money and time to realize later that schools only take native English speakers with Degrees...

I would really appreciate any thoughts on this
Cheers
Nat

[Justin Trullinger]

Depends on what qualifications you have. When I studied French and Spanish in school, my teachers were also fluent non-natives. They were from Iowa, same as me.

I guess that most countries are hesitant about hiring foreign non-natives, though, and I can see their reasons. They have non-natives locally, and have little reason to import them. That said, I've regularly worked in English teacher training with non-natives from all over- but to work overseas, they have MAs, PhDs, and a pile of paper that indicates a level of qualifications that locals may not have.

If you're a non-native speaker, you're going to need more qualifications.


Best,
Justin

[Justin Trullinger]

Depends on what qualifications you have. When I studied French and Spanish in school, my teachers were also fluent non-natives. They were from Iowa, same as me.

I guess that most countries are hesitant about hiring foreign non-natives, though, and I can see their reasons. They have non-natives locally, and have little reason to import them. That said, I've regularly worked in English teacher training with non-natives from all over- but to work overseas, they have MAs, PhDs, and a pile of paper that indicates a level of qualifications that locals may not have.

If you're a non-native speaker, you're going to need more qualifications.


Best,
Justin

[Glenski]

Depends on the country and type of teaching job you want.

In Japan, non-native English speakers can get English teaching jobs, but it's harder because the immigration requirements are stiffer.

[naturegirl321]

It depends on where you want to go. Some countries, due to visa requirements, only hire native speakers.

[Gusss]

On the other hand employers are aware that a native speaker doesnt make a good teacher. If a native speaker is unable to explain the hidden rules of the language he is actually not as useful as a non native who can (apart form pronunciation). It depends where you go - certainly in Spain you could teach no problem.

[MO39]

[Blasphemer]

Here is a question for you guys�

I am a Polish citizen, but have been living in the US for almost 20 years now (most of my life). My English is much stronger than my Polish� I am CELTA certified and on my way back to Poland to teach� am I a native speaker?

[naturegirl321]

I'd say so, my qusetion to you is, why haven't you applied for citizenship?

[Blasphemer]

[Mr. Kalgukshi]

A posting has been deleted. Let's stay on topic. Another jab at a nationality or country will result in a severe sanction. Please take personal political agendas elsewhere.

[Gusss]

[Carll101]

I'm french Canadian and the first thing I did to start my ESL career was to take a CELTA. I think it showed that I was serious about teaching, and I didn't have any trouble finding a job after. But then I'm Canadian, lot of people don't know some Canadians are not native speakers.

[jpvanderwerf2001]

[JZer]