Job Discussion Forums

Lucyjayne · Joined: 18 Nov 2008 Posts: 2 Location: napier, new zealand

Hi, virgin here. I am English and live in New Zealand. I have 2 boys aged 6 and 8. I recently gained my TESOL certificate and working as a qualified teacher aide for the past 2 years. I do not have a degree but many other quals. Before I got married I travelled the world alone and visited 40 countries. I am now separated and want to use my TESOL somewhere I can take my kids along. Is this going to be mission impossible? I have heard of compounds in the middle east that have english speaking schools for young kids? I was looking at maybe a 6 month stint and come back and pay some of my mortgage off!!! Am I dreaming or can this be possible? Confused

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

With or without kids, a "6 month stint" is likely not going to put you any more into the black than you are right now. Perhaps more into the red. Airfare, apartment setup costs, and such will not really let you break even until 4-6 months into your stay. And, that assumes you go with a job in hand, which is not always likely.

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

The Middle East gigs usually require a related MA.

Lucyjayne · Joined: 18 Nov 2008 Posts: 2 Location: napier, new zealand

Thanks for replying. It is looking a bit bleak then eh? Today I am sitting in a ESL class across the road from me for an hour just to gain some experience. I live opposite the Eastern Institute of Technology in Napier and they have International students. I used to work next door to the teaching department so know some of the teachers. You never know it may lead on to something.

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

I agree with the above posters, maybe with a degree, added to your experience, you could get into an international school, but you'll have to commit two or three years.

Vanica · Joined: 31 Aug 2006 Posts: 368 Location: North Carolina

In the meantime, sort out your paperwork regarding your children in order to travel. Canada is now expecting paperwork certified by a lawyer from the non-accompanying parent that specifically mentions the dates and destinations of travel. I was just refused a passport for my daughter, even though I presented a sole custody agreement. They want to see court-ordered sole custody with no visitation, otherwise you have to get papa's permission for every move you make and get him to visit an attorney to certify it.

Sunnlover · Posted: Thu Dec 11, 2008 10:13 pm Post subject:

Finally someone looking to do the same thing.

I have a 5 year old daughter. I figure Angelina shouldn't be the only one able to give her kids a world view! I have been looking at Celta programs. I am in NY. Teaching would be completely new for me.

I want to use it to learn Spanish and feel other cultures, mainly Latin America. My daughter is currently in a Spanish Immersion class and doing great.

I thought I could use summers off to enter a short teaching program, or if she missed a semester I would home school. I have read of families in this unconventional lifestyle. I know it would be dufficult, but is the reward not enough to stomach the obstacles?

What say you oh Great ESL Cafe?

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Thu Dec 11, 2008 10:29 pm Post subject:

Not to sound traditional, but an important question is "are you on your own in this?"

I love Latin America, but if you're new to teaching, entry level wages would hardly support you and a child. Where's she going to be while you work? Child care is not so easy to find, as most families have family members looking after kids. Other options, like day care and nannies, are pretty high end for a first year teacher.

An exeption to this might be if you found work in a center, or perhaps a summer camp, that could have a place for her while you work.

Don't mean to be discouraging, but in most fields, you don't really earn enough to care for a child on your own in your first six months on the job. If you have some savings you can spend on the experience, this could work. But it won't be a break even experience.

Best,
Justin

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

I ditto that. Expect about 500 to 1000 a month, that's usually enough for one to live on. School fees are high in lots of places, espeically good schools.

Short term teaching and with a child makes it even harder. You could do it, just don't expect to go back home every year, or expect a lot of your savings to get eaten up.

sweeney66 · Joined: 26 Mar 2008 Posts: 147 Location: "home"

Well, I'm not so sure. If you had enough savings, say,us$5000, you could settle in and find a place for your children. If you have basic Spanish.
I know that's a lot of "ifs."
Actually, I'm the mom of a 23 year old, and I rather regret that it never occurred to me to work abroad before she finished high school.
We could have had a really interesting experience. Well, we did anyway.
But I say go for it.
People are nice here, if you're nice. It's a great advantage for a kid.
Look at Obama! His mom was afraid of nothing!
My 28 year old niece in on her way her with her Mexican husband and 3! kids. I've been encouraging them while they deliberated for the last year. They do have Mom in law and me, so they're not alone, but, yeah, I say Why Not.

Sunnlover · Posted: Fri Dec 12, 2008 4:19 am Post subject:

Thanks for all of the RE:

No I am not alone in this. I am a SAHM right now and he is up for being Mr. Mom for a time (he's a professor so there is some flexibility there) and we are both looking to expand our/her world view.

I'm not looking to pay down any debt, or make a killing. We have lived pretty much cash and carry for the last 5 or 6 years trying to avoid too much responsibility in the form of ownership and or debt.
I am much more interested in becoming bilingual to build my resume, and I love the language. And to give her the gift of another language too.

I had considered the summer camp or other working options to achieve this. I thought that teaching could be my second act. I am looking to move into another field now that I don't need to be home full time. I was in business admin.

I also realized that perhaps there is another issue to worry about (after browsing the site). I am a Black woman. I know racism exists everywhere but is there heightened levels in this industry? Are there certain countries to avoid?

Sunnlover · Posted: Fri Dec 12, 2008 4:33 am Post subject:

Sweeney66,

Oh do I wish my mom was as adventurous. I figured it would be good for us all. I agree you must be fearless most times like Obama's mom.
If my mom were willing to go along that would make this decision so much easier.

I do know some Spanish. I think my interst in learning will help fill in the blanks. I've been taking a spanish conversation class, and of course it is all around in NY. Lots of opportunity for practice.

I'm pretty sure i'm going to take the CELTA course next semester.

sweeney66 · Joined: 26 Mar 2008 Posts: 147 Location: "home"

As to racism in Mexico City, for a black usa'n, I would say that it exists, on some level, but won't mess up your life. One thing that people find difficult and/or shocking is that there is no cultural taboo here against describing a persons looks. So people will say, "the black one" "the old one" the fat one."
I've worked with a number of French teachers from Haiti and Africa, and they seem to fit in socially and have the respect of their students and coworkers. People might stare at you. They stare at me sometimes, but it's basicly harmless curiosity toward anyone who looks different.

MO39 · Posted: Mon Dec 15, 2008 12:31 am Post subject:

Sunnlover · Posted: Mon Dec 15, 2008 2:03 am Post subject:

Thank you your well wishes. I know it probably sounds a little "pie in the sky". I'm aware of that. Becoming a world citizen is not the only reason I am looking at TESL. It seems like more than a job, it seems more like a lifestyle.

I would not be supporting three people entirely. My partner is a professor/writer and would still be receiving a salary.

Thanks again for everyone's input.