Job Discussion Forums

[Lucyjayne]

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?

[Glenski]

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]

The Middle East gigs usually require a related MA.

[Lucyjayne]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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