Job Discussion Forums

[Mattyj1984]

Hello everyone, thanks in advance for taking a look at this for me:

I'm a native English speaker (Australian) and I'm going to complete a CELTA course mid-next year. I'm looking to teach somewhere in Asia in early 2010. I've only got about 1/3 of an undergraduate's degree (B Arts in Communication) from which I withdrew from study earlier this year, and when I start looking for a job, I will only have 3 months teaching experience at best.

There are several places that interest me, but I suppose ruling out countries that expect high-level qualifications & lengthy experience from applicants would be a good place to start. I realise I'll be at the bottom rung as far as wages are concerned, although being able to save money is not a huge issue for me (I plan to have at least $3000US upon arrival).

Where do you think I'm likely to find a job and obtain a 1 year working visa? My understanding is that parts of China and S.E. Asia (does anyone know anything of TEFL opportunities in Laos, BTW?) offer some possibilities, although if any of you could suggest some other possibilities I'd really appreciate it.

Thanks everyone!

[logansrun]

Hey there,

My friend and I are from Canada and were trying to do exactly what you're trying to do. We're planning to go this February to Laos and search for jobs. We might get lucky and if we dont find any...might move to Malaysia or any of the surrounding countries. We dont have a BA, just a TESL certificate but from i've heard it should be ok. Good luck!

[Madame J]

I am in almost your exact position too. For that reason, I am strongly considering Indonesia. I hear almost anyone can work there.

[chrissy76]

I heard some places in China don't have a lot of requirements. I've also heard that experience pays. Maybe after a bit of time teaching in China new doors/opportunities will open up!

[gajackson1]

Hmmm - my mind tears in a couple of different directions on this one. I *so* need reliable voice recog dict software!!!

Ok, my first bit of advice would probably be the most useful/well-received: if you haven't done a TEFL-styled course, or it was not a GOOD quality, 120+ hour, residency-based course, then seriously consider doing one of those with part of your savings.

There are other threads with more detail, but it will provide the opportunities for a serious crash-course & a lot of useful material to take with you, as well as a decent taste of EFL teaching in a foreign country. If you do it in a country you would consider living/working in, the better school chains can almost ALWAYS guarantee a job placement.

As for countries that don't require a degree/certs, they are becoming a smaller and smaller list. And I am not sorry to say, I like that trend. But I am biased - I am a certified teacher, and have been living & working abroad over 10 years. I've hit the full Johari-type grid of good & bad teachers, good & bad schools. I can tell you there is NO question about not only which is the best to work for, but which kind is also best for the students - it is GOOD teachers, backed by a GOOD school.

If anyone reading this is just looking for an easy ticket to travel, backpack, party, vacation, walkabout, etc., without any real desire to HELP your students in the process (and by that I mean being a dedicated teacher, if that is what you are hired for), then please look into one of the 'friendship' style visa-exchange programs instead.

No soapbox from me today - I'll save it for another day. It is Friday, and I wish everyone else a good day & great weekend ahead.

Regards,

~Glen~