Job Discussion Forums

[dkbarnes]

Are jobs teaching English outside the U.S. any easier or harder to get right now?

I know that pretty much everywhere in the world is having a tough economic time. I'm in the U.S. with a spotless record and successful career, but I've been looking for work for 7 months with no success.

[Glenski]

Easier or harder than what? Than getting them in the U.S.? Or easier/harder than they used to be?

That's probably country-specific, but as for Japan, they are harder to get than before. Economy is tougher, and the market here is flooded.

Doesn't mean you should stop trying, though.

[dkbarnes]

I meant easier or harder than finding other jobs within the U.S. right now, but your point is well taken. I'm trying to gage how difficult it is to find work if you are flexible on which country you teach in.

I'm considering taking a CELTA class and trying to figure out if it is worth the investment right now, or if I'll just deplete my reserves a bit more, remove myself from the job hunt for a month and not really better my chances of finding a job.

[Justin Trullinger]

How the heck would we know if it's easier or harder than the US?

Most of us don't live there.


Best,
Justin

[dkbarnes]

Maybe the best way to resolve your concern about the validity of my question is to regard it as being directed to people who are currently in the U.S. or have recently left the U.S.

Also, as this is, apparently, a country-specific issue perhaps people could provide their perspective on the country in which they currently reside or have knowledge of, much like Glenski did.

I think it is a reasonable expectation that not every question posted to a public discussion board like this will be pertinent to everyone who reads it.

Thanks.

[naturegirl321]

It's jsut as hard from what I hear. They say things should pick up in 2012 to 2015, I'm not kidding.

[jpvanderwerf2001]

I would cross Russia off of your list. I think (good) jobs here are few and far between. This is my impression at least.

[rmcdougall]

YES!

There are Western university programs looking for teachers paying up to 2000 RMB/month which is 4x the local teaching salary.

You can be elite teaching English. PM me.

[sojourner]

"rcmcdougal" is, of course, referring to China; thus, the reference to "RMB", the country's currency. Yes, there are some places that pay only 2000 RMB per month. But a newbie with at least a BA degree should be able to find a job that pays at least 4000 per month - especially if he/she is willing to get off the beaten track. With a Master's, maybe a starting salary of 4.5 K - or, even 5 K ! The teaching hours will vary between 12-18 pw (a "teaching hour" is between 40-50 minutes).Unfortunately, with many uni jobs, one will probably only receive 10 monthly payments pa. But, if a uni invites you to stay on after your first year, apart from a small monthly salary increase (say, 500 RMB), you may even be offered 12 monthly payments ! And, of course, you will be provided with a furnished flat (rent free ! ). In many cases , utilities are provided free, as well as the possibility of a few other goodies, eg: a taxi allowance, meal vouchers, free drinking water, etc.

When I first came to China, 6 years ago, my salary was about 3.7K for 18 hours pw. Now, I'm on 6.5 K, 12 monthly payments, for 12 teaching hours pw.

Your chances of getting a reasonable job will be considerably enhanced if you have a Master's degree, as well as being willing to teach subjects other than Oral English. I am currently teaching Writing, British/American Societies, and Intercultural Communication. Over the years, I have also taught Western Culture, Business Communication, as well as Management and Marketing.

As already mentioned, focus on jobs in the smaller cities, rather than in big places such as Shanghai, where there is too much competition for jobs.

Peter

[Glenski]

Just what are your qualifications, dkbarnes?

If you have a