Job Discussion Forums

[cherry cake]

Hi everyone -

Ive been researching threads for a while now and while they are most certainly informative, they can also be quite overwhelming to go through!

Im a single American woman in my mid 30s with a Bachelors degree. My degree & work experience is not related to Education but biz & project management. Ive just returned to the US after a few years of travel at the worst time possible considering the economic situation. The thought of going back to the 9-5 sounds more like prison to me and it might be easier to get into prison at this point!

Ive been considering a career change to ESL for a while now and want to take a 120hr TEFL cert (4wks onsite) in April or May to get started. Teaching has always been something I would like to do. I have no apprehensions in front of a room of adults or children so don�t expect it to be a problem � my whole life people have told me I should have been a teacher. If things went well I would most definitely consider further education in the field to progress my career.

Here are my questions. Im hoping the pro�s out there who I see offer some excellent guidance can give me some sound advice as well�

1. Im looking to take my certification in either Central/South America (CR/Mex/Guate or Colombia/Argentina) � what are the most reputable schools you can recommend in those locations? One that also has excellent reputation with good job placement opps both in the region AND outside the region? (ie if I were to then consider working in Asia or Mid Est)

2. Should I be considering a CELTA, rather than TEFL cert program in these locations? If Im making this a career�

3. Am I shooting myself in the foot for a good job if I take my certification course in one country and then look for work in another? If I cant land a job to live decently off of.

4. From what Ive read Im probably off my rocker to think one can find a job making $1500per month in CA or SA, cover COL off $6-800pm and save the rest?? Or is that just a possibility in Asia or the Mid East?

5. Outside of salary and saving concerns � there is the social aspect. As a single woman who doesn�t want to be single forever and always wants good friends in her life � where do you think has the best ex pat community/social scene? Friendly locals who like foreigners and don�t resent the fact you are there? I definitely love to have fun as much as the rest of them � but Im past the wild stage.

I have a little $ saved but don�t want to touch it while teaching. In an ideal world Id like to make double my basic COL expenses to spend on extra activities (nothing out of control) and SAVE money! Travel has taught me to live pretty simply so that isn�t an issue - I just don�t want to barely cover my monthly expenses and live hand to mouth not doing anything else�

One never knows where the road of life will take you - Im very happy to go with the flow in certain respects � but Im not 21 just out of university choosing to do this as a temp gig. Im looking to make a conscience career change and lifestyle choice and want to start off on the right foot as best I can to avoid making mistakes that probably wouldn�t make a difference if I actually were 21!

So...What am I missing? What else should I be considering?
Any and all advice is welcome.

Thanks VERY much for your feedback!

[naturegirl321]

1. CELTA; SIT and Trinity are the best.
2. There are other good programmes, make sure they have 120 hour and 6 teaching practise hours.
2. Nope, but lots of pepole do the cert where they want to work.
4. For CA or SA, unless you have connections or get a job at an intl school, it won't happen. You'll get about 1000 usd amax a month and that's working a lot of hours.
5. It varies.


If you're really serious try getting a teaching licese or a PGDE. Good luck

[denise]

You certainly won't be hurting your chances by doing your certification in one country and then going job-hunting in another. You will miss out a bit on the help that a certification program could provide (mine in Prague, back in '99, invited local schools in to recruit us, and I got several interviews lined up before I had even finished the course), but that is really only ever an issue for your very first job. A lot of jobs can be found by arriving in the country and dropping off your CV--although I've never gone this route myself.

I haven't worked in the Central or South American countries you mentioned, but in both Chile and Peru the social scenes were quite nice. It was easy to meet the locals (especially the men! sometimes far too easy!), and the teachers & other expats got together periodically too.

You also mentioned Asia and the Middle East. In Japan, once again there should be plenty of opportunities to socialize, although from what I recall it's easier for the men to meet the local ladies than for foreign women to meet men. In the Middle East... well, in Oman, which is all I know of the Middle East... there is a fairly active expat scene, but not much mingling with the locals, and dating the locals is almost unheard of. I think I've got a more varied social life here in Oman than in any other place I've been. I'm learning to cherish my at-home time because it's becoming a scarcity. Oh, and in case it matters: I'm 33, like to have good friends around & am always happy to go out, don't consider "going out" always to mean pubs & clubs (which in some places & for some people is the norm), and am in no hurry whatsoever to settle down with a man but certainly enjoy having a man around. From your post it sounds like we're similar in terms of what we want in our social lives.

d

[cherry cake]

Thanks to you both for your replies. Previously read a lot of feedback you both have given and have always found it useful.

The blog link you PM'd me looks like it will be very helpful in many respects - thanks Naturegirl

forgive the ignorance but can I ask - what is a PGDE?

In some countries (especially if I end up in the Americas) I figured I would have to possibly supplement my income. If I cant set up a remote job from home like Im trying to do, I would definitely consider tutoring and/or teaching yoga classes if that is a possibility where ever my feet may land. Im hoping between those alternatives - they would either make up the difference in lack of salary OR be the icing on the cake to give me a bit more financial freedom and satisfy at least part of the active lifestyle I prefer to lead.

With regard to the social aspect - Im not surprised to hear that about the Middle East and would expect the ex pat community there to be thriving since the nature of the local culture can be somewhat insular. Guess its reassuring to know that no one place really jumped out as being a dead end in that respect. Probably all in what you make it, no?

Although you do have 10yrs on me in the biz, Denise it does sound like we are in very similar positions. Thought that when I had read a few of your previous posts and am appreciative you took the time to reply.

Thanks ladies! I may PM you for more specific info if that is ok?

Anyone else with words of wisdom to offer - Id love to hear.

Best to all,

[denise]

Yes, of course you can send a PM!

d

[naturegirl321]