Job Discussion Forums

[Eran]

Hello!

I am interested in teaching English in Asia. I need some help from you guys, those who have the experience which I obviously don't.

Reading a bit of the posts here, I think I got the rough idea of the sort of information to supply you about myself and my intentions, for you to be able to give me some guidance.

So here it goes:

Me:

24 years old Israeli male, who's been traveling for the last 18 months. Most of those months were spent in NZ and Australia, and in fact, only 3 in Asia (Thailand and Lao). The plan was to see more of south east Asia, however, a sudden uncontrolled loss of money got me back to Australia to try and get some more. That did not work..

Why I want to teach:

Facing the possibility of going back home, another option came into mind. Why not use the little money I do have to become a certified English teacher, and go and teach in a country I would like to live and explore its culture?

However, since I'm not a degree holder, and was not born in an English speaking country, I think there are some difficulties..

What I would like to find out:

1. Which course should I do? Or rather, with which school? There are so many, and a fair few of them smells like scams 100 miles away.. I've been offered online courses, which I think are a disgrace to the profession, and many different deals which just felt wrong.

2. Because of my status (the degree and the non-native), I don't allow myself to be to fussy about which country I'm going to choose. However, Laos, Cambodia, China, Vietnam, Japan, Korea and Thailand would all be great for me! So if you could tell me where is more likely for a person like myself to get hired, I'll be grateful.

3. Should I go for a "Course+Work" deal? Or do the course and find my own work? I realize it might be an issue of personal preferences, but I would like to here different people's view about that, regarding themselves, and maybe that will help me get a better understanding about the difference between the 2 approaches.

I'm more than ready to live according to my environment's standards. Both in Thailand and Lao I stayed in the less western places (in Thailand learned Thai as well), and loved every second. I want to absorb the local culture.

I would prefer committing to a period no longer than 6 months. However, if that leaves me no employment (or a lousy one), I will reconsider.

I sincerely appreciate even reading this, not to mention answering and giving me your advices.

Thank you very much,
Eran.

[jjdon]

Hi Eran,

I'm new to this also and can't offer you any advice. But reading your post, I would never imagine that English was not your first language. Thailand is also on my radar. Chiang Mai hopefully.

Best of luck
John

[nickpellatt]

'advices' was the giveaway. Makes me think of 'pumping iron', Arnie and Franco Columbo ..... hmm, I guess not so many people are nostalgic about 1970s bodybuilding....

Anyway, I digress.

There are a number of recent threads that cover courses, and also some threads that cover the course+job option. The general opinion is that it doesnt really exist. Check the threads.

Not being a native speaker, and not having a degree does put you at quite a disadvantage I would think. I looked (briefly) at countries like Thailand and Vietnam, and as far as I understand ... no degree means no chance of legal work. I would forget those countries really.

Of course, there are non native speakers teaching in plenty of countries, so it isnt impossible, but it may be much harder for you. Would you consider kindergarten????

I did help a Polish girl find a job in a Kindergarten in Hainan recently. She did have a degree though ... anyway, Kindergarten may be easier for you in terms of recruitment.

Im not an expert by the way ... this is only based on my limited experience!

[Glenski]

You will find it extremely difficult to land work here in Japan.

[Eran]

Thank you all for taking the time and replying my message!

I just posted a message in the Cambodia forum, asking more specifically about my odds there. If anyone can think of more countries where the chances are best, please leave us a note!

Just started raining here in Perth, so I'm getting more and more anxious to get away!

Have a great day,
Eran.

[Glenski]

If rain bothers you, you might want to reconsider living in places with rainy / monsoon seasons.

[naturegirl321]

1. Big names are CELTA; SIT and Trinity. If you go with others, make sure that they ave at least 120 hours and 6 of practice teaching.

2. Yep, try Asia

3. COurse plus work isn't worth much. Just do the cuorse, use any help they offer and start sending your CV.

[Eran]

Would it matter if I'll do the course, let's say, in Thailand, any try and work in a different country?