Job Discussion Forums

miamimaestro · Joined: 25 Mar 2008 Posts: 18 Location: UNITED STATES

Besides the U.S, does someone know what other country is lucrative for a married couple and children? I am married but my wife does not teach ESL. We also have children. Does someone else have the same situation? What experience have you had?

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

IF you have enough experience, look for jobs in the Middle East , good benefits, such as schooling, and flights. YOu might need an MA though.

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

Unlikely to work in Europe, unless you have specialist qualifications.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Need a lot more info before you can get solid advice.

What kind of education/licensing/training/certification do you have in ESL/EFL?

What ages are your kids, and did you plan to home school or not?

What did your wife plan to do while you worked, if not home school the kids? Does she have any qualifications for work of any sort?

Where would you definitely NOT want to go?

How soon do you want to go?

How long did you hope to be teaching?

miamimaestro · Joined: 25 Mar 2008 Posts: 18 Location: UNITED STATES

I currently work as an Adjunct at a Florida University. I would like to travel and teach, but I don't want my family to suffer. I have an M.S. in Education and a Graduate certificate in TESOL. I have more than 5 years experience in teaching ESOL at the University. If I was to make the change, I don't know what my wife would want to do. I also don't want my son to lose his english. I guess, I'm just interested in finding out what a person in my situation has as options. Personally, I would go anywhere as long as my family doesn't suffer with the change. Fortunately, I have a wife that is open minded.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Being open-minded is a plus, but if she and you have never even traveled to a country where you end up working, you can't predict any level of culture shock.

If you can travel there first, that's better.

Also, have the talk. You know. How will she fare sitting at home in a foreign land while you spend 8+ hours a day working? Try to find people who have done what you are considering, especially with kids.

And, see if the money is enough to support all of you.

Are you willing to teach something other than university? If not, your experience alone may not be sufficient; you may need publications and language skills.

dragon777 · Joined: 05 Oct 2005 Posts: 163 Location: Christmas Island

Do you have any previous international experience? It helps if you tell us. As working in another country can be difficult and stressful if you do not have any experience. Especially, if you are married with children.

HelloDanSensei · Joined: 27 May 2009 Posts: 1 Location: Kawasaki Japan

I am in Japan and have taught in the past here so can fill you in on my experiences while here and perhaps point you in the right direction for more information on working conditions here. I don't have the teaching creditials you have however with what you have you be eligible to work at a university here. Whether or not you can get a job I don't know though. University jobs are the most sought after and your salary would make around five or 6 thousand US a month for a full time position. More than enough to support you and your family as long as you didn't live in the downtown Beverly Hills areas in Tokyo.

Japan you'll find to be surprisingly picturesque with great beaches for surfing, mountains for skiing and if you are into historical shrines and temples, plenty of those as well.

Another possibility is the private schools where your children if they are the right age would attend free if you were teaching there. These private international schools you can search for on the web and apply from your home country. Preference may be given to candidates who are already in country though.

Good luck with the search and let me know if I can help with any more info. on Japan.

Dan J.
http://dan.hellosensei.org

denise · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 3419 Location: finally home-ish

You could work in Oman. Salaries are decent and there are plenty of expats here (lots of oil workers, businesspeople, etc.) so plenty of English-speaking international schools and plenty of stay-at-home wives/moms. There are women's groups, classes (dance, yoga, etc.), charity events, etc.--your wife could keep herself quite busy if she didn't want to work.

d

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

denise · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 3419 Location: finally home-ish

helmsman · Joined: 13 Aug 2006 Posts: 58 Location: GCC

Give Yemen a try -- the best kept secret in EFL. Wealthy, cosmopolitan cities and plenty of kind folks who'd love to meet you. Plus, it has the benenfit of being next to Oman.

miamimaestro · Joined: 25 Mar 2008 Posts: 18 Location: UNITED STATES

Oman and Yemen sound prettty promising. I will have to look into it. My wife and I have traveled a lot through South America. We have even lived a couple of years in Peru but I have never taught outside of the U.S. I'm sure every country has it's culture shocks. I even got a little shocked when I first moved down to Miami from N.Y. There are a large variety of cultures in Miami and N.Y. I find it interesting to learn about different cultures. I think that's what makes our job interesting. Thank you for all the responses. I will take them all into concideration.

MikeySaid · Joined: 10 Nov 2004 Posts: 509 Location: Torreon, Mexico

Lucrative would not define Mexico, but if you qualify for positions in administration, some of the American schools down here will pay you well, provide housing and charge you no money for the education of your child.

airapets · Joined: 22 Jul 2007 Posts: 78 Location: The Middle Kingdom

Yemen has been going through political turmoil as of late, and seems to happen periodically. Be careful when choosing it.