Job Discussion Forums

[ashanmari]

Hi there,
I am newbie poster to this forum though I have been perusing it for over a year trying to wait until that time when I was FINALLY gonna go use my TEFL Cert for what its worth.

About my credentials: I have done TAing in the states for ESL classes at my local City College and have done private tutoring on the side-- I hold a 2-year AA and a TEFL Cert with some experience and I also have experience abroad and am not afraid, nor do I expect culture shock. I also have experience working with children, and would really enjoy having the opportunity to work with them again.

I feel that aside from Europe my options are pretty vast. And thus, my indecisiveness starts a rumblin. I am looking to leave late fall, early winter, or I was guessing I might have to wait until Spring to start, but I want to go to a country where A) there is a vast variety of culture, meaning its not some gross money grubbing city (i.e.: Bangkok, you can't pay me to step foot in that city again) B) They pay well (I am trying to save money to eventually go back to school for a BA) C) A mildly cheap cost of living D) I don't know that I really want to be the ONLY white English speaker in the whole town

I have travel experience in Thailand, love the culture and I believe it probably has the cheapest cost of living out there, but I have only seen wages go as high as about $1000/mo and accommodation was not provided.

It seems to me the UAE and middle east offer the most compensation and benefits but I don't know how horrid the conditions are over there right now for a single white female... ?
That could just be all hearsay, but I thought that it might be a great learning experience to go over there right now.

I have talked to EF Jakarta, but felt that they didn't supply enough of what I wanted, plus I've heard horror stories about their organization skills.

I am really open to just about anywhere that will allow me to work under happy, fun conditions and allow me to save up some money.
I figured its always best to gather the prized info from the people who have done it before you.

So what I am getting at is I would love and appreciate anyone who would like to give insight to maybe your first TEFL job, what you perhaps WISH you would have known before you signed that contract, and maybe out of all the places you have taught what you liked most and what you might recommend as a great place to go and teach.

AND

How were your experiences in the Middle East, for anyone who has taught there?

And China? I have heard GREAT things about China but also horrible things.

I really appreciate those who give their input, I tend to only see rants on these forums sometimes. Understandable, but there are good and bad things about any country and any job, but stories of personal experiences always inspire!!

the good, the bad and the ugly, sock it to me!


<3 newbie TEFLer Danielle

[santi84]

I'm not sure the Middle East is for you. I don't think you are qualified (as far as I am aware, an MA or full teacher certification is required), and any jobs that you could obtain with just an AA would not provide the standard of living that you are looking for (saving for a BA). Your experience may serve you well though! If you do choose to go that option, I would recommend reading on the Middle East forums. I have spent a fair amount of time in Cairo (not teaching) and enjoyed it back when I was a single white female (I'm just not single anymore!). Egypt may be your only Middle East option. I'm not sure what you mean by "money grubbing city", but if you are referring to "hassle", you will not enjoy Cairo and Egypt.

I have never been to Asia so I cannot advise. I think you may find that your options are not as "vast" as you think they are since most countries require a degree to qualify for a visa. Employers that are willing to "bend the rules" regarding immigration may also "bend the rules" when it comes to delivering your paycheque. Keep searching and good luck!

[denise]

Santi84 is right--you're not qualified for the UAE. And,unfortunately, with only an AA degree, your options aren't as vast as you might think or hope. A lot of jobs in a lot of countries will ask for a four-year degree--even if only as a visa requirement, as in Japan.

Have you browsed the forum very much? Look for threads (there are quite a few of them) discussing countries that don't require a BA.

If you get a bit more experience (you didn't mention how many years you've taught) and more qualifications, look into jobs in the UAE/Oman with the assurance that life for single white women is very comfortable and even fun. But I think you're a couple of years away from Gulf jobs at the moment--sorry!

d

[ashanmari]

Good to know. I have only a year of teaching experience and am definitely still new to it. I appreciate the input so much! A lot of things you read and hear are very misleading and contradicting thus I decided to post something, sorry if its repetitive, but its the easiest way. I shall research a bit more on the forums for specifics. Thanks guys!