Job Discussion Forums

[YearningToGo]

I'm a newbie, and a newbie to going overseas. Overwhelmed with conflicting info right now, which is why I'm here. Either opinion about these two questions would be appreciated.

Is there a good "inside secrets to teaching overseas" book out there worth it?
I've seen this advertisement for an ebook by a Kelly Blackwell that promises ways to skip the recruiters, get to the source, get the best contracts and all that. $37. A good investment or not? (Another guy named Igor-can't remember the last name-has a similar book with similar promises, if that resource rings a bell.)

The other (of far too many LOL) questions. I posted my resume here on the site, and received several responses. One, claiming to be from edcomasia.com asked me to send a scanned image of my passport.

I am VERY hesitant to do that, as this was an initial contact from the resume I posted, not far along in the hiring process. Is this the red flag I think it is?

Thanks in advance for your help.

[nickpellatt]

Im tempted to write a book myself if people are willing to pay $37 to buy it ... generally, I would say its a bad bet. You can find all the info you need on places like Daves ESL cafe really.

if may take some sifting through, and you may have to tolerate some answers to your threads that dont meet your expectations... but you will also find some real genuine answers, from people who are out there working in the countries you intend trying to travel to. I really woulsnt buy the book!

Scanned images of passports are often requested. The main reason for this is so the employer or recruiter can get to see what you look like, and what your actual nationality is. Some people only want to employ white faces, hence needing to see the photo ... other people apply for jobs on the basis of being a native speaker, but hold passports that suggest otherwise ... its common to send scanned copies...and isnt something I would overly worry about.

There may even be a way to 'watermark' a scanned image?? I dont know...im sure Mr Google could find an answer for anyone who may be concerned though

[denise]

Yes, the photo page of passports is often requested/required, but it was a red flag for me in this case because it sounds like you didn't actually apply for the job, but rather were approached by someone who saw your CV online. Did the website seem reputable? Either way, I'd be leery. But then, I'd be leery even of posting my CV. There are so many jobs out there for qualified candidates that you can seek them out, rather than them seeking you out.

I agree with nickpellatt's comments about that book. Inside secrets? Nope. I really don't think there are any. The information is all out there. It just takes some searching and questioning to find it.

d

[YearningToGo]

Re: Denise and "There are so many jobs out there for qualified candidates that you can seek them out, rather than them seeking you out."

That leads to my next question, what is the best way of seeking these jobs out? Is it better to avoid the recruiters so as to get the best contract, and if so, how is the best way to go "directly to the source"?

Thanks

[nickpellatt]

Have you decided when, and more importantly, where you are looking to go?

There are country or region specific forums here on Daves which are worth browsing and asking questions in. If, for example, you were thinking of China, there are China specific forums, and if you lurk in those for a while, you soon get an idea for some things in China ... and that may help direct you further.

How qualified for EFL are you ... this can also affect and influence where you can work, as can your nationality. All of these are things to consider. There are job postings here on Daves, and I also like tefl.com and you may find some positions there of interest. If you have narrowed your search down to country and city, a google search may even throw up some schools, colleges or language mills in that area, which could possibly give you an option to contact them directly.

Im going to throw in some other odd advice here now as well. You may even find something of help on websites like You Tube and Facebook! As crazy as it sounds, I did have a girl contact me via You Tube, having seen my videos, and asked if I knew anything in the part of China I worked in. We spoke online a few times, and I liked her attitude etc, and put her in touch with someone ... she is working in China now!

Facebook also may be worth a look ... there are lots of different groups there ... including some school and college pages. I have a number of friends on facebook who are EFL'ing in China ... and having known them as facebook friends for a couple of years now, I would also use that source of 'networking' to seek a position.

I guess what Im saying, is there are lots of ways to find jobs, network and make contacts ... they dont all have to be the obvious or traditional ones.

[dharma86]

[YearningToGo]

Thank you one and all.

My first choice was the Caribbean, but I've yet to find success. (I'm an certified teacher grades PreK-5, so I am approaching it with teaching experience)

I'm in America, and I'm rather disenchanted with the way education is going in the Land of No Child Left Behind (I don't start, or even include that in a cover letter LOL)

What I'm looking for are environments where there is still a healthy respect for the role of the teacher as an adult authority figure. That has greatly eroded in the public schools, a reflection I think of how it has eroded in American society in general.

But for purposes of marketing myself, I just leave it at "I'm looking for a challenging new adventure in my life" as that is also a truism.

An ideal situation would be (if I'm lucky enough for someone to read this and have a fit)

-respectful children and more importantly an adult mindset that has a (I don't need perfect by any means, as I have taught in some very challenging environments,real expectation for student behavior instead of a fantasy expectation that a teacher merely needs to push of a the infinite number of magic "classroom management" buttons and behavior problems will somehow cease to exist.

-and respite from the mind numbing soul killing amounts of paperwork that seem mainly to serve the needs of the educational bureaucracy, and not the needs of the students

I can pretty much adapt to the rest as far as teaching, as like many teachers who don't readily fit "inside the box" when I'm allowed to actually teach I'm pretty darn good at it.


I'd also like

-warm weather

-a beach

-a salary that allows me to live comfortably, and still save some money

-a good bed to sleep in, and hopefully a private living space

-a good Internet connection, so I can keep up with a support network at home

-I envision buying a scooter to tool around in. Realistic?

And finally a chance to be around at least some community of expats, just to fight loneliness and isolation.

I have thought of the Caribbean, because of the weather and the teachers I've taught with from there, and South Korea, based on one teacher's recommendation and I have a friend who was going to email a contact in Nigeria.

If anything I just wrote resonates, and you have an idea, please jump in!

Thanks,

YearningToGo

[Glenski]

Other than the Caribbean, it sounds like you have not really chosen a place to go. Do some research.

And since you have a teaching license and experience (?), why not look into job fairs for international schools?

[naturegirl321]

[denise]

[Glenski]

[ssjup81]

I was actually scammed with Linkedin.com. I know it can be a good resource, but only if you know people, and I don't know anyone here who uses it.

[naturegirl321]

[spiral78]

I use it, but only respond when the sender is clearly in 'my' link of universities.