Job Discussion Forums

[Aristede]

In 2003-2004, I was seriously considering teaching English overseas. After doing quite a bit of research online, I eventually decided not to do it. Various posters said that in many countries, finding teaching work after age 40 would be very difficult.

Recently I began to reconsider the issue and have spoken to people age 40, 50, and beyond who had either no trouble finding work, or encountered very minor obstacles that were easily overcome. I have decided to go ahead and take the plunge, even though it is five years later, and I am now 49 years old.

I have no previous teaching experience, but do have a B.A. (unrelated to English). I am also planning to take a CELTA course abroad before seeking work. The regions I'm most interested in are Asia (specifically Thailand, Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam) and Eastern Europe.

So, what are the realities of the "age factor"? Has anyone reading this encountered serious impediments because they were age 45-60, or are such reports exaggerated? Are there countries that are particularly ageist? I've heard both extremes about Korea, for example.

Last but not least, would my B.A. + CELTA allow me to be competitive in the work force even at age 49 and beyond?

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[naturegirl321]

Nope, not all that true. Most have 55 or 60 as a cut off date. Certain jobs, like teaching kindergarteners might prefer to have younger people, but hey 40 is the new 30, you-ll be fine.

One tihng though, you might want to stick at the same job. So if you start next year when you-re 50, (let-s say that they normally stop hiring people after age 55) and you simply stay working , they might allow you to continue. Does that make sense? I mean, since you-d have been working for them for 5 years, they-d probably continue getting you a visa.

About your BA, you-ll start at the bottom, and work your way up, through contacts, connections, and might even get more qualifications. Also, one thing, if you switch countries, you-ll most like be kicked to the bottom of the career ladder again.

[spiral78]

You'd be fine age-wise in Central/Eastern Europe.

That said, your qualifications will really be minimal, and I'll second naturegirl's point about the need to work your way up the food chain in some one location to actually get ahead.

[Aristede]

naturegirl and spiral, thank you for the advice. I don't mind starting at the bottom of the ladder, as I never had any illusions about securing a plum university position without field experience. My worry was not being allowed on the ladder in the first place.

From what you've told me, I have 5 to 10 years to work with, and hopefully I'll find the most suitable region/country well before having retirement imposed upon me.

I'm now looking forward to getting started. Thanks again.

[dialogger]

I'm over 65 and have a new contract to start in September (China).
Sure it takes longer to get hired (and the other thing), as you get older but with a sympathetic recruiter and hard work it can be done. OP can PM me if he/she wants.

[Glenski]

In countries in Asia, you should realize that your bosses may be 20-somethings, often with no real experience as managers or EFL teachers. Getting along with them is half the battle.

[Bradt]

While I am relatively new to EFL teaching, in my third year, I am almost 55. When I staarted I had several offers from different countries, but I wanted to do my 2yr. apprenticeship in Thailand. The countries I wanted to teach in required 2-5 years and now that I'm getting there and applying to other countries, I'm getting the "No new hires at 55". Additionally, there are some recruiters specifying no one over 50 years.

I've had several offers from Korea , but there are a lot of hoops to jump thru that are difficult to do from Thailand and I don't have time, or $$ to go back to the US. Thailand is a great starting point, but now I want to teach at a higher level and I need to make more $, so i am applying to Korea. My suggestion, like most others here is to make sure you have all your documents and have them apostilled.

[GambateBingBangBOOM]

I think the key, especially beyond the twenty something to maybe very early thirty something range is to be seen as stable. That means picking a country and sticking with it, learning the language and developing professionally (qualifications, etc) from within that country (either from schools within that country or by distance while working in the country- and so, OP from your list of countries, Korea is probably the best bet simply because of the money factor and being able to do a distance MA while working in Korea. All reports are that Taiwan still refuses to accept distance qualifications at all, so short of leaving and then going back, you basically cannot do a masters degree from there unless there are either English language programs available or your Chinese becomes high enough to do a degree in that medium).

I think this is actually sort of key for developing a career in this for most people of any age, though. You can bounce from country to country etc, but each time you do, you may find yourself back at the bottom.

[Glenski]

Also consider putting your previous life's experience to work for you as a teacher: business English. Who wants to be taught about English for one's profession from somebody who hasn't even experienced it yet?

[Aristede]

Thank you to all of the recent posters who have added further advice. I do not intend to "bounce around" indefinitely, but I probably will not pin myself down for the first year while I get my bearings. My general plan (subject to modification) is to get the CELTA in Thailand, look for work there first, and turn to other countries in the region if opportunities are limited. Alternately, I could do the CELTA in the Czech Republic, but from what I've read, earnings are lower across the board in Eastern Europe, and the red tape factor more pronounced.

After a year of teaching, I will look for a longer-term position to establish the "stability" factor and hopefully make more money.

Thanks to Glenski and GBBB for the input on distance MA and business English. Both are interesting prospects. Bradt, could you list the more important documents they are asking for? Diplomas and certs obviously, but beyond that...?

[dialogger]

This has been mentioned elsewhere but a full length 'lifestyle' photo is being asked for as well as scanned passport.
Presumably to check out that you're upright!

[coledavis]

52 and no problems (except not being dreadfully happy about being 52).