Job Discussion Forums

pdduke · Joined: 08 Aug 2009 Posts: 3 Location: Canada

I have a BA in English, a teaching certificate and a TESL course from 1974, teaching experience in Canada, Australia and New Zealand plus 25 years working as a radio broadcaster and journalist. So much for the CV. I'm also 61 years old and I really want to teach in Korea, Taiwan or Japan. Is there any hope of finding a school or company that has a job for me?

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

Japan.

The market here is pretty crowded right now. Realize that up front.

Put your teaching experience on your resume separately from the broadcasting stuff, even if it is older.

What exactly do you want to teach in Japan? Conversation school? University? Business English? Etc.

I would say that some conversation schools (eikaiwa) and business English agencies would be willing to give you a shot. Except for the very few eikaiwa that hire from abroad, you're going to have to face the reality that you'll need to be in Japan to get interviews from most places. That means supporting yourself for 3-4 months, providing you come at the right time.

GambateBingBangBOOM · Joined: 04 Nov 2003 Posts: 2021 Location: Japan

You would also benefit if you get some (how much is really up to you) very recent teaching experience in Canada before you leave- just go to a LINC centre or a public library if they have ESL lessons and ask to volunteer, or get a job at a language school.

I'm in Japan, too.

santi84 · Joined: 14 Mar 2008 Posts: 1317 Location: under da sea

pdduke · Joined: 08 Aug 2009 Posts: 3 Location: Canada

Thanks for the replies regarding Japan. I could live in any country for a few months and apply if that would make a difference. A company hiring for Korea jobs holds out some hope that someone of my decrepitude could teach adults. I guess I would have to apply for visas first

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

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

Same holds for Japan. Job first, visa second.

And, don't expect to get a job for just a few months in Japan. Most contracts are for 12 months.

Look into Westgate Corporation.

JZer · Joined: 16 Jan 2005 Posts: 3898 Location: Pittsburgh

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

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

'pdduke', go for China. I am guessing you are not interested in money so much, as for your age. Their, cut off age is 65. My advice is that you try there first. As the the cutoff age for Korea is 55 and Japan, much the same. Try for a college position. PM me if you want more info.

JZer · Joined: 16 Jan 2005 Posts: 3898 Location: Pittsburgh

dialogger · Joined: 14 Mar 2005 Posts: 419 Location: China

I agree with dragon777.
I'm over 65 and although it took a bit of effort this year, I have been hired by a Chinese college.
PM if you wish and I can put you in contact with a Canada-friendly recruiter.

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

pdduke · Joined: 08 Aug 2009 Posts: 3 Location: Canada

Thanks for all the replies to my inquiry. I've initiated correspondence with Westgate and ESL World and they both indicate there is hope for someone of my age. Thanks also for the offer to directly contact you. I have to have a minimum of 5 posts before this software will allow me to do that. As there seems to be some debate over age limits in countries I wonder if an age limit is something a school or a company puts in place rather than a country.

dialogger · Joined: 14 Mar 2005 Posts: 419 Location: China

Country or school?
Interesting question.
At least one school which declined to hire me said it was government (PRC) regs. That problem was never mentioned by the hiring scool and the letter from the Foreign Experts Administration that is necessary to get a visa looked the same as others I have had.