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Is being 61 years old too old for teaching ESL?

 
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pdduke



Joined: 08 Aug 2009
Posts: 3
Location: Canada

PostPosted: Mon Aug 10, 2009 5:47 am    Post subject: Is being 61 years old too old for teaching ESL? Reply with quote

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?
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Glenski



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

PostPosted: Mon Aug 10, 2009 2:32 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

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.
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GambateBingBangBOOM



Joined: 04 Nov 2003
Posts: 2021
Location: Japan

PostPosted: Mon Aug 10, 2009 3:37 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

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.
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santi84



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

PostPosted: Mon Aug 10, 2009 4:59 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

GambateBingBangBOOM wrote:
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.


Or ELSA in British Columbia, LINC has changed their name out here Shocked
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pdduke



Joined: 08 Aug 2009
Posts: 3
Location: Canada

PostPosted: Mon Aug 10, 2009 5:48 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

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
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naturegirl321



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

PostPosted: Mon Aug 10, 2009 6:11 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

pdduke wrote:
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


Nope, usually you get a job first, THEN your employer gets you the visa.
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Glenski



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

PostPosted: Mon Aug 10, 2009 10:54 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

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.
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JZer



Joined: 16 Jan 2005
Posts: 3898
Location: Pittsburgh

PostPosted: Sat Aug 15, 2009 1:18 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Quote:
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


In Japan, Korea, and Taiwan you need to be willing to commit to a 12 month contract.
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Glenski



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

PostPosted: Sat Aug 15, 2009 7:09 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

JZer wrote:
In Japan, Korea, and Taiwan you need to be willing to commit to a 12 month contract.
Except for rare places like the one I mentioned -- Westgate.
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dragon777



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

PostPosted: Mon Aug 17, 2009 11:15 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

'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.
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