Job Discussion Forums

[Erikc]

Thanks for your help!

My name is Erik and I want to get a job teaching English abroad. I have my BA in international relations and some work experience, but no teaching experience, nor do I have a certificate. I'm a native English speaker and I'm American with a lot of travel experience under my belt (so I know I can leave home for a few years and be ok with it.) I'm pretty broke as it is, so I really don't want to drop another $500 to God knows what on getting some sort of a certification. So I am wondering how likely is it that I could get a job teaching in Taiwan, China, Korea, or somewhere else in Asia?

Also, I've been applying to jobs, but I was wondering if someone could show me what a good resume and cover letter for an entry-level teaching job?

I'd love to be out of San Francisco by 2010, so do you think it is possible for me to find an ok teaching job in one of those countries by then?

Thanks,
Erik

[santi84]

Probably around $2000 for basic certification such as CELTA.

How long do you wish to teach for? With no experience, an degree unrelated to linguistics or education, and no certificate, it is unlikely that you will qualify for most teaching jobs. You will be left with the bottom pile of employers, so in the end, it may be worth it for you to get certification. If an employer is willing to hire someone without even the basic industry standard qualifications (a 100 hour certificate + observed classroom teaching practicum), they are unlikely to offer anything better than the bare minimum (and in some cases, even lower).

People DO get jobs that have none of the above qualifications. However, you mentioned financial issues twice so be aware that you will be at a financial disadvantage for any payscale. If you don't care about what you are paid in another country, you may have options.

[Glenski]

You're pretty much a clone of many/most applicants for the JET program or most conversation schools here in Japan. Market is full right now, but if you're determined...

[Chancellor]

[Dancing Monkey]

If you are interested in China, you could probably find a job without certification. But, a lot of places are now requiring some sort of certificate. If so, an online certificate will suffice.

Check out - www.chinatefl.com

I recommend applying to universities only. Some universities will hire people beginning next semester (2010) and might offer you a 1 semester contract, if that is what you want.

China has been becoming stricter with the 2 years experience requirement though. When I first came here they required working experience in any field, but, more cities/provinces are now requiring teaching experience.

I recommend looking into Jiangsu Province, Nanjing or Suzhou in particular. Nanjing is a few hours from Shanghai. Suzhou is 30 minutes on the fast train.

I once taught at a university in Nanjing that advertises on www.chinatefl.com and worked with a few people just out of college.

Good Luck!

[naturegirl321]

YOu could easily work in Asia. You might not get the best jobs or pay without a cert of experience, but with time and more quals, you can work your way up. CHINA IS probably the easiest to get into. Usually they just require a native speaker with a BA.

[Chancellor]

[naturegirl321]

yep, I hear thtat now, depending on the province, you might be ask for 2 years experience, TEFL cert and/or BA

[LanGuTou]