Job Discussion Forums

[vanilla_face]

Here's a question for all the teachers overseas. Why did you initially want to go and teach ESL half way around the world?

What were you expectations before going about the job, country, and overall experience?

Were these expectations met, exceeded, or did they fall short because of good or bad employers, culture shock, or any other factor?

How has your perspective on the host country changed now that you are there?

Did you leave one country to go to another? Why? What hopes did you have for the new country that weren't fulfilled in the old, and again were these met?

In the post, mention where you are teaching now and where you have taught.

[Glenski]

What kind of survey is this?
Who are you?
What do you intend to do with the "data"?

[vanilla_face]

This is an informal survey.

I am vanilla_face.

I just wanted to know what motivated everyone to do this and I'm curious about other's experiences. I am not collecting data for some marketing firm or some recruiter trying to figure out the best way to market some crappy ESL job. I am just a normal person curious about why others have chosen the ESL path.

Personally, I would like to do ESL because I think the job would be rewarding. Much more rewarding than a lot of the jobs I've had in the past; corporate, warehouse, retail, etc. I would also like to learn a new language and experience a culture first hand. You only get to see so much of another country on vacation spending a week at the touristy spots. I'd like to live with people of a different nation and really experience more of what that country has to offer.

I want to know if others had similar goals that I had, but fell short in some areas. I know the reality of any country I go to will not be like the rose colored glasses I have now. I know there will be culture shock, etc., but I'd like to know about that sooner and be more prepared. I've heard there is a lot of bias on the boards. People come here to complain about a bad day because they have nowhere else to turn, so it gives a skewed version on the rest of their stay. One rude comment from a local could turn into "I hate this country, everyone is stupid, nothing works right here" kind of thing.

I also want to know how people have changed their views since arriving. If it's still a noble trek to teach or if it's something else now. That's why I ask.

[naturegirl321]

I got into because of rose tinted glasses, and after six years am trying to get out, but need to continue saving and teaching to do so.

[vanilla_face]

oh boy. That's not encouraging.

Anyone have a good experience like "it was not what I was expecting, but I love it anyway?"

[vanilla_face]

Don't get me wrong naturegirl321, I appreciate your honesty.

But, on the other hand maybe I should hear more "I came here with high expectations and each one was dashed" stories. That way I can go to another country with low expectations fearing the worst and have an alright time.

[naturegirl321]

Oh hey, Don't get me wrong, teaching ESL is good, and there ARE career teachers out there. But it happens in every job, you get the seven year itch and it's time to change. Might mean teaching a different level, age, etc, or getting out all together.

[jdl]

You will probably find esl overseas less rewarding than you found the other jobs you had in the past (corporate, warehouse, retail, etc.), since none of that experience is prerequisite to teaching. You will be less happy in a job for which you have no related skill, aptitude or education. Stick to the warehouse.

[LITTLE PEACHES]

Why did you initially want to go and teach ESL half way around the world?
-get paid to travel and actually enjoy the country for what it and and the people...you learn a lot more about the country with the interactions with the peopl

What were you expectations before going about the job, country, and overall experience?
-lots...too much to write...be specific


Were these expectations met, exceeded, or did they fall short because of good or bad employers, culture shock, or any other factor?
-i'm only in my 2nd month, bit it has fell short in several placees. i thought the employer would encourage me to learn about the country, they don't your job is your first priority
-people would be out here also to explore and not have an agenda, everyone out here has their own agenda and not very social beyond what they have.
-many people are not going to help foreigners, there are some to help, not many
-food would be an experience, no there is a lot of american food here, but i make it a point to try new food.

How has your perspective on the host country changed now that you are there?
-lots, couldn't possibly write it all and everyone will be different..i think it's always different once you experience it

i'm in japan...my first country....suburbs of tokyo

[Desertsnake4532]

I took a job in TEFL because I wanted to go back to Palestine and find a job that would keep me there. I expected that I could make a decent salary compared to where I was living and that part was true. There was culture shock, but mostly for really complicated reasons involving old friends that would take a long time to get into. It was different than I expected, but I'm glad it happened.

[coledavis]

I took the job so that I could get a visa to live in another country (in this case, Russia). To my relief, I actually find that I generally enjoy teaching classes of adults and adolescents (the latter are a good deal more fun than their peers back in the UK). Although increasing workloads when students and therefore employers know that you're good can take some of the edge off your creativity.

[Phil_K]

I did it (and I suspect this is true for many) because I needed to be in Mexico if I wanted to be with the love of my life - and as I didn't speak Spanish when I arrived, it was the only option. As to why I'm still doing 8 years later, God knows! It ain't for the love of the job, that's for sure. I guess its 'cos I'm lazy and while someone is willing to give me an office, secure job and reasonable fixed salary not to work too hard, I'm happy enough.

[mozzar]

I was told there'd be women, booze and money.

[JZer]

[JZer]