Job Discussion Forums

[ashanmari]

For the 3rd time I have been denied a teaching contract based upon my age.
I do not know if this is because of VISA requirements or because of maturity levels, but I am more than upset to find another "We regret to inform you..." letter in my inbox this morning.

My last attempt was at EF Indonesia. What is funny about this, is that I was offered a position last year when I was only 20 years old ? They needed me there sooner than I could be there, therefore the position didn't work out for me, but nonetheless...

Currently I am 21 years old, hold a 2-year degree, a TEFL Cert and experience tutoring and TAing for college level ESL classes. I am looking for an entry level job obviously, I don't want to go to Korea, other than that I am open...

Being "too young" is something I've always dealt with I suppose. I would like to go abroad and teach, I figured SE asia would be the place to start and really where I would like to be for a couple of years.

Can anyone give me any advice as to how to land a contract being of a young age? Is it better to simply show up? Does it vary based upon the school and the country? Do I need to wait until I am 25 ? Is age really that big of an issue . ?

[Henry Chinaski]

Visa regulations will vary from country to country. However, at a glance I would say you have a problem with your qualifications. A 'two year degree' is not a degree. Depending where you earnt it, it is most likely a 'diploma' of sorts. Consider trying a country like China where qualifications are not important.

[spiral78]

Many countries require a 4-year degree to get a visa as a teacher. Other countries don't (most European countries, for example, have no formal requirement for a degree) HOWEVER, most candidates DO have a 4-year degree and are older than you a bit.

You may be seen as less reliable and responsible simply because of your age, as well. It's not politically correct, but reality can be impolite and unfair sometimes.

[basiltherat]

[denise]

It might not necessarily be an issue of age--as a couple of the others pointed out, it may be because of your qualifications. Without a 4-year degree you are at a disadvantage, even in countries that don't require them. Make sure your cover letter and CV are in top shape, hone your interview skills--basically, make sure you stand out in every way that you can if you're competing against older/more qualified applicants.

It may be related to the school and who their students/clients are. Schools that offer primarily business classes or adult classes may be hesitant to hire someone who is younger than their students--it might not "look" good. Yeah, it's unfair, but... discrimination laws really don't exist in lots of places. You might be better off applying to schools that offer more children's classes.

Good luck!

d

[Henry Chinaski]

Yes, well put Basil. One thing about this industry that nobody with any experience will deny is the fact that all kinds of discrimination exists. Whether it is age, sex, race or other it is something that most of us have experienced. I have been knocked back for not being American in both Korea and Taiwan. I have been told I was too old for different positions while I was still in my 20's. Actually, being young is more of a positive than a negative. Many employers like young teachers as they feel they can be manipulated more than an older teacher and that they will be more open to the employer's ways, not to mention being more energetic.

Perhaps the strangest and most blatant example of discrimination I witnessed was in Korea in 2002. A recruiter I knew asked for my help in finding someone to work with them. They requested a disabled or black person as they believed such a person would have less opportunity to quit and find a better paying job than someone else.

It is sickening, it is wrong, but it is simply a fact of life in the world of English language teaching in the international market.

[naturegirl321]

I think it might be something to do with your lack of degree. I got my first job teaching when I was 20 and when I was 22 I was teaching at a university.