Job Discussion Forums

[mrs201]

Hi guys
I am a fully qualified chartered accountant based in teh UK at present with a BSc degree and am about to begin a sabbatical to travel the world.
One of the things i am very keen on trying to do is some teaching in the Far East.....not sure whether this will be possible as i dont have any form of teaching qualification, and dont really have the cash at the moment to do one of teh TEFL courses. My only teaching experience has been through Camp America teaching sports to yougn children.
Bearing in mind my limited level of experience, is this something that i am going to be able to do? I was hoping on working for about 6 months, potentially longer. Alternatively, can anyone suggest work opportunities in the Far East which may suit my background a little better?
Any pointers or advice at all much appreciated.

Cheers in advance
Matt

[NigerianWhisper]

Let me see. You are going to travel around the FE but you can't afford to do a TEFL course.

You are a 'Chartered Accountant' but you can't spell. Oh! Do not use commas before 'and'.

You want to teach what?

[PattyFlipper]

[motown]

From reading several forums on ESL cafe there are some general rules that seem to apply:
Korea and China typically require contracts to be completed before you arrive in the country so you don't know what type of situation that you might be getting yourself into. Between the two you should consider China but only in a city like Beijing or Shanghai. I would also suggest you take a 6 month contract instead of a year.

Japan might be out altogether as I believe they require a one year commitment and from what I've read the job market may be tough for an inexperienced person.

Thailand, Vietnam and Taiwan apparently like to see you in person first and that's to your advantage as you get to pick the school but the job market is tight so you might not get what you want. The better schools in all countries typically want a Certificate from an accredited ONSITE COURSE and some will only accept a CELTA, TRINITY or SIT tesol.
(Course accreditation should be checked on "teaching training" threads on ESL cafe. Many people argue what's the best and why).

My advice from the limited knowledge I've picked up on this forum. Go to Thailand and seek a position in the outback for 4 to 6 months and see how you do. If you don't like it then the beautiful Thai beaches are only a 1/2 day to full day bus ride away. The bigger cities in Thailand also have a sizeable ex-pat community so if you have never been to Asia it can be helpful. Get a worldwide capable cell phone either before you leave or when you arrive. Just change the SIM card.

Since you are pinching on the ONSITE course you should at least consider an online course which you can get for 200 -300 American dollars. It gives you something and at the same time browse the web for lesson plans suitable for kids and large groups as you are more likely to working in this type of environment. Save these plans on your laptop or workbook or get a couple of books with several lesson plans that can be used.

Keep checking this and other web links. You'll soon find a pattern.
1-don't take an onsite course so don't expect much
2-take an onsite course and you'll be taken more seriously in the beginning and in the long run.

To conclude: you do have some preparation even if you are only looking for a one year getaway and not a career change.
Have you had your shots? Typhoid, Hep A and B, skip the malaria pills but bring some good mosquito repellant.
Good luck in whatever you choose but keep in mind that ESL market is getting flooded in some areas and so don't expect jobs to fall in your lap.
Hope this was helpful.
Cheers.

[Mr. Kalgukshi]

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