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Best place for entry level Uni jobs?
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chickyabroad



Joined: 27 Feb 2007
Posts: 33
Location: Turkey
PostPosted: Sat Nov 21, 2009 1:30 pm    Post subject: Best place for entry level Uni jobs? Reply with quote
Hello, I'm a fairly new ESL teacher and so far I've mostly taught kids, but I'd like to move to a university position. I'm trying to make this a career and I think in the long term university jobs seem to be the better ones for someone without a k-12 teaching license.

So my question is where is the best place to look for a university job for someone without a ton of experience or an MA? I have taught in Korea for 2 years, one at a language school and one at a public middle school, did the CELTA after the first year in Korea and am now teaching adults in a language school in Istanbul. Plus I did a few months volunteer work back in the States tutoring adult immigrants.

So all together, I have about 2.5 years experience but only about 1 year 1 month post-CELTA experience. And I am currently in the process of applying for MA programs, if that makes any difference.

Thanks!
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naturegirl321



Joined: 04 May 2003
Posts: 9041
Location: home sweet home
PostPosted: Sat Nov 21, 2009 2:17 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
It-s pretty easy to get a job in China without an MA, but pay isn-t that good.
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Chris_Crossley



Joined: 26 Jun 2004
Posts: 1797
Location: Still in the centre of Furnace City, PRC, after eight years!!!
PostPosted: Sun Nov 22, 2009 6:59 am    Post subject: You may expect to start at the bottom even with a master's Reply with quote
naturegirl321 wrote:
It-s pretty easy to get a job in China without an MA, but pay isn-t that good.


Even with a master's degree, don't necessarily expect high wages, although that depends upon which employer you approach.

When I first started in TEFL in '01, I was already qualified to teach in state secondary schools in England and Wales and had also gained an MBA degree, but, when it came to the pay scale, I had to start down at the bottom since it was a private chain language school and it basically dictated that one received the lowest pay if one had no TEFL experience.

Happily, matters have improved for me a great deal since then in terms of the pay stakes.
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chickyabroad



Joined: 27 Feb 2007
Posts: 33
Location: Turkey
PostPosted: Sun Nov 22, 2009 4:51 pm    Post subject: Re: You may expect to start at the bottom even with a master Reply with quote
Chris_Crossley wrote:


... when it came to the pay scale, I had to start down at the bottom since it was a private chain language school and it basically dictated that one received the lowest pay if one had no TEFL experience.



Does this mean that I should be asking for the higher end of what schools are offering because I have experience? Or will my experience not count because it wasn't in China?

And thanks, naturegirl, for the reply to the original question. I had a feeling that I was going to be told China would be the best bet. Though it doesn't sound bad, I'm still hoping to hear of another option or two!
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Chris_Crossley



Joined: 26 Jun 2004
Posts: 1797
Location: Still in the centre of Furnace City, PRC, after eight years!!!
PostPosted: Mon Nov 23, 2009 5:18 am    Post subject: Re: You may expect to start at the bottom even with a master Reply with quote
chickyabroad wrote:
Or will my experience not count because it wasn't in China?


It depends upon the employer, but what I'm saying is: Don't be surprised if you do start at the bottom of the pay scale at whatever school you work for first in China, notwithstanding whatever relevant work experience you may have accumulated already elsewhere.
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anyway



Joined: 03 Sep 2007
Posts: 109
PostPosted: Mon Nov 23, 2009 8:18 am    Post subject: Oaxaca Reply with quote
Actually, I think Korea would be one of the best places because it all depends on who you know in that country. I once knew a guy who got one of the top shelf uni jobs with only six months experience....and a law degree...over 60-70 other interviewees (and applicants in the hundreds).

I would suggest you try the state of Oaxaca's uni system. I believe they're still expanding and there are regular ads every few months on the major boards. Can't remember the exact quals, but I think an MA is still only 'preferred' and not required. Although I think their package is quite decent, some of their rural locations are not going to attract a lot of interest. So if you're willing to live in the sticks, buenos suerte!
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Chris_Crossley



Joined: 26 Jun 2004
Posts: 1797
Location: Still in the centre of Furnace City, PRC, after eight years!!!
PostPosted: Mon Nov 23, 2009 8:40 am    Post subject: Re: Oaxaca Reply with quote
anyway wrote:
I would suggest you try the state of Oaxaca's uni system (...) buenos suerte!


That's in Mexico for the geographically challenged! Wink
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jpvanderwerf2001



Joined: 02 Oct 2003
Posts: 1117
Location: New York
PostPosted: Wed Nov 25, 2009 2:52 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
Russia. I know at least two people here in Vladivostok who have taught in Unis without even possessing a degree. I think, here, a person just has to get on the ground and sniff around, as there aren't many native speakers (esp. outside of Moscow-St. Pete).
I'm pretty sure they made enough money to live all right, and both lived in teacher housing.
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chickyabroad



Joined: 27 Feb 2007
Posts: 33
Location: Turkey
PostPosted: Wed Nov 25, 2009 6:04 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
So from the sound of it I should concentrate on China, but still explore other options.

Though the info about the uni in Mexico is really interesting too. Anyway, do you know if they hire from abroad or would I be better off showing up in person? When do they usually hire? And do you know about how many hours a week is normal for a uni down there?

I think the problem with Korea and Russia is that I would have a better chance if I could apply in person and I just can't afford that. I've applied to a few unis in Korea, but I know a lot of them like to do in person interviews. Jpvanderwer, do you know if any unis in Russia hire from abroad?

Thanks!
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jpvanderwerf2001



Joined: 02 Oct 2003
Posts: 1117
Location: New York
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