Job Discussion Forums

[mjfaina123]

Hi to everyone. I am hoping someone can help me out.. i'm starting out for the first time: I am 22 years old, will be finishing university in may with a teacher certification in english k-12. I also am TEFL/TESl certified (completed the 100 hr course). I have also been teaching an adult esl class in the south Bronx as a volunteer in a non profit organization established by Columbia University. Now here is where i am at a lose: I want to begin... i want to teach over seas... 1. Should i look for positions in language schools or am i able to get a job in a public school/university? 2. Where should i begin, location wise... i was thinking China, Hong Kong, or somewhere in the east (Taiwan, Japan) etc.. however while researching forums about their experiences in China i seem to keep reading about horror stories. What location/school in China would provide me with a good package and overall decent experience? I have heard about visa issues, harassment, violation of contracts, horrible housing, no support...There must be a decent place in China right? Please help! This will be my first time out on my own so to speak so i want to be prepared. Open to any other suggestions and ANY information! Thanks everyone.

[Glenski]

[jdl]

mjfaina123,

Try one of the following:
http://www.footprintsrecruiting.com/
http://www.maplebear.ca/maplebear
http://www.pattisonedu.com/

I can personally recommend Maple Bear Schools having done some work with them. They specialize in preschool and early years education but also operate a few high schools around the world.

For more job postings for International teachers check the Canada Education Network. There are US and Australian affiliates to which you can link.
http://www.educationcanada.com/main.html

Certificated public school teachers are in demand so happy hunting. You should be able to get a job with a reputable employer. Worth a look. China is a growing market and Maple Bear has opened and operate several state of the art schools there.

If you want additional information send me a personal message through this forum once you have the sufficient posts to do so.

You are well positioned so be optimistic.

[mjfaina123]

You say the applications for next year are due soon... due in where into an agency or should i contact the actual school? Because i am just starting off, i find the idea of just packing up and showing up somewhere a bit daunting.. i guess i'm, looking for everything to be booked and planned before i arrive..also how much in funds should a person come with when first arriving... is it hard to get a job mid semester? And are language schools there a good option, package wise?? thanks

[natsume]

[Glenski]

[anyway]

Certainly the best idea would be to go directly into a job stateside after you graduate, but perhaps the market is flooded or you have some other reason to go abroad first??

There are so many boards for international schools. Try TIEonline, Teach Away, GlobalLinks Tutors. Quality Schools International is an interesting group of schools. If you are thinking about China, check out the Dipont group of private K-12 schools. I recently checked ParkEnglish (recruitment for Korean hagwons) and it seemed very professional, good pay. Due diligence is a must. Try and speak directly (by phone) with someone at any school you are considering.

Yes, there are a lot of horror stories out there, but the fact is no one goes online to crow about their job and tell everyone how wonderful it is. The bad experiences are the ones that show up as warnings to everyone. Some of those people have legitimate complaints, but some are just whining. Luck!

[naturegirl321]

Try intl schools. While you probably won't be able to get a job in the "popular" coutnries, you should have no probs getting a job in the "unpopular" ones, such as the -stans, southwest asia, etc.