Job Discussion Forums

[goodatheart]

Hello Everyone,

In summer of 2010 I want to move overseas and possible teach English for a while until I find my dream job in social work arena. I'm mainly looking to move to Turkey however I'm open to some other European and Middle East countries.

Can anyone help me as far as what should I have in my CV/Resume. I have a lot of experience in different fields except teaching. I will be getting my TEFL certiface soon and I will have my Master's Degree in Social Work. I do want do this first full-time than part-time. Am I qualified enough for Europe and Middle East?

Also I have been hearing language schools are not really a good idea to teach. What are the advantage and disadvantage between universities and language schools?

thank you all in advance for your responses

[spiral78]

Well.

OK.

First, where are you from? Much of Europe (Turkey NOT included) is closed to teachers who are not FROM Europe. If you are North American or Australian (or South African or a Kiwi) your legal opportunities in much of the EU are legally limited to Central/Eastern European 'new' EU member countries in any case.

Turkey is not an EU member state, and you can still get work permits for there - but you should post on the Turkey forum for more info.

A TEFL cert and an unrelated masters will not get you university jobs in Europe generally. Universities normally demand related MA and experience - and there are not so many jobs out there. The competition is fierce.

My own experience is in Europe, but I think you'll find that decent Middle East jobs also require related MAs, and experience.

[spiral78]

I do want do this first full-time than part-time.

are you a native English speaker?

[goodatheart]

I currently live in United States.

English is not my first language however my grammer is good and I'm working toward to make it better.

I understand that I will not get a job with a University and that is not my goal. How are the language schools in your opinion?

[spiral78]

Not being a native speaker really limits your opportunities.
It's difficult to get jobs that will pay decently and provide you with a living
in either Europe or the Middle East if you are not a native speaker and don't have near-native skills.

my grammer is good and I'm working toward to make it better.

Grammar. Working to make it or working towards making it.... the United States.

Please forgive me - I am honestly not trying to be discouraging or to disparage your English skills. But I am truly afraid that, in a tough economy (which is the case all over Europe), your offering to language schools may not stand out favorably from others.

May I ask where you are from?

[goodatheart]

Ohh no it's OK. I'm here for some honest opions. I'm originally from Turkey. I'm keeping my options open but mostly likely would love to go back there.

I'm a social worker at heart and right now I'm applying for jobs in that field however I wanted to see and explore my other options too. I understand I will not be able to compete with many other qualified people/teachers and that is totally fine.

I'm just looking for insight and honest opinions.

I'm getting my TEFL degree for safety in case I might need it in the future.

Thank you for your honesty:)

[mozzar]

Sometimes academies hire non-native speakers provided that they speak the native language of the country they are in, as well as the relevant English skills. They're used mainly for beginner classes while the natives are given the advanced.