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adamq
Joined: 16 Mar 2010
Posts: 1
Location: Surrey, UK
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 Posted: Wed Mar 17, 2010 2:16 pm Post subject: Which countries should I be realistically considering? |
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Hello! I've been searching the Internet recently, learning about opportunities to teach in East Asia. I've been reading page after page of information about all the different countries, schools, programmes etc. This forum has also given me a lot of good information.
I now want to try and focus my research and find out what countries I should realistically be considering.
I have a BA in Music Production, and no previous teaching experience. However I am strongly considering taking the TESOL course. I am 21 years old, Caucasian and presentable.
Japan would be my first choice just because it seems like such an amazing place to be. It is certainly a place I intend to spend some time, whether I am able to teach there or not. I have read that the market is pretty flooded with teachers there. Is it even worth me continuing to look into teaching in Japan? I get the impression that it is unrealistic for me to hope to get work there at all with my limited qualifications, and that my applications will be swamped by similar and better ones.
South Korea looks like a brilliant place to teach as well. The money compared to the living costs seem fairly good. I imagine it is possible for me to get a job there, however is it probable? The last thing I want is to spend a lot of money on a TESOL course hoping to teach in Korea and finding out that there isn't as much work as I thought there was.
I am also considering China, Thailand and Taiwan. Hong Kong would also be brilliant but from what I gather they are looking for people with better qualifications than me with teaching experience, so that is probably out of the question.
Sorry for the long post. My main questions are:
Which countries are easiest to get work with my qualifications and (lack of) experience?
and
Although I am sure it is possible for me to get work in some of these countries, is it probable if I put in a fair amount of effort looking?
Any advice would be very very much appreciated. I have put in the effort searching the internet before I posted this message. A major problem is it is not always easy to find out when each web page/article is written, which is clearly important to know considering the changing economy. |
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Glenski
Joined: 15 Jan 2003
Posts: 12844
Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN
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| Posted: Fri Mar 19, 2010 3:20 am Post subject: Re: Which countries should I be realistically considering? |
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| adamq wrote: |
| I have a BA in Music Production, and no previous teaching experience. However I am strongly considering taking the TESOL course. I am 21 years old, Caucasian and presentable. |
Presentable or otherwise, caucasian or otherwise, you are generic teaching material for Japan.
| Quote: |
| Japan would be my first choice just because it seems like such an amazing place to be. It is certainly a place I intend to spend some time, whether I am able to teach there or not. I have read that the market is pretty flooded with teachers there. Is it even worth me continuing to look into teaching in Japan? |
Nobody can say whether it would be "worth it" for you. That's for you to judge. What exactly do you want out of the experience? How long did you plan to stay?
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| I get the impression that it is unrealistic for me to hope to get work there at all with my limited qualifications, and that my applications will be swamped by similar and better ones. |
I think that's going to be the case no matter where you apply. Don't defeat yourself before you even get out of the starting blocks. Yes, Japan is flooded with teachers. So what? Learn the market and how to apply (and when). I suggest you come to the Japan forum, read posts (sadly the FAQs are gone), and ask questions. You are suited for entry level work...period (ALT or eikaiwa).
| Quote: |
Sorry for the long post. My main questions are:
Which countries are easiest to get work with my qualifications and (lack of) experience? |
Aside from South American? Probably the developing ones.
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| Although I am sure it is possible for me to get work in some of these countries, is it probable if I put in a fair amount of effort looking? |
Do you want Jimmy the Greek to quote you odds? Apply like most people who have similar or lesser qualifications than you. Yes, there are employers who will hire people with such qualifications, but please realize that what is on paper is only part of the hiring process that they consider. Many entry level employers will want a demo lesson to assess your creativity and personality and a bit of your teaching skill, plus there is always the panel interview itself. There may even be a grammar test.
You're qualified to apply. Now, as I wrote earlier, learn things about the market (such as I just cited) and how to do your best in them. |
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Sadebugo
Joined: 10 May 2003
Posts: 524
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| Posted: Fri Mar 19, 2010 6:32 pm Post subject: Re: Which countries should I be realistically considering? |
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| adamq wrote: |
Hello! I've been searching the Internet recently, learning about opportunities to teach in East Asia. I've been reading page after page of information about all the different countries, schools, programmes etc. This forum has also given me a lot of good information.
I now want to try and focus my research and find out what countries I should realistically be considering.
I have a BA in Music Production, and no previous teaching experience. However I am strongly considering taking the TESOL course. I am 21 years old, Caucasian and presentable.
Japan would be my first choice just because it seems like such an amazing place to be. It is certainly a place I intend to spend some time, whether I am able to teach there or not. I have read that the market is pretty flooded with teachers there. Is it even worth me continuing to look into teaching in Japan? I get the impression that it is unrealistic for me to hope to get work there at all with my limited qualifications, and that my applications will be swamped by similar and better ones.
South Korea looks like a brilliant place to teach as well. The money compared to the living costs seem fairly good. I imagine it is possible for me to get a job there, however is it probable? The last thing I want is to spend a lot of money on a TESOL course hoping to teach in Korea and finding out that there isn't as much work as I thought there was.
I am also considering China, Thailand and Taiwan. Hong Kong would also be brilliant but from what I gather they are looking for people with better qualifications than me with teaching experience, so that is probably out of the question.
Sorry for the long post. My main questions are:
Which countries are easiest to get work with my qualifications and (lack of) experience?
and
Although I am sure it is possible for me to get work in some of these countries, is it probable if I put in a fair amount of effort looking?
Any advice would be very very much appreciated. I have put in the effort searching the internet before I posted this message. A major problem is it is not always easy to find out when each web page/article is written, which is clearly important to know considering the changing economy. |
You mentioned Korea. Anyone and I mean anyone can get a job in Korea, but why don't you set your sights a little higher.
Sadebugo
http://travldawrld.blogspot.com/ |
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gajackson1
Joined: 28 Jan 2008
Posts: 210
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| Posted: Thu Mar 25, 2010 2:34 am Post subject: |
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hmmm -
If you are interested in doing something related to music as a sideline, SoKo will provide LOTS of opportunities there, depending on your interests/genres. Esp. Seoul having a fairly vibrant scene.
Japan is similar, with the bonus of you not automatically being unemployment bait for just looking into exploring other options in your free time, a la SoKo.
Just a passing thought - best of luck to you! |
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Gypsy King
Joined: 05 Mar 2010
Posts: 77
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| Posted: Fri Mar 26, 2010 8:07 am Post subject: |
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| You would be perfect material for Thailand. Thais love to sing songs especially Karaoke and folk songs. Problem is money. Thais love farang ESL teachers who volunteer their free time to teach and singing is a great way to meet new students! Good luck! |
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