Job Discussion Forums

[iris]

Hi
I would like to find a teaching job abroad later this year. Most of these jobs require a TEFL/CELTA. My first degree was in English Language & Literature and at the moment I'm doing an MA in Teaching English at a Dutch university. I will be qualified to teach in secondary state schools in the Netherlands. I wonder whether this Dutch MA will be valued abroad, I am also a non-native speaker of English which seems to be a disadvantage (though I lived in the UK for several years). I can't really afford to do a Tefl course, and I feel I'm a bit overqualified for a course like that as well. I am interested in both South America and China. I think there are more opportunities for me in China but I would rather go to South America. So I need some advice. Can anyone tell what my chances are of finding a job abroad with my qualifications? What would be the best places for me to go (within South America or China)?

[Lanza-Armonia]

Dear Iris

Firstly, welcome to the board. Nice to see you hear!

Secondly, about your post, you have nothing to worry about. It doesn't matter if you are not a native speaker unless you have a really nasty accent. I know a couple Dutch people and they are more British than I am! Could you call yourself a Bi-Ligualist?

I can't comment on S.Amer but here in China you have no worries!

Enjoy life

LA

[iris]

Thanks for your reply Lanza-Armonia, I did find quite a few job offers in China that didn't require a native speaker. What are nice places to go within China? What about the southern provinces, what's the climate like? (The warmer, the better.) Are there any other readers who know what my chances are in South America? Or even Central America?

[Lanza-Armonia]

No doubt you'll here from Roger (God Of Dave's), but here are my opinions..

Stay well clear of Guangdong and Shenzhen unless you know what you're doing. Sichuan sounds nice but the money's crap. Guangxi is great but you try speaking Cantonese! Hainan is beautiful but monsoons aren't that great.

Everywhere has plus and minuses. No matter how much advice we give ya, you are not gunna find out what it's like until you get here.

Email for more info in ya want

LA => Going to bed....

[naturegirl321]

For the most part, finding a job in CHina will be easy and you can arrange one before you go. Jobs in south America are harder to find. I'm looking now. THere are a few that can be arranged before. BUt most want you to go in person.

[Roger]

"climate...the warmer the better..."
It's pretty hot all over China in summer, but the crux is: how are winter? I like them in the South a lot better than in the North, while I don't particularly fancy summers in Guangdong. COme here, and see for yourself! In a nutshell: Heat is bearable enough, but the humidity gets you down! It's a bit better in Hainan due to ocean breezes. In Guangdong, the damp air will be pollution-laden and you can scratch soot off your skin every hour.

I don't quite go with comments that make China appear as an Eldorado of TEFl jobs; it's not always easy though schools make plenty of noncommittal promises.
Also, as a professional, you will no doubt find a lot to complain about in the Chinese English learning scene. I don't know if SOuthern America would be more welcoming. It might, though!

[Kitegirl]

With an "eerste graads" you should be well qualified to teach in an International School and avoid the crappy salaries and working conditions of the rest of us at uni's and language schools. I have the same Dutch MA, but not the follow-up. Yes, a TEFL would be superfluous but try explaining that to a DOS. If they're not prepared to hire you with your training just because you don't have a four week course (I do but wish I had more), then they're not worth your time. The Dutch education system is absolutely one of the best in the world and no TEFL course compares. By chance I've been looking at international schools lately, what you will have will be a major asset.
Good luck.

[dmb]