Job Discussion Forums

[Iceman33]

Hello,

I'm a newbie and am about ready to make a decision to teach abroad for the first time (lived overseas before in France, Australia, UK). I have a MA in linguistics and 150 online TESOL certificate (ACTDEC accredited) and speak French fluently. I also speak German at an intermediate level.

I'm not sure what country would be best for me. I love languages, in particular Russian and Turkish. I like Japanese but not as much. Japan, however, appeals to me because of its safety, cleanliness, on-time pay, as well as the passivity of the culture (don't like aggressive people). Also, Japanese gardens and the Buddhist/Shinto religion fascinate me.

Turkey seems a bit warmer people-wise as well more romantically exotic than Japan, plus I like the language a little more (already studying it) and the Islamic/European blend (could travel to other European countries from there, too). I'm a little more concerned about my safety and being paid on time there, even though I've read that it seems relatively safe and that reputable schools will always pay on time. I'd be more interested in Istanbul and West Coast (more "modern" areas).

Russia is also very mysterious to me, and I really love the language most of all (which is a great + in your advantage when living abroad). But I have a lot of fears about going there, particulary in the big cities. Even in smaller towns, I have fear, even if the schools I would be applying to seem quite reputable. It just doesn't seem safe, even though a few folks online say it's not that bad. I just don't know. A few schools might not even take me anyhow in Russia because I don't have an on-site TESOL certificate, despite my MA in lingustics with my online course (Russian winters don't scare me!)

I gave up trying to go to France and Germany...lol...

Any suggestions or comments? I would really appreciate them.

[Glenski]

So, no teaching experience yet?

What type of teaching job are you hoping for, and what is your time frame for starting?

Do you have a certain minimum you need to pay off in debts every month?

Japan is very flooded with teachers and wannabes right now. It's very competitive even for entry level jobs. Without any teaching experience, I'm afraid that even with your cert and degree, you would only be considered for that type most of the time.

Entry level means ALT or conversation school teacher.

Looking forward to your answers so that better information can be given.

[Iceman33]

[Iceman33]

I'm single with no responsiblities but supporting myself. I just want to make a wise decision. Sure, no place is going to be perfect (I've lived overseas for a few years in different countries, so I try not to bring too many expectations and let myself be surprised).

[Glenski]

Stay away from GABA. Not many have good things to say about it. You might think one-on-one lessons are appealing, but you only get paid for the students you teach. It's not a salaried position. Pretty bottom of the barrel in terms of reputation here.

[Iceman33]

I wasn't planning on doing uni work in Japan. Each country is very different in terms of qualifications, etc. Some countries like high degrees/certificates over experience. It all depends on the school, too, and what they're after (experienced teacher, a new highly qualified one, etc).

You paint a rather bleak picture of Japan in terms of EFL job market for newbies. LOL. You are very right about mentioning not getting paid for quite sometime after starting your job, unless the school you work for gives you start-up money, which, as I understand, is not usually the case in Japan.

Some folks say that do enjoy Gaba. Others do not because of the unsteady income. They often supplement it with private tutoring, etc. And some say they do quite fine. It depends on individual situation, I suppose. Hard to say. Never done it, but it seems like a gamble.

[Glenski]

[Iceman33]

I'm leaning a bit more towards Turkey and Russia. The Far East may have to be put on the back burner. South America, Africa and the Middle East are just not that interesting to me right now (some Oil countries have great pay, but)...

[keitepai]

Hi there,

I have lived and worked (teaching) in Istanbul for a few years now and I have never been concerned for my safety. If you take the normal precautions such as not going into dark alleys and avoiding demonstrations then you should be fine. Of course there are other safety tips but I could go on for ages.......basically use common sense and don't behave like a tourist.

What did you mean specifically about 'safety'? I guess it depends on your level of fear. If you are already learning Turkish you will have an advantage, you are less likely to be ripped off if you show confidence and can speak some Turkish.

Regarding getting paid on time, I always have but you would need to take the advice of others here on the school or uni you are applying to.

Turkey vs Russia.....Turkey wins hands down on weather in my opinion

[Sashadroogie]

Have no fear!

Both Russia and Turkey are great places to live and work. Re safety, Turkey is easily the safer, but don't exaggerate the risk in Russia. Common sense rules in every land. Drunken foreigners lost in a dark alleyway do not fare well even at home.

Even so, I'd veer more for Istanbul, if I were you. Great, great place etc., but more importantly, the students are far easier to deal with - if you have minimal experience. Turks are generally co-operative and very trainable in the EFL classroom. Russian students tend to be better language learners, but are more picky about which activities they will and won't do. They can also be quite unforgiving. Basically, you can make more mistakes with Turks as you learn to teach than you can with Russians.

Good luck in either case.

[Iceman33]

Thanks so much for your replies. I appreciate them.

Yes, it is a hard decision. I love the Russian language, but I also love Turkish, too. They're both so different, but so exotic.

There are friendy, loving people everywhere, but Turkey probably is a bit warmer than Russia (not referring to just the weather). I don't like agressive people that much; that is why Japan was always so appealing to me. I don't like filth or dirt, either, but you can't have everything your own way (I know that from living overseas for two years).

And, yes, Turkey is a safer country overall than Russia, probably by a lot. But I suppose it would be wise not to overexaggerate the dangers of Russia, which is such a fascinating country.

Great advice!

[Sashadroogie]

Turkey it is then. I have lived in both places and I think I'm safe in generalising that Russians on the street will be much gruffer than Turks, though Turks have an annoying habit of meandering all over the pavement and bumping into you. Shopping is much more enjoyable in Turkey too, though the locals are good at getting the better out of you when it comes to haggling. Expect stony-faced service in Moscow, if you get served at all...

Depends what you are looking for socially, of course, but Turkey seems to be more what you seem to want.

[Iceman33]

[waxwing]

[Sashadroogie]

There seems to be a general consensus that Turkish and Japanese are both members of the Altaic family, though the inclusion of Japanese has been disputed. In any case, Russia would still have much more connection to things Turkic, given that so many Turkic speakers live in the Federation. Look at a modern map of Russia and the USSR- so many places names are totally Turkish e.g. Kazan, Koktebel ( Gok tepe), Kizilkum desert, Tashkent, Elmadag. Even some Russian family names are of Turkic origin: Karamzin, Bulgakov, Bukharin, Rachmaninov...

The bureaucracy in both countries is equally Byzantine, however. Hobson's choice, though Turkey seems to be better at ignoring illegal TEFLers than Russia.