Job Discussion Forums

[jeff8875]

I know most of the stuff on here is focused on teaching English, I haven't really been able to find anything on working with local law enforcement officials etc....

I am a former Military, then police officer, then air marshal type guy. I was injured on the job(arm is messed up) and medically retired, I receive a small pension, so its also a lot easier to live well in another country with a lower cost of living sadly. Its been a year this month and its quite boring doing nothing; I am allowed to work, so no problems there.

I would like to help people, and I love traveling. So I was thinking of teaching English abroad or working with local law enforcement. I don't have my TEFL yet, but I will get it, I don't have a degree, but plenty of college to get one if I cared to.

I'm 32 years old if it matters and I have been an instructor in various things since the Army. I already know I enjoy teaching, I just don't want to teach children.

I like the idea of South America, Eastern Europe, or SE Asia, mostly for the women as I am still single and I find them attractive, with qualities I like, in those areas

I guess thats about all, any thoughts?

[GOTL]

So Jeff since no one is responding to you, I will give it a shot.
Since you did not give a lot of detail to the nature of your arm disability you first must think about your medical needs. I would also think that you might want to considered talking to a vocational rehabilitation counselor, a VA rep at a college and seeing what your options are in terms of getting a higher education if you so choose to do so. Completing that degree at some point in your life maybe of benefit to you. And let�s say you find out you really enjoy teaching English and want a Masters in TEFL than the undergrad degree will be out of the way.


I would hope that in your time in the military you earned some form of GI Bill. If not, than the Voc. Rehab. with whatever state you live in should help you pay for some of the tuition, if you so choose to return to school.

I would recommend checking out the different forums and posting your questions there. I am mostly familiar with the Middle East which is a region that normally requires at the very least a BS/BA degree.

[NYCESOL11211]

Everyone is probably going to tell you its a good idea to get a degree and a CELTA or something similar.

Your military experience would make you a good candidate to teach English (once you get your degree) at places like the Korean military academies. They advertise from time to time on Dave's. Then there are similar jobs in KSA, which probably require more experience.

Good luck!

[santi84]

I actually worked in law enforcement prior to teaching as well.

My strong recommendation is to get some solid teacher training, paying attention to classroom management and the other "interpersonal relations skills".

It was a difficult adjustment in terms of how to be an authority. Methods we use for law enforcement do not translate the same! I'm not sure about working with local LE - in Canada, the RCMP uses Berlitz employees to train francophone members, not direct hire. I tried! And I already worked for the RCMP