Job Discussion Forums

[LeeAtlanta]

I have noticed that some of the newbies, like myself, seem to be overly optimistic with their heads in the clouds. I don't want to be one of those kids. I want to construct a realistic plan about which I can be enthusiastic.

I graduated with a BA in Spanish 3 years ago. I have had a dead end desk job that I have hated, so after saving for over a year, I quit. I'm taking a few months off to go to a spiritual retreat, and then I would like to go teach English somewhere. I would like to start teaching in January of 2011. I don't want to make this my lifelong career. I've read the advice from professionals who have taught English abroad for years.

I want to stay abroad for about a year, which will give me time to decide on a good career plan and master's program. Then I want to put down roots and build a life in the US. In that time, I would like to do something fulfilling, such as teach English abroad and hopefully travelling a bit. I really need time outside the US. I don't have any debt to pay while I'm gone, so I only need to make a sufficient enough salary to cover the cost of my living somewhere. I don't have any type of certification right now. I would be open to completing some type of certification course, but I don't want to invest a lot of money since I don't plan on doing this long term. I know that some markets are very difficult to enter if you only have an American passport, which is my case. I would like to go to Spain because I know the language and would feel comfortable, but I know that probably isn't realistic. I have spent time in Mexico and Argentina. I love both, but I would like to branch out a bit. From what I read, my best options are in Asia. I'm not against going there, but I have a fear that I would feel very lonely, since I don't speak the language.Does anyone know if it is easy to make friends with expatriates there? I've also looked at programs in Hungary, Poland, and Czech Republic.

I would appreciate any honest advice and recommendations. Thank you!

[spanglish]

Even if you're just trying to make enough to cover expenses, you won't really be able to relax in Latin America, because you'll need to work full time. I recommend you come down here and budget around $300-$500 subsidy/month in savings (plus a couple grand in start up money) and work part time.

Even better would be to do the CELTA when you first hit the ground, which should help you make some contacts, be a better teacher and charge more for privates. Of course that means saving an additional couple grand. Your Spanish will help you immensely in getting privates.

As a side note - I don't think a year teaching English will save you from your dead-end desk job in the US. With this in mind, I'd really recommend the CELTA, cause you just might decide to teach longer term (there are good jobs in Latin America for the more experienced). Another option you'd be able to look into is translating and interpreting, which can pay better than teaching.

[LeeAtlanta]

I agree that leaving for a year won't permanently free me from a boring desk job! I just need time to think about the legitimate next step. I don't think I'll want to be away from my family for more than a year, but I could be wrong.

Do you recommend an on-site Celta program?
What type of translating/interpreting programs are you aware of?

[jpvanderwerf2001]

If I may say so: You sound a LOT like someone I know (me) ten years ago. Still teachin'! ANYwho...
I'd recommend a certificate of some sort (it really won't matter so much if you're only gonna do this for a year), just so you have some idea what's going on. Your language background will certainly help, but teaching and knowing are two different things.
Then I'd go wherever you want to go. I've seen jobs posted for Colombia, Ecuador, Peru...there are many Spanish-speaking places you can get to. Will you earn much? Probably not, but you'll probably get enough to survive. (Probably!)
I'd recommend getting a hold of Naturegirl and Justin Trullinger (sp?) on this site. They know tons about South America.
Good luck!

[LeeAtlanta]

JPVanderworld,
You are right. Sometimes one thing leads to another...and another.
What if I do feel like being brave enough to look beyond Spanish speaking countries? What would you recommend?
What have your experiences been? I see that you are now in Russia. I just met a girl that had been in Russia for about two years. She said that she made an affordable salary there and liked it. Would I be able to find little English speaking social pockets there? Would a newbie find decent opportunities there?

[jpvanderwerf2001]

Hey there.
I've actually lived/taught in Mexico and Argentina. But you've sort of nixed those ideas. I would go back to Argentina in a heartbeat if one could make decent coin there(admittedly I didn't work too hard at finding a decent job; those were my, ahem, party days).
If you're going to look outside the Spanish-speaking countries it really depends what you're into. I mean, if cash is your thing (which it doesn't look like), then the Middle East is tops. Korea and Japan are also viable places, although they don't pay what they used to.
Russia, in my opinion (and not trying to be a downer), is mostly for people who are really into the culture/language or dudes trying to find a wife. That being said, I was neither of those. I actually came here for the job and--believe it or not, the weather (don't ask). Russia can be a good place for newbies since it does pay rather well, depending on your lifestyle, the city you end up in, etc.
I spent a year in India doing call center language training. That was pretty cool; India's definitely a place to see. The call centers (used to at least) pay a very comfortable salary, and one has the opportunity to travel around the country a bit.
Then there's China. I've been there a number of times, but haven't worked there. From what I read on here and other forums, it seems like a hit-and-miss proposition. As a tourist, I really like China; living there might be a whole other animal though.
Hope this helps.

[Glenski]

[nickpellatt]

With a BA you are qualified for China, and although I believe 100% that you (and your students) would benefit from you taking a decent course in EFL before teaching. But, even if you dont...China is still open to you, and I would recommend it!

Its pretty much impossible to feel alone in China, unless you take a job miles out in the sticks! if you are able to find a job teaching adults, you will be surrounded by new friends from day 1 who will be happy to show you around, teach you chinese etc etc etc. Its easy to meet lots of people in China without needing an ex-pat community!

The other nice thing, is a fair few jobs in China offer positions with fairly few hours...and if you want time to chill out, make decisions about your future etc, China may fit the bill!

[LeeAtlanta]

The weather wouldn't be a draw to Russia for me, but to each his own.
Money isn't my top priority, but from what I've researched and seen on these forums, some places basically require you to show up and scrounge for private classes and hope for the best. I have savings, but I prefer not to drain them. I don't need a cushy lifestyle, but I'd like to get paid decent enough to live. Novel idea, eh? I like Argentina and Mexico, but I'm really looking to explore more of the world. You mentioned that most that go to Russia seek to explore the culture and language or get a wife. I don't know the language, so I'd like to know that I'd be able to make some friends in English, but I'm definitely not the type to hem myself in and ignore the native culture. Anywhere I would go, I would love to experience the local culture. I just don't like the idea of feeling completely alone. Some people are great at that, but I need a balance. Does that make sense?
I read a whole conversation chain on here BKC International House in Russia. It seems pretty legitimate. I could possibly also teach Spanish, in addition to English, with them. Would you consider them a decent starter company for teaching English?

Thank you so much for all of your advice!!!

[LeeAtlanta]

I want to live somewhere outside the US for approximately a year (possibly more) teaching English. I am open to various places.

After that year, I imagine that I will be ready to settle down within the US, but things could change.

I've seen that you offer a lot of advice on these forums. You obviously have some experience under your belt. I'd appreciate any and all recommendations tailored to my set of circumstances.
Thank you!

[LeeAtlanta]

nickpellatt,

What type of EFL course would you recommend for China? I'm assuming that you either teach there now or have taught there in the past, correct? What city would you recommend? Also, what language institute or progam in China would you recommend for newbies, like myself?

Thanks!

[spanglish]

If you're not stuck on Latin America for the culture/language, it might be best to go elsewhere. This (Colombia) really isn't a very good place to teach, at least starting out.

Translating/interpreting - don't have any personal experience, but have friends who seem to have done pretty well for themselves. They're less stressed and make as much or more as English teachers. Basically they seem to have just made contacts on their own and expanded from there. Doctors, websites, etc. I'm working hard on my Spanish to try to get into the game.

[Glenski]

[nickpellatt]