Job Discussion Forums

[prabhatdreamz]

Hi,

Firstly, I apologize if similar questions have been posted somewhere else. I just wanted a fresh and a current take on this overly-common query. Any help would be greatly appreciated. So please bear with me.

I'm Prabhat Ram from India. I'm an engineering graduate, but that field doesn't interest me anymore. I really want to teach English, especially in one of the Asian countries; preferably Japan, China, Thailand, or Taiwan. There was a time when S.Korea would be my very first choice, but the reality of immigration requirements made me look elsewhere.

As for my education, my schooling was done in English medium schools, and just to add a little weight to my resume, I even took up one of the TEFL courses (online, though). I don't have a thick accent, but I don't sound like a typical native speaker, either. I would categorize my accent as neutral, with a slight inclination towards American pronunciation (thanks to loads of movies and TV shows I watch). My grammar is sound enough to be able to teach a given class.

So what I really want to know is what country would I face the least number of issues, when it comes to their requirements checklist; especially w.r.t. to my origin ? I've been applying at numerous places online, with only rare responses from their side (mostly disappointing, on account of not being a native speaker). I don't even have the financial luxury to travel to a particular country, and get into a face-to-face interview just to improve my chances.

So, it'd be really nice if any of you could help me out with either your advices, suggestions, tips or any pertinent info.

Thank you.

[AGoodStory]

http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=82832

http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=82950

[tttompatz]

To be brutally honest, being Indian (as in holding an Indian passport) and NOT having a degree in either education or English your chances are close to "0" for obtaining work abroad as an English teacher.
(in most cases these are immigration requirements for people not coming from one of the "western" English speaking countries.)

IF you are of Indian descent and hold a western passport then you at least have a fighting chance of employment.

Your on-line tefl cert won't go very far.

I'm not saying that you shouldn't try but don't be surprised when you have no success.

Sorry.

.

[nickpellatt]

I worked with an India guy here, www.omeida.org who held no teaching qualifications and an unrelated degree and MA. Other non-native speakers also worked locally .. I guess the demand for teachers was high enough that they would overlook non-native status on occasion.

[spiral78]

Keep in mind that the Indian gentleman may BE a native English speaker, or so near to one (all schooling in English) as to make no difference.

Except pronunciation. The 900-lb gorilla in the room in many cases, I'm afraid.

[Old Surrender]

I've ran into two Mexicans in China teaching English -- Mexican passports and everything. In this industry, it seems like anything is possible but nothing is easy.

Good luck.

[DoubleDutch]

[MrMrLuckyKhan]

[naturegirl321]

Looks are everything, I ran into a Russian descent Israeli teaching and China and his English wasn't too hot, but due to his looks he had job offers. Not having a Western passport will work against you. expect less pay and more hours.

[spiral78]

I ran into a Russian descent Israeli teaching and China and his English wasn't too hot,

[Sashadroogie]

But I bet his adherence to ideologically approved thinking was second to none!