Job Discussion Forums

[awie]

Hello there.

I've mentioned my intentions in a thread in the Japan forum already, but then thought it might be better to start a new thread here, with more details.

I'm 25, female, Austrian, and have the Austrian equivalent of a Bachelor's degree in Earth Sciences (bak. rer. nat), a field which I've completely lost interest in.
Before I enroll in a Master's in journalism here next year, I'd like to go abroad for one year, teaching English to support myself.
Ideally, "abroad" would mean Japan, out of personal interest, but I'm also willing to go to other countries, I'd just have to do more research first (China and Korea have been suggested to me on other forums), and have a look at the local language, which I'd certainly be lerning as well, to get by.

I'm planning to take a CELTA course in London in October (writing my application in another window) and start applying for jobs shortly afterwards.

I have some experience in giving private lessons, but none yet of teaching in class.

I'm not looking to make huge amounts of cash, basically I'd just like a change of scenery alongside with the job, since I've never lived outside of Vienna.

Hopefully, "isn't a native speaker" won't be too much of an issue, since I speak mostly RP - guesses about my identity based on my accent are usually "British Colony", with someone even asking, "British English teacher?" ;) I suppose that with a bit of practice, I could also emulate Standard American.

EDIT: I probably should add that with my love for the language, I'd be very happy to teach it to others.

Now my questions: While the whole plan sounds perfectly reasonable to me, I'm not an expert and might be completely off, with the pros already shaking their heads over the sillyness of this newbie.

So, is it or is it not a good idea?

Also, Japan, yes/no?

And, is it wise to tell the school where I want to do the CELTA that (for now) I'd only like to do it for a year?

Further, I suppose it doesn't make much sense for me to try an apply for jobs in North America or Australia/NZ? What with these places being full of native speakers and all.

[spiral78]

Further, I suppose it doesn't make much sense for me to try an apply for jobs in North America or Australia/NZ? What with these places being full of native speakers and all

No...true. It's not just that there are millions of native speakers, but the job markets are very tight in these countries, and competition is fierce for the jobs that are going. I think there's zero realistic chance of getting a visa to teach English in an Anglophone country these days, unfortunately.

As for Japan or other Asian countries, I haven't got any info, but I'm sure those in the know will be around asap with more positive input that my little note!

[awie]

Okay, thanks! That's that one sorted out :)

[tttompatz]

Truth be told, NOT being a "native speaker" IS an issue in MOST of Asia.

Most countries require (as a visa/immigration requirement) that you come from one of the main anglophone countries (UK, USA, Canada, Australia, NZ, Ireland, etc.) or have done the majority of your study in one of said countries in order to actually get a visa. to work.

There are exceptions but by and large you will find that in order to qualify for a job (with work visa) you need to have either:
a formal education as a teacher,
a degree in English or
be a native speaker.

.

[Glenski]

You will have problems getting hired in Japan.

You have no teaching experience.
You are not from a country considered native English speaking.

These are big hindrances. JET Programme applications may be due soon for next year, but that may not suit your schedule, and only 1 or 2 Austrians have been on the program every year anyway.

[awie]

I see. What about other countries?

EDIT: Like China?

[Insubordination]

I have two Austrian colleagues here in Sydney but it's true the competition is fierce, only because the industry is not doing well. My advice is to do an internet search and see whether Austria has a Working Holiday Visa program for any of the countries you are interested in. You are in the right age group.

[awie]

No Working Holiday Visa for Austria. Researching similar schemes at the moment.

Another thing: Is there any demand for German teachers? Couldn't find much about it on the web.

Also, if I pass the CELTA with excellent grades, wouldn't that compensate for my lack of an appropriate passport?

[Mr_Monkey]

Not for Japan - you need to either be a native of the country whose passport you hold, or have undergone 12 years of English-medium education to be granted a teacher visa.

Moreover, native-speakerism is the norm in Japan. Never mind that many NSes can't actually teach and have no training, they're native speakers, and that's all that matters :/

[mozzar]

[MrMrLuckyKhan]

Just to let u know...

You could find work in Cambodia. My neighbor is from Sweden and has a CELTA with no degree. He has been paid only slightly less because of his passport. Also, his English is REALLY good (he lived in the States for a while) so he might actually get better job offers than most non-native English speakers.

[Insubordination]

Apparently Austria has some sort of 'Youth Workers Scheme' with Canada and if you're enrolled as a student, you might qualify.

Not quite Asia however. It's too bad because Germans can get working holiday visas for Japan.

http://www.supertramp.at/sprachreisen/work_abroad/swap_canada/

[DoubleDutch]

Your best bet is probably China, and possibly Cambodia, as mentioned above. Vietnam may also be worth looking into.

[Blingcosa]

Yes, China.

First of all, they only care that you have a white face.

Second, they think everybody outside China speaks English.

Third, they don't know the difference between Austria and Australia.

[naturegirl321]

China is an option, but what about Europe? You have an EU passport and could easily work there.