Job Discussion Forums

[Lisa123]

Hi,

Just wondering if I could ask for your help with the usual newbie stuff? Specifically I am looking to teach English overseas to fit the following criteria:

(1) Village/town location with access to travel in the local area
(2) A community of teachers around the age of 30 within the local area.

I find I work best when supported by a strong social network, especially when working in a foreign country. It is therefore important for me to look for a placement where this will be available.

(3) Fairly decent living accommodation & salary

I have the following to offer:

(1) Eight months teaching Primary English in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
(2) BSc Psychology degree from Loughborough University
(3) PGCE Primary Qualification from Kingston University
(4) Currently an Activity Instructor at a children�s holiday camp
(5) Willingness to teach a range of age groups
(6) Positive, outgoing personality.

Once I have progressed a little further on the decision making process it is more than likely I will opt for a 100/120hr TEFL course.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. I�m particularly interested in hearing from people who are currently teaching overseas or have recently returned.

Many thanks

Lisa

[tttompatz]

The world is a big place.

2 things are needed before accurate advice can be offered.
Where are you from (country of passport).
What continent would you like to try first?

ALL of your "criteria" can be met on every continent and your qualifications meet the legal requirements for a work visa as a teacher everywhere except in the EU (where is is passport dependent).

.

[Lisa123]

Hi,

Thank you so much for your quick reply.

I am from the UK. The answer to your second question is a little trickier...

So far my thoughts go like this:

Asia enjoyed travelling in South East Asia so might enjoy Thailand/S.Korea/Japan
South America/Africa would love to explore however it seems the wages are relatively low.
Oz/Nz not sure if I would have enough experience
Europe it seems competition is fierce and as I have no strong preference for Europe I thought I might have better luck elsewhere

Thanks again

Lisa

[denise]

Unless you've got debts to pay off and need a decent salary by your home country's standards, you will earn enough to live comfortably on in South America. The cost of living is low enough that even salaries around $1000 per month (or lower--I got $700 monthly in Peru) will be enough "by local standards"--many job ads will advertise themselves that way, and it really is true. The salary becomes a problem if you need to send some home/save.

Would you prefer a community of expats? (There are a lot of local teachers out there... Some will socialize with their foreign colleagues; some won't.) If so, I'd suggest looking into big chain schools/private language institutes.

d

[nickpellatt]

I have recently returned to England after a stint in Yangshuo, China, and I feel this place would certainly suit you first two criteria.

1) Village/town location with access to travel in the local area
(2) A community of teachers around the age of 30 within the local area.

Its a small scenic town, but big on the tourist trail, which means there are a heck of a lot of foreigners teaching there, or passing through on travels.

(3) Fairly decent living accommodation & salary

It wont score so well on the 3rd point, but as already mentioned, the salary is good for local living and is easily enough to enjoy everything on offer, including meals in restaurants every night and drinks at weekends.

The link for my ex-employer is - www.omeida.org

Teaching is adults, small classes, no weekends or evening.

[Glenski]

[Kofola]

The PGCE will enable you to teach generally at the primary level in international schools. There are often EFL posts to be had as well. (Check out www.tes.co.uk)

Might be easier to start as a general KS1 teacher and then work your way into EFL. You would be much better paid making it easier for you to get further EFL qualifications should you decide to.

[naturegirl321]

OP has a PGCE. If you can get two years experiecne, then you could work at intl schools
www.ibo.org is also a good place to check.