Job Discussion Forums

[rbc089]

Hello everyone!

Basically I've just completed my Trinity CertTESOL course and I'm planning to go abroad next year to teach English. I also have an undergraduate degree, but no teaching experience, aside from some tutoring at University. However, I am finding it difficult to narrow down my options, because there are several countries that I could see myself living/working in. So my question is, how did you decide which country to teach in for your first tefl position? I'm not expecting anyone to tell me where I should go; I'd just like to know which factors were important to you and, with hindsight, whether or not these were appropriate reasons for making your decision?

Although I've enjoyed the small amount of teaching practice I've had so far, tefl is not necessarily going to be a long-term career option for me, so saving a lot of money is not my priority. As long as I can live comfortably on my salary, with a little bit of help from my savings, I�ll be satisfied.

When considering what kind of place I�d like to live in, the following factors come to mind. Ideally it�ll have delicious food, good weather and be rich in culture. A lively social scene is also fairly important to me, as is a large ex-pat community, considering that this will be my first experience of living overseas. I am however, interested in making friends with the locals and learning another language.

Before anyone says anything, I�ve tried searching for a similar question on this forum but for some reason the search function isn�t working properly at the moment. It just takes me to a blank page! Anyway, any advice would be appreciated.

Regards,

Rob

[Glenski]

[naturegirl321]

Keep in mind that large expat communities means more competition, which can mean lower salaries. Sometimes the best places are in the sticks because they give you hardship pay and a chance to experience the "real" culture.

[denise]

[rbc089]

In reply to Glenski's comment, food probably won't be an issue wherever I go actually. I'm not a very fussy eater, and I do like Korean food. As for a good teaching market, I've been focusing on North Asia, so China, South Korea, and possibly Taiwan are my best bets? Of course, I�m willing to consider other countries, but I�m just trying to narrow down my options.

As I mentioned, I'm not too bothered about the salary. The tefl trainers I spoke to suggested that for our first teaching post, we should try to work for a school which is going to offer a reasonable amount of support, and isn't going to overload us with hours, rather than one that pays really well. Obviously as a trainee with very little experience, I accept that I will probably have to take what I can get, but a high salary certainly isn't the most important thing I'm looking for.

As for the level/age of learners, during my TESOL course I taught mostly young adults, of upper-intermediate and lower-intermediate level. However, I also have some experience of working with young children (although not in esl) so I would be willing to work with any age group.

However, it's important for me to have a proper working visa. I am British and 21 years old, are there many countries where this could be a problem? I noticed in most adverts for teaching posts in China that they require people to have two years of work experience after graduating, but I'm not sure how rigid this requirement is. The only languages I've studied are French and German, and that was several years ago, but I'm keen to learn!

Thanks for your replies.

[Insubordination]

Spain is easy for a first job. Do you like ham and lamb?

[Guy Courchesne]

[kaw]

The days of looking for the first job and trying to decide where to go, remmeber that feeling well. Just before finishing my TESOL in Spain I was offered jobs in Russia, Mexico and Italy. I chose Italy as I felt it was closer to home if things didn't work out and wouldn't be too much of a culture shock. As far as the place went it was fine, the school was a different matter entirely and was certainly a case of being thrown in at the deep end.
After that it was Istanbul which may be worth considering. Great food, a much bigger expat community than there was in my day, great for culture, nice students, lots of interesting places to go to for holidays, good nightlife etc etc etc.

[Justin Trullinger]

I'm pretty sure that "hardship pay" was NOT a reference to Latin America. In some countries, it's ALL pretty much in the sticks, but nobody thinks to pay extra for it.

[Der_Bomber]

In England you get 'hardship pay' for living in London!

[wallkirk]

Justin, why Ecuador? What does Ecuador do for you that other countries don't? Something specific, or just a general feeling?

[Nevpraguetefl]

One word : Thailand.

[naturegirl321]

[naturegirl321]

[denise]

Yes, I'm still here. I've lived in a small-ish town and also in the capital. Yes, in small towns, you are more exposed to the culture. That doesn't necessarily mean that you will have local friends. Of course there are exceptions, but generally expats hang out with expats.

d