Job Discussion Forums

Agaetis_Byrjun · Joined: 12 Nov 2010 Posts: 6

Hello everyone!

I am new to the world of TESL and have just completed my CELTA and am beginning to look for my first job in the field - I have a BA in Modern Languages and am 23 y/o. I speak French, Spanish, German and Italian at an advanced level and speak functioning Japanese, Swahili and Icelandic. I intend to one day pursue a Masters in TESOL and hope to work with refugees in the future. My only experience involves three months spent in Tanzania teaching English (before receiving my CELTA).

I am currently wondering what all you ESL sages out there think in terms of where/how I should be applying. I was hoping to gain at least a years worth of experience in the US or Canada but fear those jobs are not as common as I had hoped (I am looking at NYC, Chicago, Boston, NJ area, Toronto, Montreal, Quebec City, Vancouver). What did you all do for your first job?

Does anyone have advice in entering the US market? I am not very aware of any gateways besides Craigslist and Dave's.

I am very open to working internationally as well and was wondering what a good starter country is? I am not looking to get rich, I am looking for a great cultural experience and hoping to gain experience as a teacher, of course.

Any advice for a new ESL teacher would be greatly appreciated! Very Happy

tttompatz · Posted: Sun Nov 14, 2010 1:13 am Post subject: Re: The First Step - Advice

TeresaLopez · Joined: 18 Apr 2010 Posts: 601 Location: Mexico City

You didn�t mention what country your citizenship is from, but since you are fluent in Spanish, you might look into some of the alternative teacher training programs in Chicago, and also in nearby Milwaukee, WI. They are in great need of Bi-lingual and ESL teachers, and will train you at the same time you are working.

Agaetis_Byrjun · Joined: 12 Nov 2010 Posts: 6

I am sorry to have neglected such important information!

I am an American citizen. Female.

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

Are you interested in work at schools or institutes? All those languages that you say you speak, do you have certs to back them up? Can you read and write in those languages as well? (I hope this doesn't come across wrong, I'm not trying to be condenscedning, just trying to understand. Languages such as Japanese, well, some can speak, but can't read or write) Just asking, because what one person considers fluent might only pass the intermediate level.

Good countries to start are Mexico, Korea, and China. First steps would be to make a professional CV with photo, and get transcripts to prove that you have your degree. You'll need it for work visas.

santi84 · Joined: 14 Mar 2008 Posts: 1317 Location: under da sea

You may be able to get a working holiday visa for Canada (as you probably already know) but jobs here are extremely tight in anglophone areas. You will be wasting your time in Vancouver, etc. Here, the only places that would hire an unqualified teacher (non-BEd in TESL) would not pay you enough to live.

BUT Smile

If you are fluent en fran�ais, Montr�al and Qu�bec city may be doable. I much prefer QC. All job ads for English instruction are posted in French and often not even online. You could try calling the ESL department at Laval university for some help. In Montreal, bilingual teachers are a dime a dozen, but QC is a bit different. I can't say for sure but you may find something there.

And my first job in Vancouver was with the city's community services program for immigrants.