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TheFonz
Joined: 10 Jan 2011
Posts: 9
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 Posted: Tue Jan 11, 2011 1:14 am Post subject: Not Completely Original, but Specific... |
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Let me preface this question by stating, yes, I have indeed read around in the forums. I find bits and pieces of information interesting and pertinent here and there, so forgive me if some of this is redundant, though how unique a question is one able to ask in the Newbie Forum?
Anyhow, I digress. Here is my situation: I hold my BA from a reputable State University (MD) in Spanish, with a concentration in Spanish Biz Mgmt. But I have not used this degree the past 10 years as I have been in technology sales to the government. I have a good amount of business acumen, and though I wouldn't say I was fluent in Spanish, I have a much stronger grasp on it than most, with a well formed accent for a gringo as I am regularly told, but I feel there is always more to learn, so fluency doesn't come lightly... I spent a brief period living in the Yucatan during a break I took from college. I want to get back out there and change my career up a bit, while experiencing a new culture. Both my mother and sister are teachers, so I feel I have an inherent knowledge of the profession, and an appreciation for how it can touch one's life - my acquisition of Spanish was extremely formative and touched me deeply and personally, so I feel to be able to do that for someone else could be an appropriate life's calling, or at least mature into some other form of work abroad...who is to say? Point being, yes, I also feel I have the passion to teach inherent in my want to break into this field.
Now, what is the best career move? Should I get the CELTA? From what I found, I am leaning towards getting my feet wet with AEON in Japan given that the program seems reputable and well structured (and I wouldnt need the CELTA). I would also LOVE to learn a third language, so I would naturally want to absorb whatever culture I would be in. Anything that would seem to be a more perfect fit in Latin America seems much less reputable, and for much less money. AEON in Japan, if I were to be offered the position, is what I am leaning towards. Would anybody have any insight as to how my ability with Spanish might give me an edge in Japan? Any and all insights are appreciated - thanks ahead of time for your time in responding!
Heyyyyyyyyyy....
TheFonz |
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Glenski
Joined: 15 Jan 2003
Posts: 12844
Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN
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| Posted: Tue Jan 11, 2011 2:27 am Post subject: Re: Not Completely Original, but Specific... |
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| TheFonz wrote: |
...though I wouldn't say I was fluent in Spanish, I have a much stronger grasp on it than most
AEON in Japan, if I were to be offered the position, is what I am leaning towards. Would anybody have any insight as to how my ability with Spanish might give me an edge in Japan? |
Unless you can actually teach Spanish (in addition to English, of course), I'd say your Spanish ability here is pretty useless, except for the fact that you have an understanding of what it takes to learn a second language.
Why didn't you post this in the Japan forum? |
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TheFonz
Joined: 10 Jan 2011
Posts: 9
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| Posted: Tue Jan 11, 2011 2:47 am Post subject: |
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| Why didn't you post this in the Japan forum? |
Haha, knew I would be chastized for something despite all due deference and disclaimers,  But my primary reason for not posting in the section specific to Japan would be the same reason I didn't post it in Latin America either - I'm looking for broad, sweeping input that factors in all considerations. Does Japan make more sense than someplace like Mexico, or Ecuador? I would like input from anyone willing to read and respond to the Newbie section as insight to teaching in Japan and teaching in LA are likely unavailable from one source... |
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denise
Joined: 23 Apr 2003
Posts: 3419
Location: finally home-ish
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| Posted: Tue Jan 11, 2011 3:05 am Post subject: |
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Why Japan, given your interest in Spanish (and presumably Mexico/Mexican cultures)? Are you hoping that your CV will look better with a bit of prior teaching experience? I'm just wondering why you don't just head straight to Mexico.
As a new or new-ish teacher, you can boost your chances with a) a TEFL certificate, b) teaching experience, or c) both. You'd have to give up on the certificate if you were in Japan. Have you checked job ads in Mexico to see what they require? I'm pretty sure (just from reading other posters here, not from personal experience) that there are decent CELTA/TEFL courses in Mexico.
And how long were you planning on staying in Japan? Depending on your work schedule (which could easily involve split shifts, evening/night classes, etc.), you won't likely have lots of free time to study Japanese. Yeah, you can easily find a private tutor, take a class, meet language-exchange friends, etc., but fluency would take a long time!
My suggestion, based on the information you've given us, would be to skip Japan and just head straight to Mexico.
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TheFonz
Joined: 10 Jan 2011
Posts: 9
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| Posted: Tue Jan 11, 2011 3:33 am Post subject: |
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| You got it all summed up Denise, these are the precise questions I am asking myself. From what I have found, I would prefer to get some experience in Japan, as it would not require the certificate, and if I like it, stay. Everything I read on Mexico basically says, come on down and sort it out, whereas the contracts for Japan seem to 1, pay better, and 2, take into account more considerations such as housing. If I could get good job assurances / contracts in Mexico, that would definitely be a better fit, but again, but LA indicate you need to have money saved in order to make it workable, at least in the very beginning because so much IS left to chance of finding what you can... |
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tttompatz
Joined: 06 Mar 2010
Posts: 1951
Location: Talibon, Bohol, Philippines
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| Posted: Tue Jan 11, 2011 4:00 am Post subject: |
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| TheFonz wrote: |
| You got it all summed up Denise, these are the precise questions I am asking myself. From what I have found, I would prefer to get some experience in Japan, as it would not require the certificate, and if I like it, stay. Everything I read on Mexico basically says, come on down and sort it out, whereas the contracts for Japan seem to 1, pay better, and 2, take into account more considerations such as housing. If I could get good job assurances / contracts in Mexico, that would definitely be a better fit, but again, but LA indicate you need to have money saved in order to make it workable, at least in the very beginning because so much IS left to chance of finding what you can... |
Most contracts in Japan (other than the JET program) do NOT include free housing or airfare. You will need US$3000 + airfare to get settled and sorted and survive till your first payday (more if you don't have a job to walk into the day after you land).
MOST countries in Asia (China, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, Taiwan) do NOT require anything beyond your bachelors degree and a clean criminal record check although a TESOL cert of some kind can't hurt when you get dropped into a classroom for the first time.
When you look at jobs anywhere in the ESL world check out the WHOLE benefit package BEFORE you consider making the jump. There is a lot more involved than just the base salary.
Look at the comparative cost of living. You may make a pretty decent salary in Japan but the cost of living is equally as high and the net savings at the end of the month can be substantially less than working for less money in a different country (like Mexico).
Then take a long, hard look at the other benefits in the package:
Some places include housing and/or airfare.
Some include medical, pension and/or contract completion bonuses.
Look at the number of classes and prep time that is involved and then consider any extra classes that may be paid above the regular salary (can mean a boost of as much as 30%).
Look at the number of paid holidays (from as few as 10 days per year to as much as 16 weeks.).
It all adds up in the end.
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Enigma2011
Joined: 28 Dec 2010
Posts: 60
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| Posted: Tue Jan 11, 2011 5:23 am Post subject: |
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| TheFonz wrote: |
| Everything I read on Mexico basically says, come on down and sort it out, whereas the contracts for Japan seem to 1, pay better, and 2, take into account more considerations such as housing. If I could get good job assurances / contracts in Mexico, that would definitely be a better fit, but again, but LA indicate you need to have money saved in order to make it workable, at least in the very beginning because so much IS left to chance of finding what you can... |
I would think that you would need to have some money saved no matter where you go. You need cash to hold you over until you get that first paycheck. I've never heard of anyone going to Japan, Mexico, or any other country to teach without having some money saved.
It's hard or almost impossible to get contracts in Mexico without being here. If , however, you're wanting to give Mexico a try I say come to Mexico City.
You'll find more money here compared to a little town in the middle of no where. I would suggest you go to a language school even though they don't pay much at first, but you would have an income and you could find a place close to work possibly. |
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