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Captain_Fil
Joined: 06 Jan 2011
Posts: 604
Location: California - the land of fruits and nuts
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 Posted: Mon Jan 17, 2011 6:57 pm Post subject: Any hope for a middle-aged Asian-American? |
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What are my chances?
I believe TESOL would be the perfect career for me.
I love to travel and meet people. I also love the beauty of the English language and I think I would like to teach others the wonders of that language.
I hold a BA degree in Liberal Studies from San Francisco State University. And I did some substitute teaching for a while at elementary schools.
However, there are two issues...
Race: I am an Asian-American. I was born in the Philippines and had emigrated to the United States when I was just three years of age. (Hence, my cute username -- Captain_Fil [Fil for Filipino]). But I have heard that whites are preferred as ESL teachers above other racial or ethnic groups. This may prove to be a difficult obstacle in my dream of becoming an ESL teacher.
Age: I'm in my mid-40's. ESL employers may prefer younger teachers.
Despite my national origin, my English is flawless. (In fact, it is the only language I know.) I speak without any Asian accent and I sound like an American. I also hold a US passport as a naturalized US citizen. I consider myself more of an American than an Asian (culturally, that is).
And despite my age, I feel young at heart. I am ready to take on any new challenges in life. (Of course, with age comes wisdom and maturity.)
So, what are my chances in achieving my career dreams?
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tttompatz
Joined: 06 Mar 2010
Posts: 1951
Location: Talibon, Bohol, Philippines
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| Posted: Tue Jan 18, 2011 12:08 am Post subject: Re: Any hope for a middle-aged Asian-American? |
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| Captain_Fil wrote: |
What are my chances?
I believe TESOL would be the perfect career for me.
I love to travel and meet people. I also love the beauty of the English language and I think I would like to teach others the wonders of that language.
I hold a BA degree in Liberal Studies from San Francisco State University. And I did some substitute teaching for a while at elementary schools.
However, there are two issues...
Race: I am an Asian-American. I was born in the Philippines and had emigrated to the United States when I was just three years of age. (Hence, my cute username -- Captain_Fil [Fil for Filipino]). But I have heard that whites are preferred as ESL teachers above other racial or ethnic groups. This may prove to be a difficult obstacle in my dream of becoming an ESL teacher.
Age: I'm in my mid-40's. ESL employers may prefer younger teachers.
Despite my national origin, my English is flawless. (In fact, it is the only language I know.) I speak without any Asian accent and I sound like an American. I also hold a US passport as a naturalized US citizen. I consider myself more of an American than an Asian (culturally, that is).
And despite my age, I feel young at heart. I am ready to take on any new challenges in life. (Of course, with age comes wisdom and maturity.)
So, what are my chances in achieving my career dreams?
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You will encounter some racism in Asia because you are of Asian decent.
I don't think there will be as much of a problem in Mexico, Central or South America. As an American, most of Europe is not open to you (visa issues).
Don't tell anyone you are originally from the Philippines (unless that is where you are planning to work - it is possible to reclaim dual citizenship and for you to work there but that is a topic for another thread).
For all intents and purposes, you are American. They won't know and don't need to know any different (and saying so WILL cost you (up to 50% in terms of pay if not cost you the job)).
There is some ageism but it is not that bad and there are many ESL teachers who are older than you.
You will start at the bottom of the ladder as an ESL teacher but if you are any good at it you will move up quickly (albeit by changing jobs/countries as you go).
Getting a recognized TESOL certification (120 hours with 6 hours of observed practicum with real students) will be a benefit to you.
Having the degree (and American passport) ensures that you will be able to work in ALL of Asia as a "Native speaker".
Your best bet for a quick hire would be China but you most likely won't be on the eastern seaboard or in Beijing.
Get your documents in order. It takes time and you will need (at a minimum):
Original (or university issued replacement) degree.
Official transcripts from your university.
Criminal background check (FBI is best but many countries will accept state level checks).
Do be aware that some countries will require additional authentication (an apostille) of your documents.
Start looking at the job boards and good luck.
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Glenski
Joined: 15 Jan 2003
Posts: 12844
Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN
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| Posted: Tue Jan 18, 2011 1:54 am Post subject: |
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| Don't tell people you are Asian-American. Hyphenated attributes only confuse the wrong people. Just say you are American. Period. |
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Captain_Fil
Joined: 06 Jan 2011
Posts: 604
Location: California - the land of fruits and nuts
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| Posted: Tue Jan 18, 2011 6:11 am Post subject: Re: Any hope for a middle-aged Asian-American? |
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| tttompatz wrote: |
You will encounter some racism in Asia because you are of Asian decent.
I don't think there will be as much of a problem in Mexico, Central or South America. As an American, most of Europe is not open to you (visa issues).
Don't tell anyone you are originally from the Philippines (unless that is where you are planning to work - it is possible to reclaim dual citizenship and for you to work there but that is a topic for another thread).
For all intents and purposes, you are American. They won't know and don't need to know any different (and saying so WILL cost you (up to 50% in terms of pay if not cost you the job)).
There is some ageism but it is not that bad and there are many ESL teachers who are older than you.
You will start at the bottom of the ladder as an ESL teacher but if you are any good at it you will move up quickly (albeit by changing jobs/countries as you go).
Getting a recognized TESOL certification (120 hours with 6 hours of observed practicum with real students) will be a benefit to you.
Having the degree (and American passport) ensures that you will be able to work in ALL of Asia as a "Native speaker".
Your best bet for a quick hire would be China but you most likely won't be on the eastern seaboard or in Beijing.
Get your documents in order. It takes time and you will need (at a minimum):
Original (or university issued replacement) degree.
Official transcripts from your university.
Criminal background check (FBI is best but many countries will accept state level checks).
Do be aware that some countries will require additional authentication (an apostille) of your documents.
Start looking at the job boards and good luck.
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Thank you so much. You have given such priceless advice and information. If I should ever become an employed ESL teacher, I don't know how to repay you.
I am just speechless.
Anyway...
It is sad and ironic that Asians and Asian-Americans will encounter racial discrimination in Asia. 
But how will I be able to keep my ethnic identity a secret? Will I not have to reveal my place of birth when applying for an ESL job? |
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tttompatz
Joined: 06 Mar 2010
Posts: 1951
Location: Talibon, Bohol, Philippines
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| Posted: Tue Jan 18, 2011 6:24 am Post subject: Re: Any hope for a middle-aged Asian-American? |
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| Captain_Fil wrote: |
Thank you so much. You have given such priceless advice and information. If I should ever become an employed ESL teacher, I don't know how to repay you.
I am just speechless.
Anyway...
It is sad and ironic that Asians and Asian-Americans will encounter racial discrimination in Asia.
But how will I be able to keep my ethnic identity a secret? Will I not have to reveal my place of birth when applying for an ESL job? |
Nope. the only thing they are concerned about is your country of passport and that is America. You are American and you are a native speaker.
(The exception would be if you decided to return and teach in the Philippines where you have more options than the average American has).
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Captain_Fil
Joined: 06 Jan 2011
Posts: 604
Location: California - the land of fruits and nuts
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| Posted: Tue Jan 18, 2011 2:25 pm Post subject: Re: Any hope for a middle-aged Asian-American? |
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| tttompatz wrote: |
Nope. the only thing they are concerned about is your country of passport and that is America. You are American and you are a native speaker.
(The exception would be if you decided to return and teach in the Philippines where you have more options than the average American has).
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Just curious.
What defines a native speaker?
Can someone who was born in Asia (or a country where English is not the native language) be considered a native speaker? |
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spiral78
Joined: 05 Apr 2004
Posts: 11534
Location: On a Short Leash
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| Posted: Tue Jan 18, 2011 2:53 pm Post subject: |
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If his/her parents are both native English speakers and English was the language of their home, the child is a native English speaker.
It used to be defined as 'mother tongue,' but this has gone a bit out of date as many bi-lingual couples use language other than the mother's in the home these days. |
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naturegirl321
Joined: 04 May 2003
Posts: 9041
Location: home sweet home
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| Posted: Tue Jan 18, 2011 3:02 pm Post subject: |
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