Job Discussion Forums

[duncanball]

I'm currently 22, and studying for my bachelor degree at the moment, I'm half way through my second year. I did my CELTA and finished in November. My aim for when I graduate is to save enough money to do an MA, and was wanting some advice on how to do this. I know from my research that the Middle East is the top place for wages (and actually the area of the world I'd most like to travel to in a cultural sense), but that they want experience, in general. I also know that Japan and Korea pay good wages, but these interest me less from a cultural sense, having already travelled in the far east.

At the moment I'm teaching one day a week, and have a job full time at a summer school for July. This does mean that I'll have over a year experience (only part-time though), by the time I graduate.

I see my choices as either staying in the UK for a year post-graduation. Saving a bit and getting experience, and then (with one year full time and nearly two part-time) going to the Middle East. Or going to Japan/Korea and saving a bit less straight from graduation, and then coming back to work here until I have enough money for my MA.

Sorry for the long post but any help would be appreciated. I've done a lot of research myself, but can never beat the knowledge people who are in the game already. Feel free to PM or post on here if this isn't clear or more info would help with any advice!

Cheers,

Duncan

[jpvanderwerf2001]

Well, if saving money is your M.O., then I think you'd have a better chance (with no experience) to save by hunkering down in the UK, living in your parents'/friends'/whomever's basement than you would by going abroad to teach EFL for a year.
Someone might correct me.

[Sadebugo]

Korea is probably your best bet for getting a position where you can save a relatively large amount without needing extensive qualifications. You also get free flight, housing, etc.

Sadebugo
http://travldawrld.blogspot.com/

[naturegirl321]

If you can work while studying via distance that would kill two birds with one stone. You do have another year and a half before you graduate, correct? If you could take a couple MA level courses and then transfer those into an MA programme, that would also help.

[Glenski]

You could always get a working holiday visa and come to Japan. That way, you could take on any PT work that is available and not have to worry about visa sponsorship. Most newcomers stick to FT jobs because PT work doesn't sponsor their visa. You could actually make quite a bit that way, but think about what the work load and job hunting would entail. You'll get taxed 20%, too, but can get most of that back later.

When exactly did you imagine being free to work abroad? That could make a difference.

[duncanball]

Thanks for all the help guys! It's much appreciated.

naturegirl: I do have two years left before I graduate, yes. The MA I want to do it not language related, so afraid studying by distance isn't to much of an option. I could do another qualification, but would be weary of doing anything has hardcore at the CELTA again, as it took a lot away from my degree, and not sure if anything less full-on would actually be worth it.

When it comes to the Middle East. What are my chances of getting a job with a BA, CELTA, and one year full-time and two years part-time experience?

[denise]

[Sadebugo]