Job Discussion Forums

jimmy86 · Joined: 14 Feb 2010 Posts: 5

Hey all, I've become really interested in the possibility of teaching english overseas for many of the reasons discussed on the board; adventure/travel/money/etc. I'll be graduating this spring from an american university with a BS business management degree. I have two passports American/Italian, however I do not speak italian. Given my situation what is the best way to proceed? Should I get a TEFL certificate, if so which one? What countries can I save the most money and have a good quality of life, given my lack of experience? Any and all advice will be greatly appreciated Very Happy

Isla Guapa · Posted: Sun Feb 13, 2011 7:28 pm Post subject: Re: Another Advice Thread

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

[quote="Isla Guapa"]

Zero · Joined: 08 Sep 2004 Posts: 1402

artemisia · Joined: 04 Nov 2008 Posts: 875 Location: the world

That's good advice. Contrary to certain views expounded, at times, on this board, many recognise that working in EFL has some serious limitations depending on what you want to do or where you want to live long-term. That doesn't devalue doing a good teaching job as an English language teacher so T Lopez is right, too. Not sure about the money estimations but certainly, if that's the most important thing to you, then it's good to bear in mind. If you want to get into TEFL then it probably is a good idea to at least get some experience in the field you've qualified in first. If that's possible (?).

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

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

Do you have a specific country, or at least a specific area in mind? And I second the student loan question. If you have student loans, that will limit where you can go.

Daktari · Joined: 08 Mar 2010 Posts: 57

Go for it my son!

I got myself 3 wives on 3 continents (not at the same time), seven kids (all of whom I keep in touch with and help support). Got a potential no.4 and twins on the way. A job in Antarctic and it's a running flush.
Despite all the negativity expressed here - if you do it right - you do it good...

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

Puffy · Joined: 08 Feb 2011 Posts: 45

I partially agree with Zero.

It seems to me that you are mainly interested in a little adventure before getting back to reality. I suggest that you look into a university "teaching" job in China. Stay here for 2 or 3 years and learn Mandarin. Then, go back to the USA and enroll in an International Business MBA program.

Of course, you could seek employment in whichever country appeals to you. Since you have an Italian passport Europe isn't out of the question, but, your age and lack of experience may hinder your chances someplaces. China is pretty easy and will eventually have the world's #1 economy. Mexico and Germany appeal to me as well, in addition to Italy.

Most MBA programs prefer that the applicant have at least 2 years of work experience. My older brother joined the Peace Corps after graduating from college with a Finance degree. He spent 5 years in Africa (3 PC and 2 USAID) beforing attaining an MBA from NYU. He is now rolling in it in San Diego.

I, on the other hand, after spending 4 years in law school, walked away from a potentially lucrative career as a corporate lawyer in NYC to pursue fame and fortune in Hollywood. I muddled by as a "gopher" for 2 years before disaster struck and I returned to the East Coast. (You should have read the original version of this story, but Dave's timed out and it is gone forever but still in my head. I need to remember to copy the things I write.)

Back East, I found a new promising career in the hotel business. I foolishly walked away from that after a few years and returned to LA seeking a fantasy. I had my chances the 1st time around but karma got the best of me you could say.

I eventually wound up in SF and now China. Now, I wish I had stayed in the hotel business and be working here as a hotel manager rather than an English "teacher". An old acquaintance of mine spent some time in France and learned the language. He is now a lawyer in Paris.

Think about it.

Good Luck.

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

Tiger Beer · Joined: 08 Feb 2003 Posts: 778 Location: Hong Kong

artemisia · Joined: 04 Nov 2008 Posts: 875 Location: the world

And...

Perilla · Joined: 09 Jul 2010 Posts: 792 Location: Hong Kong

Puffy · Joined: 08 Feb 2011 Posts: 45

Artemisia,

Exactly. I got on the wrong track and there is no turning back now. These Social Security threads bother me just a bit. Sometimes, I wake up and say to myself - "My GOD, what did I do?" and wonder what I was thinking at the time.

It kind of reminds me of the Grateful Dead song - "Wheel".

"The wheel is turning and you can't slow down. You can't look back and you can't slow down.....By the Grace of GOD." Check out the exact lyrics by yourself.

Basically, I hope another younger person doesn't make the same foolish mistakes I made. Get a real job OP, after a couple of years of fun & adventure. Sorry dedicated EFL teachers. I'm certainly not one of you, even if I've been doing this for 7 years.

Last semester I was voted one of the ten best "teachers" in the Foreign Language Department. #1 amongst the laowai. That and a token will get me on the bus.

I'm 42 years old and have a bunch of clothes, some nice furniture and cooking appliances, a Dell computer and a cat. That's all. Don't be a fool Jimmy.

I sound like my Father now.

Wasted away in China.

Good Luck.