Job Discussion Forums

[Halcyon Chimera]

Hello all! I hope everyone is doing well. I am finishing my first year of teaching (7th grade, English) in the US (Alabama). I am not likely to be re-hired for the next year because the school I am in hasn't met AYP in seven years. I am looking for a change of pace before I go any further in my teaching career. I have both a bachelor's and master'sin ELA secondary education, and I will have one full year of teaching experience by May.

I have tried to become an ESL teacher before, but I was screwed over on a contract in South Korea (and they won't send back my bachelor's degree). I want somewhere in Asia besides South Korea. I wouldn't mind South America, UK, or anywhere like that either. With my experience, what job would be best suited for me? I like teaching people of all ages, and I am willing to become CELTA certified if need be. I desire a pay high enough to help with student loans back home (around $1500-2000USD take-home each month). How reasonable is that with my experience (which isn't fantastic, I know). I really want the opportunity to teach and travel and make international connections. It'd be a great experience.

[Halcyon Chimera]

[Guy Courchesne]

For Latin America, you should look at a position at an international school, about the only way you'd be able to earn enough in this region to be able to pay back student loans. I think with only one year experience, it will be hard to land a job in what is a fairly competitive market here.

Most of South America sees the school year begin in March, Central America in August or September.

I think your best bet would be Korea or the Middle East though.

[Zero]

I would not for one moment consider standard ESL teaching positions. They won't pay enough, except in a certain few locations. Go for an international school where the money and benefits are lucrative. Typically you need two years of experience in your home country. So, optimally, you would do another year somewhere in the states, and then go overseas. However, some international schools might give you a chance with just one year, so it won't hurt to try. You have a chance to make a really good career in international schools. I envy you.

[Glenski]

MOD EDIT

[naturegirl321]

First, get another BA degree. It's not that difficult. You call your uni, tell them it's lost, they'll make you pay a fee (I had to pay $25) and in a couple months you'll get another one, exactly the same as the first.

If you're looking for intl schools jobs, IBO and TES are good plaes to start. If you have $2K of student loans, that would be the best option.

Otherwise, truth be told, you won't be able to save that anywhere else as a TEFL teacher, unless you go the Middle East, or Korea

[Halcyon Chimera]

[naturegirl321]

[spiral78]

I just need a job where I could make equal to $25,000USD each year. After taxes, as an American teacher, I only make about that much here and I am fine financially

Not sure what you are imagining here, but cost-of-living varies wildly. What you would need to get by in the US very likely doesn't translate in most other locations. Frankly, in some places at the wage you mention above, you'd be barely subsisting on ramen noodles, and in others you'd be wealthy. It simply doesn't translate.

The useful number is the 500 USD/month you need to pay off your debt. There are, indeed, few places in the world where this would be possible.

I think earlier advice regarding Korea and ME is probably accurate. South America is not likely to pay enough for you to pay off debt, and the UK isn't a likely option for an American teacher - besides which the teaching market there is pretty dire in many respects.

[naturegirl321]

Maybe SE Asia, such as Thailand or Vietnam? You could probably earn $1500 to $2000 a month there, maybe. Check those forums for more info.