Job Discussion Forums

Zero · Joined: 08 Sep 2004 Posts: 1402

Well, based on tttompatz's comment, chances should be really good in China. I would try there.

nickpellatt · Joined: 08 Dec 2006 Posts: 1522

I dont want to confuse the issue too much, but you mentioned people on the forum have told you to look at International schools?

IMHO - I dont think you have to stick with these, and to some degree, you can disregard those opinions. You are far more experienced and better qualified than many people working in EFL, and are no doubt used to more professional environments than those found in many EFL training centres and University classes in places like Asia. International schools should also offer more money and are probably a far better career move. I would say most EFL'ers arent qualified or experienced enough to work in such environments.

BUT - (and this is a big but), you have a job to return to, and this is just a one off/one year adventure to you right? So why shouldnt you consider working in a language school or other setting teaching EFL? It will pay far lower wages, but what the heck ... its going to be a far more rewarding and diverse experience for you IMO, and will probably give you a lower workload and more free time to actually enjoy the new country/culture.

I know someone working in an International school and he has suggested its pretty much the same as when he was teaching in the US. Workload, paperwork etc. If this really is just a year out for you, I would suggest looking at more regular EFL jobs would make the year a far better experience for you, assuming you can afford the drop in money etc. After all, its not likely to be professional suicide as you have a steady job to go back to, and considerable experience and education already.

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

Now that I understand you're just looking for a year out, and not to teach abroad long-term as a career move, I agree that International schools are by no means the only option, though it would be nice if you could find something in one as opposed to a private language school. It would be a closer fit to your experience.

I'd suggest that, as nick's pointed out, you can certainly broaden your search to universities and private schools - and you're far more likely to find something OK in the short time period left.

I would expect that somewhere in Asia is likely your best bet. This is the region where hiring from abroad is still quite common.

Most European schools do not hire from abroad, and being a US citizen, there are visa issues that preclude private language schools in much of the EU from hiring you. The Middle East schools generally move very slowly in terms of making arrangements, and that can be a bit nerve-wracking if your time is limited. Latin America might also be a viable market, though I don't know how common it is to hire from abroad there.

As for your qualifications and experience, there are quite a few of us regulars here with similar/equivalent CVs. We tend to be the long-term career teachers. But nick is correct that, in the broader world of teaching EFL, we are a much smaller percentage. You should definitely find some employers willing to give you the year you want - just do try to be sure you sign up with a school that is going to treat you professionally.

smurfetta · Joined: 14 Nov 2010 Posts: 38

Op- Could you tell us what subjects you are certified in? You sound competitive but some schools want to hire teachers with less experience because they are cheaper. (Just a thought)

Also, where are you from?

deniserita · Joined: 03 Nov 2009 Posts: 50 Location: Chicago, IL

Rignht...I am not worried at all about it not looking good on my resume.

At first I was excited to work in an language school but the hours just seemed out of control. They wanted me to be a director which had me working 50+ hours a week- with only 10 days off a year. I was afraid that I was going to be spending all my time at work, not enjoying life in a foreign country.

I am also a bit worried to work in a place that isn't professional. So that is why I was more interested in working at an International School, I would be among teachers that are required to have certain qualifications.

I know a girl who is teaching in Korea (she actually was a volunteer in my classroom) she's only been there for a month and she told me that it wouldn't be a good fit for me to work at her school. I think she called it a hagwag or something like that. Not sure what her school is like. But sounded like a lot of people working as teachers that don't have much experience.

I would love to find an "easy" teaching job, but don't know where those are and it just seems scary to go into something looking for ease rather than a great school. My job search in America has also been looking for good schools, not easy jobs. But hey for a year I can try anything.

I am certified to teach K-9. My endorsements are in Middle School. Social Science, ESL and Language Arts. I have 2 Master Degrees in Education (Curriculum and Instruction & Educational Administration) I have been a teacher for 12 years.

So yes I have the qualifications...I may be expensive...how do I say "You can get me for cheap" without sounding desperate??? I would take the salary of a 1st year teacher at a good school for the year.

deniserita · Joined: 03 Nov 2009 Posts: 50 Location: Chicago, IL

ok funny thing got two emails today from International Schools asking for more information from me...no interviews yet, but still looking up Very Happy

nickpellatt · Joined: 08 Dec 2006 Posts: 1522

I know you posted in the China forum and asked for some feedback on EF...they tend to be classed as the bottom of the barrel in China by many posters, I dont have any experience with them though. What I will say is you are correct in your comment about them expecting you to work a lot of hours. This goes against the grain for many teachers in China as they typically work for more like 12-14 class hours, especially in University settings. I think this is the main reason why EF are slated there.

BUT - not all jobs and training centres in China are like EF. I think they are at the extreme end of the working hours scale.

My last China job was at a training centre teaching adults, and I had 15 hours of class per week, none of which were in the evenings or at weekends. Only extra duty was being required to attend a social evening with students once a week, and free beer and snacks were provided. That left plenty of 'me' time. And to be honest...I reckon my old boss would snap you up at the drop of a hat considering your qualifications! BUT ... the job isnt well paid. That doesnt worry me too much, and I hope to be returning to the same job later this year.

I also think you would be snapped up by a University in China too. Low working hours and long holidays are the norm, but classes are often large and wages low. If you posted your resume on this site, (I think you can post resumes on Daves????) you will get lots of offers IMO.

If you think you might still be interested in China, PM me.

somewhere_else · Joined: 14 May 2010 Posts: 15

willie fontaine · Joined: 04 Dec 2010 Posts: 9

I hope it is okay if I jump on this thread.

I am sort of in the same position, I am a certified teacher (4 years experience) and have been looking at international schools. I have had a few interviews and offers, but none from the part of the world I was hoping. I still have some time to decide though.

I am interviewing with ADEC (through teachaway) soon and I am not sure which direction to go. I am okay with a two year commitment, but I'm not sure which would be a better move professionally. (International school or public schools in Abu Dhabi)

Any advice?

To the OP, a lot of international schools have already hired for the 2011-2012 school year. However, I have learned that there are quite a few schools that wait (maybe to check test scores??). I do think it will be difficult to find a school offering a one year contract though. I have considered a language school. I have a lot of friends that teach at language schools, but none were ever licensed teachers. From the stories we trade, their days do not sound anything like mine.

I say keep trying international schools through May. If that doesn't work out, go for a language school.

deniserita · Joined: 03 Nov 2009 Posts: 50 Location: Chicago, IL

well I haven't exactly told any International schools that I would only do this for one year. If it turns out I LOVE the school I may be able to persuade my current district to give me a two year leave. But don't want to press my luck with my current district until I am overseas and know for sure I want to stay.

Willie- what locations have you been hearing back from? I haven't gotten ANY interviews yet! What am I doing wrong that you are doing right?

willie fontaine · Joined: 04 Dec 2010 Posts: 9

I have heard from a school in Guatemala and three in China in the past two weeks. Before that, I was in Central Europe for spring break and took a few interviews there.

I don't know what I would be doing differently than you. I have been looking hard since the first of the year.

Also, I tried TIEonline and TeachAway. The former is a website for international schools (one of the more affordable ones) and the latter is a recruitment agency. They recruit for a lot of different areas of the world, but I heard there is money to be made in the middle east.

I am not sure which would be the best career move though. I'm still trying to figure that out.

I am really hoping to end up in central/eastern Europe, but that might have to wait until next year...

smurfetta · Joined: 14 Nov 2010 Posts: 38

Perhaps, there is a lot of competition for jobs that you are certified to teach in. Just a guess here.

Another thought... Do you have any baggage like kids and/ or a trailing spouse? Do you have IB teaching experience? Have you lived overseas for a good length of time?

Or maybe some schools are just taking their time...

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

sparks · Joined: 20 Feb 2008 Posts: 632

Most of the better international schools do most of their hiring from job fairs and I believe it is the rare exception to be hired from in country. If you really want a job then you should probably get to one as soon as possible.

That being said, if you type "American School +the city of your choice" into Google you will usually get the premier international school of that city, be aware of copycat schools though. Usually the "real" American schools are impressive structures that are pretty much run the same as schools back home.

I quickly did this for some capital cities in Central Europe and found that the American School of Warsaw has one opening and a decent looking one in Krakow will be posting vacancies later. Berlin, Prague and Moscow are done with recruiting.

fladude · Joined: 02 Feb 2009 Posts: 432

If I were just going overseas for one year I'd snag a job at a Chinese University teaching English. That sounds like a cake job. You teach adults and only work 15-20 hours a week (teaching anyway). And before anyone says that teaching 15 hours a week is really harder than that due to prep time, try working in a public high school where you teach 35 hours a week and have to prep in your spare time. The pay will be the suck, but at least you will have plenty of spare time to see the town and you will be in China, which is amazing. On top of it all, you only have to do a 1 year contract.

Every international school I have talked to want me to sign a 2 year contract up front. And working at an I school is going to mean teaching 30-35 hours a week (for the most part), just like a US public school. My guess is that most schools see you for what you are, someone looking for a year break. They would rather go with someone who has more skin in the game and who are committed to teaching overseas as a career (or at least for 2-3 years). But Chinese Universities don't care so just go there, teach a lax schedule and enjoy the amazement of getting to be in China for a year.