Job Discussion Forums

[daniel_hayes]

I am just about to complete my MA in English Lit, and have a BA in the same field. However, I am also about to get a criminal record. It is for a non-violent, non---- *you know what I mean* offence. But it is quite serious. Drugs Driving is a plate-du-jour in England at the moment.

It is not 100% that I'll get a record, but there is a good chance. And I will get a driving ban. Therefore, a Criminal Record Check will, I assume, display this offence.

Basically, I would like to know what my situation is. WILL I fail the checks that schools run? Is it a straight: 'Sorry Daniel, you seem like a nice guy, but there is nothing we can do.'

I need to find out which countries, and which type of jobs, run a full and proper background check, and which are more lax. If I could never work in an Int'l School, c'est la vie. But am I right in thinking that private language institutes are more unlikely to run the full check, with all the related costs?

I know Thai schools don't really run these checks, and I hear Spanish schools don't.

I would love to compile a list: which countries DO require a FULL background check, and which don't. I want a career in EFL, and will get a Celta this summer.

So, any advice from experienced teachers and employers would be great. The countries I'm interested in include:

Spain, Colombia, Mexico, Ecuador, Thailand, Taiwan, Vietnam, Korea, M.East, Argentina, and a few more.

Many thanks.

[tttompatz]

[naturegirl321]

Latin America might be open to you. I know that Peru doesn't ask for checks, unless you're at an international school. Ok, SOME international schools. The ones I worked for didn't ask for any, but I alrady had a visa.

How about China?

I think it also depends on the crime. And how long ago it was, etc. Is there any way you can get it exponged?

Try also posting directly on the country's forums

[daniel_hayes]

Great advice there Tom and Nature. The crime is fresh. I haven't even been offcially charged yet, but I will be soon. Although there is a chance it will only be a caution, the probability is a criminal record for driving under the influence of drugs, and possession of a small amout of Class-A substance.

Europe seems pretty safe. I am British, so no need for Visa. According to information, it is more of a Consular issue that a work-place one. But I can't really afford to spend �800 on a flight ticket only to get rejected at the airport.

Nature, I hear Mexico and Colombia would not ask for such a record check, but do you think it'd be easy enough to ENTER these countries in the first instance? Peru sounds interesting. China doesn't appeal to me, but who knows. It just seems to frantic, and untropical, and materialistic.

[Teacher in Rome]

You didn't expressly ask about Italy, but few language schools will bother with a background check. Just no time to do it, and as far as I know, background checks aren't part of normal hiring procedure, anyway. You'll do better with a CELTA and some experience under your belt. WIthout a car you're limited to big cities with decent public transport.

If you do decide to try Italy, once you get your driving licence back, remember that Italian police are very strict about both drink driving and "drug-driving". (Zero alcohol if you've had your licence for less than a year, for example.) If you're involved in an accident and you test positive for either, you'll have a lot more than a licence ban to worry about.

[daniel_hayes]

I just assumed the market for teachers was much larger in Spain. But Italy CERTAINLY appeals.

I am a generally very well-behaved person. Just lost the plot for a few days, and justly got punished for it. Comme ci comme ca. So I won't be driving for a while, and 100% not drunk etc. I prefer the bus anyway; time to read and think.

[naturegirl321]

[1st Sgt Welsh]

To work legally in Vietnam you need to have a Police Certificate (if memory serves it has to be a fairly recent one too). I don't know what the reaction would be if there was an offence recorded on it, but I wouldn't have thought there would be much, if any, leeway given.

[Teacher in Rome]

[daniel_hayes]

I agree with Teacher in Rome!!!!! Bad news, for me. But I am trying to take-it-on-the-chin, and get on with it.

In a way, it is beneficial. the World is no longer my oyster, so I have less places to choose from. Good, the world is a big old place!!

And Rome certainly appeals!! is it a similar work-situation to Spain? So I'd need a Celta, but I could get a job that pays my living expenses and rent pretty easily?

[bulgogiboy]

[daniel_hayes]

I was in Turkey for a month in 2010. I loved it. I was just on the Med Coast, worked my way from Dalaman to Anthalya. Are there teaching jobs available near the coast, or is it all in Istanbul?

And would it be easy-ish to get a basic job that covers my expenses?

[Teacher in Rome]

[daniel_hayes]

Would a Celta be necessary in Rome? If so, the extra month might take me into October. Italy sounds great, but so does Spain, and I speak decent Spanish and French. Learning Italian would be great, but Spain would be easier maybe. And my French gfriend is keen to move to Madrid.

I am honest, and although I have a bit of a wild streak, I am a very hard worker, who got a First-class degree, and hopefully a Distinction in my MA. I am reliable, and get on with people.

[Teacher in Rome]