Job Discussion Forums

[ScottishGringo]

There is a lot of high and mighty attitude in this thread. I'm not fussed whether you think I'm a bad ambassador for my country, I'm not asking you to like me, I'm not particularly bothered that you think I have a bad attitude. I want to live abroad, there's limited ways to do that, English is one of them that most people can do so that's how I'm going to do it. Don't take yourself so seriously

[AdamtheJohnson]

Im in the same boat as the OP, for the most part.

Im certainly not against teaching esl, but perhaps im just incredibly scared to do so. I have no experience teaching anything, much less ESL. What if I go and dont like the teaching aspect, or the language barrier is too much, or if Im just not any good?

It's scary.

[seklarwia]

[AdamtheJohnson]

[Glenski]

[Glenski]

[G Cthulhu]

[TokyoLiz]

I've mentioned this before - my supervisor at a Canadian English school was accepted on JET the same year I went. She had many years of experience teaching adult ESL, and had graduated from the same rigorous TESOL diploma program I had gone through.

G Cthulhu, Japan's elementary school gaikokugo programs need people with TESOL training and experience, at least basic Japanese language, and a lot of energy. I wish you lots of luck in the hiring process! Bring us good ones!

I'm asking my institution to specify that applicants have TESOL diplomas of more than 100 hours (the TESOL diploma I hold was 300 plus hours and 30 hr practicum), and some Japanese language proficiency. We can't afford inexperienced teachers any more. Our JHS and ES ALTs need to come prepared and serious about the responsibility of the job. Fortunately, our institution has mostly open-minded, motivated ALTs.

I like working with noobs, but they have to come with some preparation. Volunteerng in TESOL in your home country, taking a short TESOL program (many programs offer short intro courses) or volunteering with children, and getting involved with a Japanese culture association at home will all help you prepare to come here for a year or for a lifetime.

[Vince]

ScottishGringo, you're correct that some people take a job because it gives them access to something else. That's fine. I don't think anybody here is saying that you have to love it from the bottom of your heart. They're saying that you should at least make an effort to do the job well, rather than treating it like an inconvenience. If you paid a lot of money to learn something, which attitude would you want from your teacher?

[Glenski]

[ScottishGringo]

[westbrook1]

I'll let my empathy shine through and say I think some of you are being too hard on the Gringo. It's clear from his original post that he's in a rough spot in life; I've been in a couple such spots. Such statements as 'go away, we don't want you here' are a little harsh.

Perhaps learning the skill of esl teaching is just what the Gringo needs to boost his self confidence and his own self worth and get his life started. It sounds to me, and of course I could be wrong, like the Gringo is perhaps scared to teach and not because he doesn't care about it, but because of what it represents and the challenge it involves. It's easy to say you don't like or care about something because if you try and end up failing, you can always use it as an excuse. I say you're probably worried you might actually like teaching!

Gringo... I say take the certification course with an open mind and then decide if you want to teach. Even if it's an online one. Maybe your command of English will be better than you think. If you pick it up somewhat easily, then perhaps that will give you motivation to teach. Come to London or work in Scotland for the summer and teach part time. See how you do. Maybe you have what it takes to be a good teacher.

I'd stop pretending you don't care about teaching or work in general; it's obvious you're just afraid to make the changes you recognize are necessary for you to live a fulfilling life. I was afraid once, too (I still am in some ways, as I've just left the financial industry to teach abroad very recently) so I know what it feels like. Face up to the fact that you're doing your own life a disservice in the long-run if you have that kind of attitude, though. Teaching could be 'it' for you. Go for it!

All the best.

[ScottishGringo]

Nice post but really I have no interest in teaching, none.

It's just the chance to live abroad for a while I'd like, I can't see any other way to get the opportunity, not many lines of employment open to people looking to move abroad.

[Glenski]

[G Cthulhu]