Job Discussion Forums

tina20 · Joined: 01 Jul 2010 Posts: 49

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

I can only say what I�d do and that would be not to accept it because it would entail uprooting and going elsewhere for an indeterminate period which would be ended or continued at the employer�s leisure/ pleasure from the sounds of it.

If you really wanted a start in the place (wherever it is), then it might be worth taking the risk and being prepared to look around elsewhere if you didn�t continue with the BC. They do have a reasonably good name but it doesn�t really sound all that great though. You have a job so why uproot for something so unsatisfactory? The main advantage I can see would be that it would get you into teaching quite quickly � you don�t want to lose touch with whatever you�ve gained by doing the CELTA. However, there might be other ways (private teaching etc.) to keep your hand in with that.

You could try negotiating with them to get more specific dates etc. before making a definite decision. I think I�d stick with the current job and look for a better teaching position.

EDIT: Just another thought: this might not be possible as you've not been in your new job for long but could you arrange to take a month off and agree to do a month's teaching for the BC? Assuming this place is relatively easy to get to then you'd be the one putting an end date on it. There'd be the issue of accommodation, I suppose, but it's something to think about if you don't want to totally lose this chance.

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

I'd be wary about accepting a job on an hourly basis. My first job was like that and at the end I ended up with about 3 hours a week. Not very good.

Since you already have a job and now have another offer, you'll have to weigh the pros and cons. Money will probably be an issue as well. If you have a corporate job, you must be making more than you would teaching.

What country is the new job in?

Maybe your current employer could give you a leave of absense for a bit?

smithrn1983 · Joined: 23 Jul 2010 Posts: 320 Location: Moscow

I also would not accept the position. From the information they give you, it almost sounds like they'd take you on for seven weeks, and then decide at the end whether to take you on for another seven weeks, depending on your teaching ability, and their own demand for teachers.

Unlike naturegirl, though, I prefer hourly contracts, but our situations are quite different. We live in different parts of the world with different TEFL markets. I'm also single, and so have no one to support but myself, and am willing to deal with the risk of not having any clients for a time in exchange for better remuneration when I do have them. It all comes down to personal preference, but if you accept an hourly contract, you should at least be prepared for the risks.

Taking a leave of absence to give it a try is not a bad idea, though.

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

It's the BC, and they're not *usually known for jerking people around much. It could be a useful 'in.'

Sashadroogie · Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2011 10:15 am Post subject:

The BC probably offers the most in terms of security in TEFL. The real question is does one want to get into TEFL in the first place...

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

I'm sorry, but what is BC?

Sashadroogie · Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2011 11:48 am Post subject:

The British Council.

Sashadroogie · Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2011 11:49 am Post subject:

Or the Britanskii Soviet, as it used to be known in Russia, before it was closed for not wanting to pay taxes...

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

Well, Tina? Do you want to get into TEFL in the first place?

nickpellatt · Joined: 08 Dec 2006 Posts: 1522

Its a great opportunity, Id love to be 'in' with the BC, but by the same token, Id also be pretty wary.

It looks to me like a summer school contract. The seven weeks from August would fit quite well with the tail end of the summer season (I know because I have summer work over a similar period) and I think there is a fair chance (IMO) that their will be no more work after the 7 weeks.

By the same token, this arrangement is quite common in language schools in my hometown, and it does provide a useful 'in' later. I have recently turned down such an opportunity, simply as it doesnt really 'work' for me to ditch my quite generous summer employer and quit a further part time job to take what may only be a short term contract with a better employer .... that may end up leading to nothing.

I think if you really want to make a go of EFL...it might be worth taking the chance....but depending on personal circumstances, it might be madness too!

tina20 · Joined: 01 Jul 2010 Posts: 49

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PattyFlipper · Joined: 14 Nov 2007 Posts: 572

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

It's different everywhere - the BCs I know (and their staff whom I know) are all pretty content. It also looks good on one's CV. Particularly as a non-native speaker, to have BC credentials is quite helpful.

It's impossible to judge from afar whether this particular unit of BC and their offer is more positive or more negative. I hope you'll get an answer to the questions you've posed them quickly, and that the answers will help to clear things up for you!

Do let us know how it works out, and best of luck (sometimes it's a bit too much about luck!).

nickpellatt · Joined: 08 Dec 2006 Posts: 1522

I should just add that after reading your reply, my initial feeling of a 'seasonal' job may not apply. I dont know your region or have any idea of how language schools operate there. I was thinking about the type of contracts currently on offer in my location, with better employers, and so your situation might be quite different. Good luck with whatever choice you make though Very Happy