Job Discussion Forums

[Lack]

Hi, in the last few months I've become interested in teaching English in a foreign country. Right now, I'm at the point where I'm just trying to learn about it, seeking advice and opinions from those who've done it, and figuring out what I need to do to achieve it. But it has become a dream of mine to do this, and I think this could be an incredible experience!

I also haven't been able to find a good job. (One of those "adult" jobs since I've graduated college.) And it would be great to use my degree. (And, *ahem* make more money. )

So here's my stats/situation:

1. I have a Bachelor's degree - Secondary Education, specialization in English Language Arts. (I know this has got to be a big plus, obviously.)

2. I'm 24, no debt, not attached to where I am. Ready to go and accomplish something. And I simply CANNOT find a teaching job in my state. I've applied for hundreds and gotten a paltry sum of interviews, all of which didn't get me a job.

3. So, I have limited teaching experience. This is something I'm worried about. I've done a Practicum and Student Teaching for my degree. My current job is camp counselor. So I have work experience with kids, and I do teach some things, but it's not nearly as formal as school-teaching.

4. No TESL, CELTA or anything like that. I don't know if I really need something like this (not looking to lay out the dough if I don't have to) but if it really is needed, I will get one.

I'm pretty open-minded to the possibilities. I'm interested in Asia, and I've read some that salaries tend to be better there than in Latin America, which is the other place Id be interested in going.

The salary is not a huge issue, but I would like to be able to travel a little bit and save some if possible. Basically I don't want to be struggling every month.

I am also planning to start learning a language or two fairly soon. Definitely going to go for Spanish, but am going to at least attempt another one or two also. (Going to use Rosetta Stone software for all this.) I don't know how much this should influence a possible decision on where to go. I think if you go somewhere for a while, you should try to learn the language. And I guess if I go to Asia, I would be concerned about my difficulty in learning the local language.

Anyway, I really would like to know what you all think is the best path for me. I welcome all opinions and advice, and appreciate it!

[Zero]

[Guy Courchesne]

Agreed, an international school seems like a good fit, particularly if you're looking for experience you want to bring home. 2 years experience is the required norm but I agree with zero that you may slip through without it.

In Latin America, Mexico and most of Central America are starting the school year next week (if you are looking to start soon) so you're missing the start in that region. Most of South America has an early March school year start, with hiring starting now.

[nomad soul]

If you're a US citizen, there's also the DoDEA, which involves teaching the children of US military and civilian families throughout the world. Do a search on DoDEA for more info and job openings.

[Lack]

The lack of experience is giving me a hard time here at home too, and it's one of the main reasons I don't have a teaching job here. Everything requires teaching experience that you can't get until someone hires you as a teacher.

What are the ESL jobs I can get easily? (If there are any. I guess the market is more competitive nowadays.) I'm looking more for attainability at this point.

I will read up on international schools, but if it's going to be too difficult to get one of those jobs, I will "settle" for something else. Mostly just want to be able to get a job in the first place teaching ESL.

I haven't heard of DoDEA before. I will look it up! That could be a good option for me because my parents are worried that it's dangerous overseas and want me to be around Americans or at least native English speakers if I go overseas to teach. Maybe something like that would allay their fears a bit.

[SahanRiddhi]

Mainland China is probably your best options in terms of attainability. Get a university package that provides an apartment and arranges your visa.

[Glenski]

Asia is a big place. Can you pin down a few countries that you are interested in or not interested in?

[Lack]

I'm very openminded and not picky about where to go. Main thing is that I just need a job. I've read good things about Japan, Korea, and Taiwan, so I'll go with those as my main interests. As long as it's safe and the pay and working conditions are okay, it's fine with me. I'm very openminded. I want to travel a bit overseas so that's a factor too, although I don't need a lot of vacation time.

I make a mere $1000 a month at my current job and absolutely cannot find a teaching job here in the States. So I would be hard-pressed to do worse than I am now, except to be unemployed again. *shudder* Just need a job.

I'm planning to apply for the JET program in Japan when the 2012 application opens up. It seems to have a good reputation. So that's a start.

[Glenski]

Come to the Japan forum and ask around. Do the same with the other country(ies)'s forums. You'll get more return for your investment in posting that way.

Japan is safe, and generally speaking the working conditions are ok. Pay is going down, though, so study the job ads and see what is being offered vs. what you have to do in the job.

[ancient_dweller]

have you thought about Moscow? Your first year would get you about $1200 a month in hands - because the Mcschools are the easiest route in. in any event, i didn't go through the mcschool route - more risky - but more profitable.

check it out.

Also - Moscow is extremely westernised. Metro is a $1 a journey, (but you can monthly passes that make it much less).

Moscow isnt just for billionaires - you can eat out for 2 people in the centre for $25 no problem. (im british - so that's good!)

Not for moaners though - if you find yourself complaining a lot i wouldnt recommend it. the attitude here is a bit daft. if you try and walk past someone in the US - their attitude is probably 'oh, sorry, did i get in your way', the attitude in Russia is 'you trying to get past me eh..? try now... *move in front of person trying to get past*' hehe you either love it or hate it.

i love it.

[Lack]

Haven't thought about Moscow/Russia, but I'm open-minded to considering anything. I'm willing to look at any country for an ESL job.

So far in my search I've found that many position in many countries want 2 years teaching experience, which I don't have. Japan, Korea, and Taiwan don't require it as much as other places in Asia it looks like. So those 3 places will probably be my biggest focus in the months to come.

Makes me wonder if I shouldn't wait a year, start learning a language or two, get a TEFL, and perhaps look for volunteer teaching opportunities at local schools so I can get formal teaching experience.

[Lack]

I have another question for anyone who knows. I know some countries require a TESL certification, and I don't have one. But I know even if they don't require it, that it could still differentiate me from other job-seekers. Since my degree is Education/English, would it be worth it for me to invest in a TEFL certification? I'm certified to teach in my state, so I would hope that means I don't need a TEFL cert. so much. How much could it help me? I've found a TEFL cert. course close to home, and it would only cost about $1200 so I'm wondering if I should go ahead and get this done...

[tttompatz]

[Glenski]

[justcolleen]

Have you considered the importance of climate? This really is an opportunity to have a very comfortable life, which includes climate. My bit of advice is to imagine you at your most comfortable and let that be your goal. No matter what you choose, there is someplace you can get a job.

Now, here comes the voice of experience. You are qualified to teach English Language Arts (in the K-12 system...somewhere). That curriculum is taught all over the world. Even though "most" employers want two years of experience, the reality is a good hire is a good hire and there is always a policy clause that allows the exception. Do not rule out International schools.

If you want to teach English - as a language - take the TEFL course.

Your teaching certificate will go a long way in terms if the proper work permit just about anywhere that I can think of. If that's what you are going to do, heed the age-old words of wisdom: take the course in the country where you intend to teach.