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prometheusg
Joined: 21 Sep 2009
Posts: 14
Location: Costa Rica
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 Posted: Wed Oct 12, 2011 10:02 pm Post subject: Reasons NOT to teach abroad |
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Here's an article on why people who are thinking about teaching abroad should think twice. Good advice. There are way too many people teaching who shouldn't be, but they got into it for the wrong reasons.
http://www.squidoo.com/top-reasons-not-to-teach-abroad |
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Sadebugo
Joined: 10 May 2003
Posts: 524
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| Posted: Sat Oct 15, 2011 1:23 pm Post subject: Re: Reasons NOT to teach abroad |
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| prometheusg wrote: |
Here's an article on why people who are thinking about teaching abroad should think twice. Good advice. There are way too many people teaching who shouldn't be, but they got into it for the wrong reasons.
http://www.squidoo.com/top-reasons-not-to-teach-abroad |
Good article although it seems the author is focusing on the low end of the industry and unqualified instructors.
Sadebugo |
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steki47
Joined: 20 Apr 2008
Posts: 1029
Location: BFE Inaka
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| Posted: Sat Oct 15, 2011 11:06 pm Post subject: |
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Mixed feelings. Sure, some folks are hoelessly naive and idealistic. Not sure this (very negative) article will help them in any case.
His examples are only from his own experience. Check the comments to hear from people who live in other countries and do have more experience/education.
In Japan, even entry-level teaching jobs pay enough to pay rent, eat and save. I am hardly starving. |
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Shroob
Joined: 02 Aug 2010
Posts: 1339
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| Posted: Sat Oct 15, 2011 11:56 pm Post subject: |
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I have to say, it sounds like the author is overly negative about the industry. His points are flawed and overly simplistic.
1) You lost your job or hate your job
That's implying that you never wanted to get into TEFL in the first place. These are people who see TEFL as a 'last resort' or a gap-year. It's like saying, 'I hate my job...so I'll take up mining'. You'll probably be just as much as a failure in the mining industry than the TEFL industry.
2. Don't do it for the money
Unless you work in one of a very small number of countries and work full-time, you're probably going to barely make enough to scrape by.
I work 14 hours a week, have housing paid for, utilities paid for, flights refunded and can afford to eat out everyday if I wished. Sure I can't go mad with money, but it's not my main concern. In my native country this situation would be 99% impossible.
3. Culture Shock
The author has a valid point here, there is no getting away from the fact that living in a foreign country will be different. I can only say do your research and live by the saying, 'When in Rome....' Sure, some things will annoy you (spitting in the street in China is my peeve) but at the positive things.
4. You won't travel as much as you think
Once again I think the author is picking examples from people who didn't want to go into TEFL, the misguided folk. For those that got into it for the right reasons it can be different. For example it totally depends on the job, I know of FT at my school who have gone all around the country. I'm planning on doing this also, I have 2 months off, I'm not going to stay in my apartment!
5. It's harder than you think
Again, you can't escape work. It can be hard work, but it's nothing compared to a job I would get in my native country. Teaching 14 hours a week, 2 lesson plans a week. I perhaps work 20hours a week (that's as I'm a new teacher, so lesson planning takes a while and I'm always refining what I have). I know China is comparatively 'easier' than European placements (I'm generalising), but it shows that there is work out there.
So in summary, I will say that the author has some valid points, but don't be put off! If you genuinely want to teach English than the rewards can be great. However, like ANY other industry, there are pitfalls.
[/i] |
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globalcitizen1968
Joined: 03 Oct 2011
Posts: 34
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| Posted: Sun Oct 16, 2011 12:02 am Post subject: Re: Reasons NOT to teach abroad |
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| Sadebugo wrote: |
Good article although it seems the author is focusing on the low end of the industry and unqualified instructors.
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Not accurate my dear friend. EFL is HIGHLY UNregulated and the standards for entering it are almost zero. For example, all one has to do is see how long it takes and how many difficults steps are required to get certified in a state in the U.S. to teach K-12. One to two years it normally takes while getting "certified" to teach EFL is about four weeks.
See the difference? Very clear. Unqualified instructors? 
one can have TONS of "so-called" qualifications for teaching EFL they will still get little salaries. Sure there are a few exceptions, Japan (SOMETIMES) the Middle East, but who would be desperate enough to WANT to live THERE??
And many I have known who STAY in EFL, DO NOT live off of their EFL salaries alone. They have a spouse who has a real job and he/she is the MAIN BREADWINNER for both. This seems to be a point that many of those who stay longterm in EFL forget to mention on the forums for some reason.  Perhaps if the world of EFL were to have some REGULATIONS and STANDARDS, the salaries would go up to a RESPECTABLE level.
But the way EFL is today, UNregulated and almost ZERO standards, don't expect the salaries to go up. Any Tom, Dick, or Harry can get into this area now and THAT is the problem. |
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prometheusg
Joined: 21 Sep 2009
Posts: 14
Location: Costa Rica
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| Posted: Sun Oct 16, 2011 4:56 am Post subject: |
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| I think the author's point was to dissuade people who are trying to enter EFL for the wrong reasons. I think the point was that if you're entering for those reasons, then you should stay away. Not to dissuade people who are genuinely interested in teaching in the first place. We're willing to deal with this stuff. |
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lucia79
Joined: 18 Jun 2011
Posts: 156
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| Posted: Sun Oct 16, 2011 6:59 am Post subject: Re: Reasons NOT to teach abroad |
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| globalcitizen1968 wrote: |
while getting "certified" to teach EFL is about four weeks.
See the difference? ??
And many I have known who STAY in EFL, DO NOT live off of their EFL salaries alone. They have a spouse who has a real job and he/she is the MAIN BREADWINNER for both. |
There are TESOL programs offered by universities which are equivalent to earning a minor. They include real teaching practicums as well. A quality employer will see and appreciate the difference between an online 4-week cert. and someone with a reputable university issued certificate or a CELTA /TESOL equivalent.
Many whom you know happen to be dependent on their spouse's income, but everyone I know (except for 2 people) who teaches EFL (and it is a real job by the way) are the MAIN BREADWINNERS.
I think education and experience play a big role in the jobs that people obtain. |
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smithrn1983
Joined: 23 Jul 2010
Posts: 320
Location: Moscow
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| Posted: Sun Oct 16, 2011 7:10 am Post subject: |
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| Shroob wrote: |
2. Don't do it for the money
Unless you work in one of a very small number of countries and work full-time, you're probably going to barely make enough to scrape by.
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Unless I work full-time as a teacher, I'll only make enough to scrape by? How is this different from any other job anywhere in the world? Where are the jobs back home that I can work part-time and make loads of cash? Someone please point me in that direction.
In my experience, the teachers who complain they don't get paid enough are the ones who want to work 15 hours a week, live in the city center and hit the clubs 5 nights a week. Those of us who put in 40 or more hours a week (combination prep + class time) do make enough money to earn a decent living. I have a very nice apartment, can afford to go out to a restaurant or club now and again, take nice vacations overseas, and I still manage to save a decent amount. It's because I treat teaching as an actual job, which it is. |
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Shroob
Joined: 02 Aug 2010
Posts: 1339
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| Posted: Sun Oct 16, 2011 7:13 am Post subject: |
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| smithrn1983 wrote: |
| Shroob wrote: |
2. Don't do it for the money
Unless you work in one of a very small number of countries and work full-time, you're probably going to barely make enough to scrape by.
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Unless I work full-time as a teacher, I'll only make enough to scrape by? How is this different from any other job anywhere in the world? Where are the jobs back home that I can work part-time and make loads of cash? Someone please point me in that direction.
In my experience, the teachers who complain they don't get paid enough are the ones who want to work 15 hours a week, live in the city center and hit the clubs 5 nights a week. Those of us who put in 40 or more hours a week (combination prep + class time) do make enough money to earn a decent living. I have a very nice apartment, can afford to go out to a restaurant or club now and again, take nice vacations overseas, and I still manage to save a decent amount. It's because I treat teaching as an actual job, which it is. |
I'm not sure if you were aiming that at me or the author of the article. I was quoting the author in italics, as to show others what they had written and how I disagree with it - saying similar things to you. I'd like to echo your point, I treat it as an actual job, I'm the only teacher here who bothers to plan lessons, but I still only work a maximum of 20 hours a week and have a decent pay, paid appartment/utilities and great holidays. |
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smithrn1983
Joined: 23 Jul 2010
Posts: 320
Location: Moscow
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| Posted: Sun Oct 16, 2011 7:56 am Post subject: |
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| Shroob wrote: |
| smithrn1983 wrote: |
| Shroob wrote: |
2. Don't do it for the money
Unless you work in one of a very small number of countries and work full-time, you're probably going to barely make enough to scrape by.
|
Unless I work full-time as a teacher, I'll only make enough to scrape by? How is this different from any other job anywhere in the world? Where are the jobs back home that I can work part-time and make loads of cash? Someone please point me in that direction.
In my experience, the teachers who complain they don't get paid enough are the ones who want to work 15 hours a week, live in the city center and hit the clubs 5 nights a week. Those of us who put in 40 or more hours a week (combination prep + class time) do make enough money to earn a decent living. I have a very nice apartment, can afford to go out to a restaurant or club now and again, take nice vacations overseas, and I still manage to save a decent amount. It's because I treat teaching as an actual job, which it is. |
I'm not sure if you were aiming that at me or the author of the article. I was quoting the author in italics, as to show others what they had written and how I disagree with it - saying similar things to you. I'd like to echo your point, I treat it as an actual job, I'm the only teacher here who bothers to plan lessons, but I still only work a maximum of 20 hours a week and have a decent pay, paid appartment/utilities and great holidays. |
Aimed at the author of the article, not at you. Sorry for any misunderstanding. |
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Sadebugo
Joined: 10 May 2003
Posts: 524
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| Posted: Sun Oct 16, 2011 2:05 pm Post subject: Re: Reasons NOT to teach abroad |
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| globalcitizen1968 wrote: |
| Sadebugo wrote: |
Good article although it seems the author is focusing on the low end of the industry and unqualified instructors.
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Not accurate my dear friend. EFL is HIGHLY UNregulated and the standards for entering it are almost zero. For example, all one has to do is see how long it takes and how many difficults steps are required to get certified in a state in the U.S. to teach K-12. One to two years it normally takes while getting "certified" to teach EFL is about four weeks.
See the difference? Very clear. Unqualified instructors?
one can have TONS of "so-called" qualifications for teaching EFL they will still get little salaries. Sure there are a few exceptions, Japan (SOMETIMES) the Middle East, but who would be desperate enough to WANT to live THERE??
And many I have known who STAY in EFL, DO NOT live off of their EFL salaries alone. They have a spouse who has a real job and he/she is the MAIN BREADWINNER for both. This seems to be a point that many of those who stay longterm in EFL forget to mention on the forums for some reason. Perhaps if the world of EFL were to have some REGULATIONS and STANDARDS, the salaries would go up to a RESPECTABLE level.
But the way EFL is today, UNregulated and almost ZERO standards, don't expect the salaries to go up. Any Tom, Dick, or Harry can get into this area now and THAT is the problem. |
The situation you described above does exist for some teachers but I've worked with many others who turned EFL into a very lucrative career. As for myself, I entered it with only an MA in an unrelated field. My first job was stressful but I did earn a lot of money, enough to pay students loans and save. From there, I got jobs in a high school and a university with the latter giving me five months of paid vacation a year. Try finding that anywhere in the West. I continued my career with stints working for American companies in the Middle East not only earning a small fortune but having enough time to complete an MATEFL. I finally came back to the US for a job with the federal government as an ESL/EFL instructor that includes all the benefits of the civil service. EFL has been pretty darn good to me.
Again, I agree there are those who have terrible experiences overseas but that article gives the impression that there are few opportunities to succeed in EFL.
Sadebugo
Last edited by Sadebugo on Sat Oct 22, 2011 1:25 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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globalcitizen1968
Joined: 03 Oct 2011
Posts: 34
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| Posted: Sun Oct 16, 2011 2:30 pm Post subject: Re: Reasons NOT to teach abroad |
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| lucia79 wrote: |
| I think education and experience play a big role in the jobs that people obtain. |
Nope! Sorry my dear friend but to start with EFL is NOT a career. It is a low paying JOB. The few you mentioned who are the main breadwinners on an EFL salary most likely live in poverty. Not trying to be rude but EFL is a job, not a career.
This needs to be stressed for the newbies so they don't waste TOO MUCH time in this JOB if they decide to go into it. The CELTA does not help one for example, to make money from cancelled classes, no shows and things like that.
Or schools in South Korea that say they will pay you for training but when you get there and go through the training, they DO NOT pay you. Again, EFL is a HIGHLY UNregulated, zero STANDARS, low paying JOB where many employers take advantage of the "teachers" who get into it.
My friend went to South Korea and did NOT get paid for his training like they said they would do. The room he was to stay in looked like a place where even adog would not want to live.
Things like this cannot be fixed with a CELTA, experience, or education. It requires changing this JOB with REGULATIONS & STANDARDS. Until then newbies will need to make sure they have a LOT of money with them to live on and to bail if they find themselves in a situation like my friend was in in S. Korea. |
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johnslat
Joined: 21 Jan 2003
Posts: 13859
Location: Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA
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| Posted: Sun Oct 16, 2011 3:17 pm Post subject: |
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Dea globalcitizen1968,
Sorry - but EFL was a career for me (and for others I've known.) And I'm not "living in poverty" here in Santa Fe, NM (and neither are those others, many of whom I'm still in contact with.)
However, I'm sure what you wrote is true for some while what I'm posting is true for others. I don't want to generalize about the whole EFL field based on only my personal knowledge and experience.
Regards,
John |
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sparks
Joined: 20 Feb 2008
Posts: 632
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| Posted: Sun Oct 16, 2011 3:54 pm Post subject: |
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Dear John,
NO! NO! NO! TEACHING ESL IS NOT A CAREER! You can tell that I'm correct because I wrote in capital letters. I can also give you some random stories that I've heard to back up my airtight argument. |
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johnslat
Joined: 21 Jan 2003
Posts: 13859
Location: Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA
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| Posted: Sun Oct 16, 2011 4:33 pm Post subject: |
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Dear sparks,
OK, you're right. Can't argue with CAPS  .
Regards,
John |
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