Job Discussion Forums

[overhere]

Hi All

I plan to teach English soon after I retire here in the U.S. Although I have enjoyed teaching ESL here as a volunteer, I wonder is it possible to obtain positions teaching other subject matter. I have a background in public administration (MPA), Labor Relations (M.A.) and Social Work (MSW). I do not speak any language other than English.

I would like to teach at the University level. My questions are:

1) are English only universities common overseas? (I am thinking of Unis along the lines of RMIT in Vietnam)

2) Are there any websites or links speficically for these types of universities?

3) Is it difficult to get a teaching position in subject matters other than English? would you need more than a masters in the field to do so?

4) Is the pay generally the same as teaching English?


5) Can these positions be obtained from home or are they more commonly obtained through networking in country?


I am interested in many different locations including Vietnam, Korea, Thailand, China, Mexico and South America.

I look forward to teaching English and I am taking steps to become better qualified (volunteering and working towards a M.Ed. TESOFL) but the thought teaching a variety of subject matter interests me.


Thanks so much for your advice!

[naturegirl321]

Yep, it's possible. Usually universities require you to have a background in what you're going to teach, such as work experience and / or a degree. My friend just landed a job teaching international business.

While they might not be complete English unis, they're sure to have some courses that are taught in English. I teach Global Culture with an emphasis on minorities for example.

Yes, it's more difficult than the conversational English jobs. Pay can be higher and sometimes the hours are less because you'll be expected to prep more and might also be expected to do research. At least that's my experience here in Asia.

I think about getting the job from home depends ont he country. It's hard in the country where I am, but not impossible.

I can tell you about Korea (PM me) or Peru. In Peru I also taught courses in English, but I was there. They didn't get me a visa and I had to interview in person. I got a whopping 15 dollars an hour, which becuase of the limit on my hours, came out to 800 dollars a month, 8 months a year. You don't teach during vacations.

[Ariadne]

In China I have seen many FTs teach subject courses in English at the university level. The teachers had some common, as in shared, problems with their courses. Students often do not have strong enough English skills to really follow the course work in English. Textbooks are another problem. If the schools use texts that are used at Western universities, the material is just too dang hard for the students to comprehend. If there is no text, then the FT has to find and prepare all the materials... usually a better choice.

Whatever subject you teach, you'll spend plenty of time teaching English.

.

[Zero]

[HLJHLJ]

There is academic teaching work around in Ecuador, but it's hard to find enough hours to live on, you will usually need a 2nd job as well. One which will provide you with a visa. Also, whilst they will take you on with a Masters if they need a teacher in your area, you need a PhD before they will think about creating a job for you.

[Big Worm]

Based on my limited experience (8 years in asia):

1. Yes there are subject teaching positions available. However, you will need to sell yourself to a school regarding why you should be teaching that subject (degrees and work experience).

2. Your idea of teaching at a university may not reconcile with the reality of being a teacher at a uni in a developing country. Crap wages, unmotivated students with very limited language ability, expectation to pass regardless of never showing up to class, etc.

3. I'd look at lower tier IB schools. Often they will hire people without proper qualifications. Also, they have motivated students who aren't totally jaded (yet) about life and will be trying to get into a good western uni. Compare that to someone who knows they are at a shit Chinese uni and will never use English.

4. These schools are often in uh.... not the most desirable locations to live in. And, as they are third tier schools, there are frequently issues about academic integrity. However, it beats teaching the alphabet.

Best of luck.

[overhere]

Thanks everyone!