Job Discussion Forums

AlanS · Joined: 03 Jan 2012 Posts: 16

Hi,

I�m new to the forum and have a fairly typical question regarding employment possibilities. Essentially I want to know how likely it would be for me to get a job internationally with the credentials and experience I have. I'm really in the dark here for reasons given below.

I have a Post-Graduate Diploma in Tesol, a MA Tesol and Post-Graduate Certificate in Education (UK) and have worked at language schools in the UK (one year) Korea (one year), universities in Poland and Malaysia (two further years) and a year at a university in London. I returned to the UK to put my kids through school and while teaching a bit in mainstream UK schools I have also taught ESL part-time at the local college (a few evenings a week for the last 6 years).

Anyway, the kids are older now and the wife and I are thinking of returning abroad again in a few years (she has a university diploma in ESL and one year experience teaching ESL abroad as well as 6 years part time experience at the same college as myself).

My concern is I haven�t taught abroad ie outside of UK since 2001 and am concerned this might affect my job applications. I would be interested in working hopefully at university level. Am I aiming too high? Where should I go to? The Gulf? Any advice appreciated. Oh, and if I went abroad earlier, ie with teenage kids, are there any jobs which subsidise schooling? Finally, what are the chances my wife and I get employed together?

many thanks in advance

EFLeducator · Posted: Thu Jan 05, 2012 6:15 pm Post subject: Re: Newbie questions!!

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

tttompatz · Posted: Thu Jan 05, 2012 11:12 pm Post subject: Re: Newbie questions!!

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

I don't think the years you've been away should be a huge handicap overall.

You'd be competitive on the European market, but the problem is likely to be logistical - there are simply not that many university (or other above-entry-level) positions open. I expect that you and your wife would have little trouble finding jobs in the general region, but finding two openings close enough for you to live together is a bit of a long-shot. I have a friend in a similar situation and he's had quite a long, tough time finally getting settled somewhere both he and his wife have relevant, decently-paid employment. As for schooling for children, so far as I know outside of working for international schools, you're on your own.

I suggest you may want to post on the ME boards below, if you haven't already. The regulars there don't always migrate up here and they would know quite a bit about your chances in that region.

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

Deleted duplicate post...

AlanS · Joined: 03 Jan 2012 Posts: 16

Thanks all for the advice.

I would not be adverse to the ME but if I go sooner rather than later, ie with teenagers in tow, they would need to be schooled and hopefully that cost could be supplemented by my employer though I don't know how realistic that is. I'm thinking the fact that the employer knows I will be in the country long-term might help as well (my youngest is 12 and my wife and I are 41. I'm thinking of making the move summer 2014.) Would being employed along with my wife help my application???
BTW is it ok to re-post my original question on the ME forums?

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

AlanS · Joined: 03 Jan 2012 Posts: 16

Thanks -I've just reposted there

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

Just for the sake of closure here, what about your publications record?

As far as subsidizing your children's schooling, I think that is possible if you teach at an international school where they attend. Others in that situation will have to confirm that, though. It's just something I heard, and it may depend on the country.