Job Discussion Forums

KizuStrife · Joined: 19 Jan 2012 Posts: 16

Hello, and Good Morning (for me anyway)

My name is Scott and I'm 24 - I graduated college in 2010 with a degree in English and Allied Language Arts. Basically, it is a degree in literature/writing with an education focus. I am certified to teach in Kentucky, but feel my calling is in teaching overseas. I studied Japanese in college and on my own - I am certainly not fluent, but competent. That said, I wouldn't mind teaching in Thailand, China, Japan, or Korea. I have been substitute teaching almost everyday for over a year so I have some experience, I also had to complete an internship (for my degree) in which I taught 11-12 grade English (creating and implementing my own lesson plans). Ideally, I'd like to teach kids 7-12 grade (any of those are fine). However, I'd take what I can get at first.

I have browsed the various job listings, but am unsure how to discern what would be the best things to apply for. I do not wish to end up overseas in a "ghetto" or within a job that does not pay me, or other various worst case scenarios. I have been asked to interview with Amity and Peppy Kids - they don't pay great, but I'm assuming once you get in, one can find more lucrative jobs. I am not overly concerned with the money aspect, but I want to be able to enjoy my time overseas.

Any advice you can give me to at least point me in the right direction would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Scott

[EDIT]

Also, not sure how relevant this information is - but I read "Before you Post" after I posted ... oops - and thought I should include a few more tidbits.

I am a certified personal trainer, and managed a gym facility for 3 years.

As stated before, I am not overly concerned about money - just want to be able to have "some" spending money, and not have to use it all on living expenses. What is most important to me is just being able to teach in an environment that is supportive.

I wish to be able to continue learning the Japanese language. I have heard some areas discourage this?

I do not care if I work/reside in a rural area or city - rural, I assume, is less expensive ... again, not really a big deal.

I am curious about university jobs - do I need a masters?

I am registered with the Dept. of Defense Education Act for overseas teaching (for those familiar with it)

I believe that's all for now - thanks for any help.

veronica2 · Joined: 16 Jan 2012 Posts: 45

I can recommend China. I'm teaching in a city called Hangzhou. It is very beautiful. There is a saying in China: "Above there is heaven, below there are Hangzhou and Suzhou."

KizuStrife · Joined: 19 Jan 2012 Posts: 16

I have looked at China, really I just want to begin ... doesn't matter where. I've felt a bit stifled subbing.

What steps must I take in order to teach overseas at any capacity?

Or what am I qualified for?

I suppose these are the questions I should be asking, really I'm just without direction.

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

KizuStrife · Joined: 19 Jan 2012 Posts: 16

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

Apply for positions directly through employers and through reputable agencies. Focus on those that match your qualifications and interests. You can always say "no" to job offers that don't feel right. Again, visit the country-specific forums on this site to help you determine where you'd want to go. And perhaps you should just look into EFL jobs in China and Japan at this point so that you don't get overwhelmed.

You sound a bit tentative. Would this be your first time working overseas?

KizuStrife · Joined: 19 Jan 2012 Posts: 16

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

KizuStrife · Joined: 19 Jan 2012 Posts: 16

thank you, some very straightforward answers is what I had been looking for. What I meant by support, is just a supportive school environemnt ... like one would want in the states. I'm not sure how to explain it any further.

when you say another year in public schools, why do I need that? I'm certified now, do I need two years teaching experience?

tttompatz · Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2012 11:38 pm Post subject:

JET

http://www.jetprogramme.org/

.

The Great Wall of Whiner · Joined: 29 Jan 2003 Posts: 4946 Location: Blabbing

You should register for the Korea Forums. China, you need 2 years of experience before you can legally teach.

Besides, in China, the pay is really low, the cost of living is skyrocketing, and the culture is very difficult for many foreigners to wrap their head around. A large number of foreigners leave after only a few months of teaching. When I worked at EF, of the 16 foreigners there, in the duration of 6 months, only 4 had been there for over a year. The rest took off back home halfway through the contract.

Japan is in need of teachers, try applying to some of those programs. Mongolia pays really low, but unlike China, the cost of living really is much lower than China. As for Thailand, I am sure you will love the weather, but it is easy to spend your paycheck quickly as there is so much to do.

If you want to experience Chinese culture without having to face strong culture shock and not be subjected to internet being blocked, slow connections, low salaries, people staring/verbally abusing you... try Singapore, Hong Kong or Taiwan.

Good luck.

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

KizuStrife · Joined: 19 Jan 2012 Posts: 16

there is certainly more to this than I anticipated. However, I was not so naive to think I could just jump right in. Thank you both for some very good information. I'm responding via phone, so I didn't attempt to 'multi quote.'

as far as JET, I have looked into that but I believe I've missed the deadline this year. if I'm still looking next year, it is something to consider.

from what I hear and have read, Korea does seem to be consistently regarded as a great place to teach. again, all these things are based on the individual experience, I assume.

I'm looking extensively at Japan (as that's my first choice) and exercising my various networking avenues - on that note, does it help to know someone? or is most of it strictly regulated?

Also, in your opinon (anyone) would it be better to stay in the states, teach a year and get my masters, then apply overseas or venture now?

[EDIT] as far as an 'international school', how do I apply to them. I googled international schools - many of these sites seem to be recruiters, is that essentially the process of applying to one? I apologize for all these basic questions, I will browse the forums extensively and remove my posting if I find an answer.

[EDIT] I did manage to find international schools in Japan simply by typing 'Japan international schools' into google. they seem to be just like any other school as far as application is concerned. alot of them accept resumes as well for possible upcoming positions. I included this for anyone who may be following this thread with similar questions.