Job Discussion Forums

[nomad-ish]

hi, i think this is my first time posting in the taiwan forum, but i'm hoping for some advice. first of all, i've been finding some positions that hire overseas, however they tend to be mostly cram schools. i'd definitely prefer a public/private school, but i'd like to know if this is realistic with my qualifications:

-honours BSc, MSc (both not related to English language learning)
-120 hour TEFL certificate (not in class)
-3+ years of full-time public school experience in south korea
-about 2 years of part-time tutoring
-i'm 28, white, and female (i've worked in korea for a long time, so i figure this counts a bit over there as well)

what are my chances of finding public school work with these qualifications? also, i saw one ad posted on tealit in early april for the start of may. is that timeline usual?

thanks

[creztor]

You are not a licensed teacher in your country back home? If not, then forget public schools. Private schools? Maybe, I don't think they'd be anything like the other country was offering you. Long story made short, I think you'll end up in a cram school, or perhaps an "adult" cram school at best. I'd strongly reconsider if you don't enjoy teaching children in cram schools.

[nomad-ish]

but private schools (operating daytime hours) would still be a possibility, right? i honestly like teaching children, but not elementary aged kids. that's one of the main problem i have with cram schools- teaching a random mix of ages.

by the way, do you think this is easier done with a recruiter (private schools, i mean) or should i just look for ads by myself?

[creztor]

I would suggest an agent for private school jobs. I am not trying to sound all doom and gloom, but most standard school gigs, especially private ones will work out paying less than what cram schools do. I can only assume there is some other reason you are looking to come to Taiwan.

[Rooster_2006]

[nomad-ish]

Haha rooster, you said it yourself - the "majority" of recruiters are crap, but there actually are some great ones out there. Obviously,everyone has to be careful when they use recruiters and get recommendations, if possible. I've used 2 different companies before: the first one was called Canadian connection and they were just awesome. The second company was a little dodgy, but he got the job done. The reason why I wasn't screwed over by my recruiters lies in the fact that I went for public school positions. They are a lot safer in general than cram schools.

Anyways, that also answers creztor's question. Many, not all, cram schools are not reliable, plus they're businesses, so you'll have to worry more about enrollment. Also, I'd prefer daytime hours and, to a lesser extent, I feel it would look better on my resume.

I'm not terribly concerned with the savings since I have quite a bit saved up from Korea. Thanks for the advice you two, I'll definitely look more into the visa process and if you have any recruiters you want to recommend, go ahead!

[JZer]

[nomad-ish]

Hey JZer, is that by law or just a standard among private schools? I came across one private school advertising for licensed or unlicensed teachers. Not sure if it was legit, but seemed alright.

I'm thinking I will go the cram school route, but I'm hoping to get 2 part-time cram school jobs, just in case there are troubles with one. What do people think of this idea? It doesn't seem like many schools pay for airfare and I heard that I could have two work places on my visa.

[JZer]

Some private schools get your ARC through a cram school. You would be deported if you are caught.

[Rooster_2006]

[JZer]

[JZer]

Rooster, did you start learning any Japanese?

[Rooster_2006]

[JZer]

I am hoping to make a long term move to Okinawa or Guam.

[Rooster_2006]