Job Discussion Forums

[MotherF]

I once spent a few hours thinking about moving home--a visit there quickly cured me of that!

But while I was, I googled the skills I have gained, mainly Spanish fluency, hispanic cultural awareness and knowledge about Mexican and Central American migrant workers, along with the words "job posting" and I found several different jobs I'd be qualified to apply for. The most promising seemed to be outreach work for public school districts. Helping immigrant parents navigate their children's education.

[Agamemnon]

Yes, returning back to the UK after many years abroad is not really an option especially to carry on working, time to relax and enjoy ones retirement, most of us are burnt out after doing this for 20 years!!

[Janiny]

[Songbird]

Sydneygal, thank you for posting about this topic as it's right on my mind atm. I too am Australian, and have been teaching predominantly in China for just on 10 years now. I have signed on for my 10th year this year, but seriously wondering if it's time to replant roots back here in Australia. I have taught adults in a training centre, college level students and now teaching primary school students, so I have a wide variety of experience.

I am currently on holiday back in Queensland, but I don't think there would be a lot of opportunities here for me. I am taking a week long 'holiday' to Melbourne next week, mainly for a change of scenery but I would also open myself up to networking or getting some ideas for career down there should I decide to permanently come home this time next year.

I do have a CELTA and MA Linguistics, so I'd be open to language schools if they have permanent teaching positions. I have also looked into a major travel agency company (in addition to my extensive travel I also have a Diploma of tourism, a bit aged on it now!).

I'm really not sure what to do! I walk into work so easily in Asia but I don't have a lot of connections and contacts (read: suitable people for references) here and I know it's going to be an uphill battle when I do decide to come home. Half the reason I have just continued doing what I'm doing.

(sorry for the long vent...)

[Insubordination]

[Songbird]

Insubordination, thanks for your reply....and sure, would gladly change places with you! I'm no spring chicken anymore and know that the clock is ticking to get back home and lay roots once again. Even if I have to give the English industry up and do something different I would. Like I said, I have (old) tourism qualifications that I could use to wiggle my way into major travel agency chains, perhaps.

I am currently doing subject teaching at a primary school in China (so, teaching Maths, Science, general English in English etc). In addition I am in charge of establishing an English library to meet IB standards, and we are in the process of getting IB candidature. I don't have ANY teaching qualifications other than CELTA, and not really prepared to spend 2 years in Oz going through teaching licensure at uni again, so this is out.

I'm just really hoping that I can somewhat use all my experience and skills that I have learnt working overseas to get work back here now. QLD isn't really a place I want to stay when I return home (though I've only lived here all my life until China!), which is why I want to at least get my toes wet in Melbourne next week!

Why does repatriating have to be SO scary?

[nomad soul]

[Insubordination]

[Songbird]

Lots of great info there, Insubordination, thanks!

I have plenty of teacher friends and friends who were teacher training (since wiggled their way into part time teaching at least) while I've been in China to realise teaching positions aren't falling from the sky like unis would have you believe here! Besides, I financially can't afford to take 2 years out just to do a grad dip.

Good to know about your friend in Melbourne. Some Aussie friends of mine also in China have said they have friends who moved successfully to Melbourne for work. Thankfully I'm open to this.

i've been starting to put together a list of prospects to target when I do come home, and have updated my linked in profile too, for any possible bites. Scary as it is, this year at school we are on full time contracts due to the IB work we're doing so it means a nice bank balance that I'll be able to survive on for a few months at least while I'm pounding the pavement back home next year!

[sydneygal]

Hi Songbird

It sounds like you'd prefer to stay in ELICOS (?) and if that's the case, I would definitely encourage you to look at the University programs in Melbourne. The industry, as a whole in Australia, is in a much better place this year. We're finally coming out of a tough three years and seeing growth in student numbers and the length of student weeks.

I agree with Insubordination in that some private schools will try to employ teachers who are cheaper - with your experience, a University should value your background. TAFE's are doing it tough, laying off teachers and private colleges can be a mixed bag. I know Monash were recently looking for teachers (if you PM me, I can give you a contact in the department).

You could also consider workplace English training. In Sydney, there are a number of companies looking for ESL teachers but who also understand what it takes to communicate in the workplace (customer service, health and travel and hospitality too). I've seen similar advertisements in Victoria. Again, if you're interested, PM me and I can give you more details.

Enjoy Melbourne, I hope the fine weather holds up for you

[sydneygal]

P.S Insubordination mentioned the Certificate IV in Training & Assessment - certain schools/roles will ask this of you and I usually recommend teachers get the certificate as it allows you to teach Adult Migrant classes. You can do the certificate online, fairly quickly. They give RPL for TESOL teachers which cuts down the time even further and the cost.