Job Discussion Forums

ryancw · Joined: 03 Nov 2005 Posts: 14 Location: Alaska

Thanks for the detail on that one! I have been considering a Masters in Adult Education to go with my business degree, and I had figured I would need either a TEFL, or preferably a CELTA. However, that still won't give me much experience beyond the basic programs. Its sounding a little discouraging, but I still have hope. Out of curiosity, I had considered either a second Masters, or possibly a PhD as well. Would either of these make a difference?

Thanks again, everyone who responded...I know these are some newbie questions, but I figured I had better start somewhere. Smile

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

What you really would need is direct experience to go with your qualifications - along with local language skills and contacts in the country you target for your move.

Yes, a CELTA would help. Ultimately, so would a Phd., but it's still highly unlikely that you'd be offered something that fits your needs from abroad.

Two avenues you might try working on - getting some experience where you are (hopefully there is some immigrant population that don't speak English as a native language?).

And, working to make some contacts in a country that offers the kind of jobs/lifestyle that you're seeking. Could you consider taking a year off by yourself to gain experience and contacts, and bring the family when you've landed some suitable position?

ryancw · Joined: 03 Nov 2005 Posts: 14 Location: Alaska

Hmmm...unfortunately, I don't think taking a year off would work, since that would mean missing out on a pretty large chunk of my family's life. The area I'm in now has a population of 1700 (no kidding) and we are on an isolated island in the southeast archipelago in Alaska. I'm coming to the conclusion that this just may not work, unfortunately. Crying or Very sad

I don't know if this would help, but I'm sure I could get a year or two in as a University of Alaska professor first. I should also mention, I don't insist on teaching ESL. I'm wondering if a foreign university would be interested in a teacher of US business practice and management, since that is where my primary degree and experience lies. Its a little off-topic for an ESL site, I know, but this really seems to be the best place for this sort of info.

Thanks again-
Ryan

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

ryan,
A master's in management is not even related to teaching, so how can you expect to teach English with such a degree (especially in a university)?

If you were thinking of teaching management classes, you'll probably be expected to do it in the language of the locals. Can you?

A second master's degree is meaningless unless it is in a specific teaching field (even Adult Education) is not good enough for teaching English in most uni jobs in Japan. Plus, as others have noted, you need language proficiency and experience (usually in Japan for jobs here).

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

The problem is simple. If you stay in the States both you and the wife will work. If you leave that will be much more difficult.

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

Glenski's right - if you teach something other than language, you'll be expected to teach it in the local language in almost every circumstance.

Sgt Killjoy · Joined: 26 Jun 2004 Posts: 438

There's factors to consider before giving an answer. I think if your kids are very young you can do. While, you and your wife might be happy to make do on less, your children may not. Living in a foreign country would mean them leaving all of their friends, confront strange foods, strange customs and strange languages. Young children can adapt and learn to live in the environment of being a TEFLer kid, but older children may not.

TEFL abroad with a wife and two kids with just a BA? Me, I'm doing it, but my wife is not from the US and my kids have only been TEFLer kids.

The_Hanged_Man · Joined: 10 Oct 2004 Posts: 224 Location: Tbilisi, Georgia

Have you considered teaching in public schools? I'm pretty sure Alaska is a teacher shortage area, and you may be able to find a position relatively easily. Of course you'll need to find an alternative certfication program as well, which will cost a few thousand dollars, but you will earn while you learn. Most public schools provide benefits that are quite family friendly.

Plus, after a couple of years you will be able to enter the international school arena if you are still interested in travel. While it is tough to find a position with a family in tow, it is possible and I know several people at my school here in Kuwait who are doing just that.

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

ryancw · Joined: 03 Nov 2005 Posts: 14 Location: Alaska

In Alaska, you don't actually need a separate teaching license. But I don't mind taking a year or two extra to teach if it will help my chances of landing a good job in the long run. This would also open the possibility of me getting a seond masters, in adult education, which would only take about a year once I am done with my MSM.

The_Hanged_Man · Joined: 10 Oct 2004 Posts: 224 Location: Tbilisi, Georgia

I transitioned to K-12 teaching from entry level ESL work and have been really happy with it. It has the advantage of solid employment options both home and abroad (especially at the entry level), and the salary and benefits are more standardized world wide compared to ESL work. For example, in ESL there is a huge difference in earning potential between Korea and Thailand, but the international schools in both countries pay roughly the same amount.

You don't really need a Master's to teach in public schools (in most states), but I strongly recommend earning a state certificate even if it isn't strictly required. That way if you ever want to move (either in the States or abroad) you will have more options. Like I said before I recommend checking out alternative certification programs.

Check out http://www.teach-now.org/ for options across the US.

Hmm...just checked Alaska and they don't have alternative cert programs. This means you would probably have to go through a university program. More expensive and time consuming, but still a worth while option. Here's a link for options in Alaska:

http://www.eed.state.ak.us/teachercertification/

If you are passionate about ESL, you can even do that in public schools with the proper certification. Check it out.

MELEE · Posted: Mon Mar 12, 2007 4:38 pm Post subject:

Texas has an attractive alterantive certificate program.
www.texasteachingfellows.org
I'm with the others, the MA in adult ed would not help you land a job at my university. We'd want course work in English grammar, Second Language Acquistion, English Phonology, etc. I think the best university jobs would want that. We do have an American who is a tenured professor in the Business Department, but he has a PhD from Harvard Business School and grew up bilingual therefor teaches in Spanish.

nickpellatt · Joined: 08 Dec 2006 Posts: 1522

I had posted this in another thread, where a similar question was asked, and my response below may help you answer your question, 'How would it be with a family in tow'

Just wanted to add, to say my next door neighbour is here with his family from the states - oldest daughter is about 17 and they have a new born daughter who is now about 3 months old, she was born here a little before Xmas..they have 4 children here in all.

All are home schooled, and all seem happy, well adjusted children.

I know they often get toys etc posted over...but by the same token, not surrounding your children with powerrangers and the latest gimmick toy may not be such a bad idea anyway? less is more maybe...

Certainly where I work.....the timetable would allow you a lot of valuable time with your family....and i believe it is incredibly safe for children compared to my home in the UK.

Yes, the traffic here can be a little random, but at least it moves slowly...again this may be unique to where I am, and I havent travelled in china much...

Like yourself, I have always kept an eye on my son when he was growing up, but I do believe that had he grown up here, he could have enjoyed the type of life that i did.....that faraway memory of being able to wander around on my own and as long as I came back for dinner my parents were happy many moons ago....

Wenchang (my town) is the kinda place where you could give a child a little more freedom (within reason)

The cost of living is very low....and I think you could certainly live a simple life here..although a slush fund for emergencies, treats, and trips away would probably be required for peace of mind.

I couldnt give you any advice about visa info, but my neighbours have a 4 bed house for their family, as do I, but I share it with one other teacher..

The cost of schooling, if required, could be an additional cost to factor in, but if you want to live simple lives, then I reckon it is do-able on my wages, which are low but mirrored by the cost of living.

You might also need to factor in Health Ins costs etc, not sure how much that would cost....

If you can plan for insurance and schooling,and can get visa etc, then based on my albeit, limited experience....there are jobs here that would match your families housing needs, could possibly improve the quality of life you enjoy in terms of time, stress etc.....and would allow you a simple life.

and you are qualified enough to be employed here too, again, only speaking for my employers and my experience!