Job Discussion Forums

[johnslat]

Dear Zero,

"So you like to teach? There are schools back home."

True - but have you ever taught in an American high school, middle school or elementary school?

I have - in all three. And comparing the "joys of teaching" in them to any of the places I taught overseas, I'd take overseas every rime.

And if you want to teach adults ESL in the States, well, be prepared to have to take on two or even three "part-time" jobs - with low pay and no benefits.

Regards,
John

[naturegirl321]

The article might be written a bit tongue in cheek though, but anyways, maybe it will put people off who think that TEFL is an wasy life. Less job competition that way!

[spiral78]

maybe it will put people off who think that TEFL is an wasy life. Less job competition that way

Sure. If you're competing with raw newbies.
Not to slam newbs - we all had to start somewhere/sometime.

But after 13+ years and an MA along with other quals, I am seriously not concerned about competing with newbies - and I think that's true of most of the regulars here.

Moreover, I don't think it's fair to put newbies off of the profession or of teaching in Europe or anywhere else. Helping them to calibrate their expectations in a realistic way is useful and helpful, but discouraging them for no real reason would be unfair.

I am sensitive to this issue, having been slammed on a couple of occasions for not giving positive info to North Americans hoping to break in to Europe at the newbie level - there is the occasional accusation that us regulars are trying to limit the competition. It's simply not true or fair on any level.

[Perilla]

Going back to the article, I think it's important to note that it focuses on private schools. Most TEFLers who are in it for the long haul get out of this sector asap and go where the grass is greener.

IMO private academies aren't necessarily a bad thing at all - as with the poster in Paris, they offer a fairly straightforward escape route for people bored of life or work or unemployment back home - or for people who just want to see somewhere else. But sooner or later the joys of working in Paris or Bognor Regis for a pittance will wear off, and unless you move onwards and upwards it's probably going to end in tears.

[sharter]

Perilla...where is onwards and upwards?

Being in the classroom is the fun bit.

I've had good and bad jobs over the 15 years I've taught and I've met old, M.A. qualified teachers in all of 'em.

My advice to a British newbie would be to look at the long haul and ask yourself if you really want to end up in the Middle East by 40? The alternative for the majority of those who have spent years in Europe is being broke. If the answer is no, I would advise them to do TEFL for no longer than 2 years.

There are many places in Asia and the Gulf where Americans are preferred...it's just the way it is. It's got naff all to do with teaching skills or qualifications. Any ad that states 'must be available for interview in Houston on.....' only wants Americans. Dynacorps, Raytheon, Aramco (mostly) are but a few.

And, this idea that oldies are trying to put off newbies is simply ridiculous. Like suicide bombers in Afghanistan, the stream of willing but ignorant newcomers is seemingly endless.

[naturegirl321]

[sharter]

The Middle East is fine long-term if your married or gay. As a single male it's best to get out after 5 years or once you've bought the house. It just ain't normal to be so repressed for so long. I've seen loads of damaged middle-aged men in the Gulf...mostly paying for divorces or the consequences of getting divorced. Some are running away from relationship breaKdown. Some, granted, like it, but they are in the minority in my experience. Single western women often love it there; sunbathing, shopping, being able to swan around getting pandered to. Say no more.

[Zero]

[johnslat]

Dear Zero,

Not "how" but "where"

On the compounds - only on the compounds (well, at the embassies, too, I suppose.)

Regards,
John

[Perilla]

[PC Parrot]

[naturegirl321]

[tttompatz]

[Perilla]

[tttompatz]