Job Discussion Forums

[naturegirl321]

once again,
Thanks for the info, wish they had something like that here in China. Guess I will have to start my own retirement fund in the US.

[jud]

Questions of my sex appeal aside, I'd have to say teaching conditions in Italy (maybe with the exception of Northeast Italy) are remarkably low.

But I take exception to the idea that the teachers are second-rate. I'd say 95 percent of the teachers I know are dedicated, creative, and love their students, and are constantly trying to improve their skills. Honestly, they face the most barriers to improvement from their employers.

Here the 20-25 hour work week and 45 minute hour don't seem to exist.

By the way Roger, with all due respect,

"Questo articola e massilimalmente vero" doesn't exist in Italian.

It is amusing though, thanks.

[Cleopatra]

Bud and mind-traveller,

Thanks for dispelling some nasty stereotypes.

I have also lived in the Gulf and got a bit hot under the collar when people - including, I have to say, many ex-pats living in the gulf themselves - came up with all that "these people don't even wash" nonsense.

[batman]

i just read the article in the initial post. what a total load of rubbish! im not depressed, i have more money than i can spend, and im having a great time. i just came back from a holiday in another country, and i plan to continue what im doing for many more years. its pretty simple for me really, i enjoy what i do, and when i was still at home, i worked like a dog for next to nothing, and the govt took half. now i save almost everything i make, and still live better than before. its a no brainer.

[Belmont]

batman, how in the world can you do all that traveling and saving on what they pay in China? $400 to $600 range is about what I'm seeing people make. Please tell me! I'll be there asap! However, having said that, I am prepared to make very little just for the experience of being in China.

[Atlas]

[sparky]

Obviously the author has a very limited view of the ESL carreer. I use that term losely because it depends on the school you work for and the country you work in. He only mentioned cram schools in Western Europe. There are a lot better jobs in Asia and the Middle East. In Japan you can (with the right training) get a job at a high school or university. The pay is not too different than the average wage and the working conditions aren't any worse than most teaching jobs. His research is so flawed. I enjoy what I am doing and am saving a lot more money than I could save back home. If a person wants to stick it out, they can save enough money to make a good down payment on a house or even buy a house in the right location. It's way too big a field to sum up in one article. I suggest that newbies not get too influenced by this one persons opinion. Do your own research and try a few different countries to see what works best for you. I did it and I am happy doing what I do.

[voodoochild]

so true.....this article should be given to everyone that wants to consider teaching English along with their tefl certificate.

[scot47]

Well I do not see myself as a washed-up nobody. Mind you when I look at my 100+ colleagues here I see some pretty weird people. I of course am 120 percent normal.

When I go back to Scotland and meet people I knew at school or university I thank God that I did not end up like them !

And when I want to feel more positive I think of some of the really awful jobs and non-jobs I have had when not TEFL-ing.

Teach in the ME or Far East and you can earn a reasonable salary. Forget about places like Italy - unless you want the experience or a chance to immerse yourself in Italian Culture. The same applies to many countries.

Some of us do try to make EFL a career, although for many it is only a transitional period in their working life.

[Marcoregano]

Great Scot! (.....as in total surprise and amazement, that is. I wonder where that phrase came from?). scot47...we actually agree on something. Yes, the noble art of TEFLing does have it's good points.....Now how's about an office job in the suburbs of sarf Londinium? No thanks.

[Joachim]

A very interesting article, with some very interesting points raised. I have also noticed the "lifers", and it does seem that people who do this for a long time inevitably become jaded and unemployable in other fields...

But he should have written the article in Asia, although we can claim to be overworked and occasionally very bored with our work, our travel opportunities are second to none and salaries are pretty decent.

[dmb]

Just out interest, Joachim. How come your location is Hong Kong and Bangkok?

[scot47]

Like Cleopatra I take exception to the "they don't wash " sterotype. Not true in my experience.

And not many teachers pick up $40,000 a yearin Saudi. I certainly don't.

[sidjameson]

Scott do you mean you get more or less? I'm not, unusually for me, being sarky, you're quite an old hand at this game. I'd guess you were doing better than most.

[scot47]

Nearer $30,000 a year. 600 hours annual class contact. Long holidays. No rent or utility bills. No tax or superannuation.

And Saudi Arabia is a cheap place to live.

I am doing okay. I am certainly happier here than I would be teaching in Blair's Britain or serving the Emperor in Nippon.