Job Discussion Forums

[Voyeur]

I've been investigating the different career possibilities for overseas teaching. While there are some other niche trajectories, there do seem to be two major long-term career paths: teaching at international schools and ESL teaching at a university. I'd like to invite comments discussing the pros and cons of these two paths, though comments on other paths are also welcome.

In particular, I am interested in looking at these career paths from the point of view of someone interested in making a life of overseas teaching. So we need to consider the later years--the 50s and 60s--and what each path means for your long-term job security.

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS

This path requires teacher certification in one of the major English-speaking countries. Ultimately, you probably need a Masters. There seems to be more stability longer term, as you can eventually settle down at a good school and become a fixture there. However, it also seems to be extremely competitive, and it takes quite a while to get to the good schools. Also, while the holidays are longer, the working hours are also longer when you are not on holiday--and the job seems more difficult as well, with extracurricular responsibilities, etc. Salaries are higher than the ESL track, on average, though.

ESL at a UNIVERSITY

From what I have seen and read, by the time you get into your fifties you probably need to get to a university (with the exception of some rather rare and more exotic options). Feel free to correct me if I am wrong, of course.

To feel secure in your ESL job, you probably need a relevant MA and a DELTA (with a CELTA or TEFL cert earlier). The big question is whether you will need to get a PhD, and do research, publish, attend conferences and network. Many have suggested that these are to your benefit now, and may be required in the job market of the future.

I'm quite curious what advantages this track has over the certified teacher path. The education requirements are just as great--and if you need the PhD, they are significantly greater. Furthermore, contracts are shorter and salaries lower. On the plus side, the job seems easier than international school teaching, and you get to teach university students (which may be a major factor for some). Finally, it seems less competitive as there are likely more decent university posts than decent international school jobs. And these jobs are probably being chased by less qualified applicants.

I invite any and all comments; people on these boards have been really helpful so far.

[scot47]

Teaching is a job. That is all. If you believe all this "vocation" stuff become a priest or a nun. Or an eco-warrior or whatever.

Go for a cushy billet. I found a couple - unfortunately bat the tail-end of my "career". The best was the last (2003-2013) at a ME Uni

[Perilla]

[coledavis]

From a Russian perspective: university teachers are the worst paid of a generally poorly paid profession.

International schools are generally well-paid. However, there may be a lot more competition for jobs.

[Voyeur]

[Kofola]

I think there are substantial regional differences. As Coledavis says, universities are pretty much out in Russia and Central Europe, where setting yourself up in (the teaching) business is much more lucrative.

Combining freelance niche teaching and translating is another option if you're in it for the long haul - there are very few native English speaker translators in Central Europe. You won't make the kind of money you can make in the Middle East, but you can build yourself a nice reputation and enjoy a far nicer lifestyle (IMO).

[spiral78]

[Voyeur]

That there are significant regional differences is a great point. But I was approaching this 'problem' from the point of view of someone not particularly tied to any one region, and willing to go wherever they need to go. Regional differences still matter, of course, as some regions simply might not be on the table given one's personality or lifestyle aims, e.g. the Middle East.

But back to the main point, why do some people take the EFL track, including pursuing education that ends up being more demanding than the international school track? As was mentioned, wanting to teach college level students is a good point. Could it also be that while on the whole the international school track is more lucrative, there are places where the MA/PhD/DELTA ESL track is as lucrative (perhaps the ME or certain posts in Japan, for example) and the people that pursue ESL to that extent aim for those regions?

[Kofola]

[Perilla]

[nomad soul]

[Voyeur]

Thanks Perilla. Those were some good points about the process of becoming QTS. A fair number of people on the board have gotten a residential MA in TESOL, which takes about as much time/money as the PGCE. But 2 years experience at home could be a real deterrent.

And the other point that Nomad Soul made, and you alluded to, is also a good one: unless you teach primary, you need to start planning for QTS (or the equivalent) during your BA and make sure you get your teachables. If you don't, then you have to take more classes before your PGCE.

Thanks for your concern Nomad, but I have about a year or more before I can make a decision either way: QTS or MA TESOL. In the meantime, I'm just gathering information. I've heard a lot of people talk about the advantages of 'real teaching' overseas vs. ESL, and that got me suspicious/curious. What is the catch? Why do people seem to spend almost as much time and money (or more) on ESL qualifications when getting QTS seemed to be better? I realize there is an element of preference, but I'm not sure that is as decisive as it may seem. I know that in my case I would be happy with the work either way (I like teaching in general and of any kind)--other factors matter more to me.

In any event, by discussing the issue I'm hoping to unearth aspects of the decision that I may have not considered, or to have assumptions I have made challenged, etc. All so I can make a better decision down the road.

[tttompatz]

Just a slightly divergent note based on my PERSONAL experience:
I hold graduate level academic credentials.

In Asia I was earning between 30-40k per anum plus benefits as an EFL teacher. Work was 40 hours per week, up to 30 classes/wk, 6 weeks paid annual vacation, medical and pension benefits.

I moved mainstream (got my teacher's license) and worked my way into administration.

I am now in Thailand and I earn about US$60k per anum (plus benefits (10 weeks paid vacation, housing, medical, etc)) as an administrator (VP) of a private bilingual school with about 2000 students and 130 faculty and staff.
I still only work a 40 hour week and no longer spend much time in the classroom.

Due to the differences is the cost of living, US$60k goes a LOONG way in central Thailand and allows a substantial level of savings as well as a nice disposable income.

.

[Voyeur]

Interesting story. Thanks. Were your credentials in TESOL or App. Linguistics before becoming certified? How/where did you get certified, and did you have to teach for a couple of years in that country?

I know Masters degrees aren't obligatory for certified teacher, but I've heard that even if you don't become an admin, you still likely want to get one down the road. But I'm still not sure how important they are.

[DebMer]