Job Discussion Forums

[Augustus]

Hello

I'm finding applying for jobs abroad really hard going - I am not getting any responses back and I am concerned that I am never going to find a job; September is certainly looking less and less likely ;(

I have been using TEFL.com a lot but the format for applying is not great and so I am looking to make the most of "Hobbies and Other interests" and "Additional Information" part of the application - I have 1000 characters for each of these and this is what I have put in them.


I am an active member of a book group and a keen walking and cycling and gym enthusiast.

I am very involved with caring for my young nephews who are aged 1 and 6 years of age and am confident of my ability to manage a class of young children.

AND

I am able to provide on request:

* a full employment/education CV
* scanned copies of my passport
* a photograph of myself
* transcript of my CELTA course
* an enhanced disclosure (police check)

The above is based on a post I read on here stating that these would needed and so I wanted to show I can produce them at short notice and would be easy to employ.

Does everyone feel like this 1st time around?? Where have others find there jobs?

Thanks for any advice

[nomad soul]

[tttompatz]

[Augustus]

Hello

Thank you for your replies. I will certainly keep everything you have said in mind.

Nomad Soul - LOL how did you know I LOVE warm weather, its part of the reason I am pursuing teaching. However, I am willing to consider jobs that may not be the most desirable but unfortunately I just can't consider jumping on a plane and hoping for the best. Which countries would you suggest in terms of their being a high demand for teachers + large expat presence?

tttompatz - I do have a degree, albeit in a unrelated area (Psychology) so I will make sure to state I can offer a certificate to show this. Much of the points you mention are in different parts of the application. I have stated Europe (Spain, Italy, Poland and Greece) as being my countries of interest as this is where most of the jobs seem to be advertised as being. I am willing to go wherever really though, its more the actual place that I am bothered about than the country i.e Vallahoid in Spain seemed to have its issues but for just one year of my life I would manage. LOL I come from a "Back of Beyond" type of place anyway.

I am empathsising that I am a Newly Qualified CELTA teacher as I am going to need a fair amount of input for the beginning of my teaching career. As such I can't see any job found "on the ground" being suitable so although it may take some time to be successful, I would prefer that than to get something unsuitable.

I was keen on some of the jobs which were advertised on the International House website; so I'm told on here they are McJobs which I suppose is what I need! Can you suggest any other similar companies/organisations?

Augustus

[nomad soul]

[sojourner]

Hi Augustus,


First of all, congratulations on passing your CELTA ! I also found it pretty tough going ( way back in 2001)- was surprised that I passed ! Since then I have been teaching in China.


From your other posts you indicated that you have been looking for jobs mainly in Europe ( inc.Russia).Have you ever considered other parts of the world - or, you just want to focus solely on Europe ?


Another poster mentioned that you have to be "in country)" to apply for jobs in most countries in Europe and Asia.Two exceptions would be Sth Korea and China.


Check the Korea fora for comments from FTs re teaching in that country.Some people appear quite happy teaching in Sth Korea - whilst others can't stand the place and only stay for the money.Apart from the attitudes of the Korean people in general, many FTs often have problems with the bosses of the hagwans.Although it's possible to land a university teaching gig ( apparently lots of competition for those jobs), most jobs are in the hagwan sector, where you'll probably be teaching young kids ( although there are some places where you'll be teaching adults).Would you be happy teaching young kids ?


Why not consider China ? Apart from the international schools, the best-paid jobs in China would be in the language schools - but the hours, compared to the unis, are often long, without the long holiday breaks that the unis have.If you happen to get a job in a good language school you might be lucky enough to get a DOS who could provide you with positive feeedback re your teaching approach. But, it would appear, that many language schools seem to rely on outmoded SLA theories/methodology - thus, the skills and approach that you learn in one place may not always be applicable to another language school situation.In light of your earlier remarks re lacking confidence, be aware that language school students ( or at least their parents) will complain to management if they feel that your lessons/teaching approaches are not " interesting enough" - a situation leading to pressure from management to "lift your game, or else" ! Would you be able to cope in such a stressful situation ?


Most uni jobs pay considerable less than what language schools offer .( For a newbie in the uni system you would probably be on 5-6 K RMB per month.However the hours might vary between 12-14 "real" hours ( a "teaching hour" is between 40-50 minutes).Generally speaking you will also be provided with a rent-free flat (usually on campus), or a rent allowance.You will probably also get free utilities - and, sometimes even free meals ! At the end of a 10 months contract you will be given an airfare allowance that could vary between 8-10 K RMB, as well as a travel allowance that could vary between 3-5 K RMB.If you decide to stay on with your uni, they will give you an extra month's (or, sometimes two months) salary with respect to the two months summer break.



Most of the teaching jobs for FTs in the uni/college sectors involves the teaching of Oral English ( ie conversational skills).Sometimes you might be asked if you would be willing to teach Business English, and even other subjects ( During my time in China , apart from Oral / Business English, I have taught subjects such as Intercultural Communication, Western Culture, Management and Marketing - all, in my opinion, far more interesting than Oral English!).


I find that the uni teaching environment ( at least in 2nd and 3rd Tier institutions)to be almost stress free ! However, you should be aware that you will be given very few guidlines by the faculty leaders of how - or even what ! - to teach.You are given a text book and the class lists - and then you are on your own ! I personally like that approach.I hate situations in which you have to follow exactly what is covered in a syllabus, and where some bureaucrat or control-freak head teacher makes sure that you are doing what you are "meant" to do.But, if you need someone to hold your hand, a Chinese uni is definitely not the place for you ! Occasionally an FT colleague might give you some hints, or you could post a query to the China fora.



As mentioned earlier, you do not have to be in China to apply for jobs, especially uni/college jobs.So, how do you find job vacancies ? Firt of all, check with Dave's China Jobs Board.You might also want to post something on the Post your Resume Board - but, many of the responses will probably be from recruiters. Also check the China TEFL site for vacancies. In my opinion, the best approach would be to do a Wikipedia search on the cities and provinces that appeal to you, check the section on universities, go to the uni websites and then send a covering email/letter ( along with your Resume and other relevant docs) to the uni's FAO (ie Foreign Affairs Office or International Cooperation /Exchange office.Any interview will be a phone one.If they offer you a job, they'll send you an Invitation Letter ( and some other doc) which you then take to your nearest Chinese consulate in order to get a Z Visa.Then you buy your airticket - as simple as that !


Most unis at this stage have probably found enough FTs for next term, except maybe those places that are off the beaten track.However, by early or mid August, many will probably be looking again ( when some teachers decide that they are unable to accept their job offers).



Teaching in China - something to think about !


Good luck !