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WeetBixKid
Joined: 24 Jun 2013
Posts: 3
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 Posted: Wed Jun 26, 2013 6:19 am Post subject: Non-Native speaking Iranian - possibilities? |
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A friend of mine is Iranian. Her English is great - she has a 4 year degree in English Lit, and has taught English to a range of ages for the last 2 years. But, she's not a native speaker.
Anyway, we were going to meet in Malaysia later this year, one of the few places an Iranian can easily get a Visa on arrival. She likes the idea of an extended holiday and staying somewhere for a while to teach English.
From what I've read Thailand seems to be the most likely place of finding something. Any advice? |
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nomad soul
Joined: 31 Jan 2010
Posts: 11454
Location: The real world
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| Posted: Wed Jun 26, 2013 7:21 am Post subject: |
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| It depends on where she can legally work with an Iranian passport (she'll have to do some research on which countries she can work in); her level of English proficiency; and if she meets any other qualifications specific to the jobs she's interested in. It may come down to whether employers hire her or not. That might mean teaching in less-than-appealing countries or cities that have a high need for EFL teachers. |
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coledavis
Joined: 21 Jun 2003
Posts: 1838
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| Posted: Sat Jun 29, 2013 6:34 am Post subject: |
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| China? |
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WeetBixKid
Joined: 24 Jun 2013
Posts: 3
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| Posted: Sun Jun 30, 2013 1:51 pm Post subject: |
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| nomad soul wrote: |
| It depends on where she can legally work with an Iranian passport (she'll have to do some research on which countries she can work in); her level of English proficiency; and if she meets any other qualifications specific to the jobs she's interested in. It may come down to whether employers hire her or not. That might mean teaching in less-than-appealing countries or cities that have a high need for EFL teachers. |
You're right - ultimately it will come down to what the individual school is looking for. We were planning on applying with lots of different places, but it would be good to know which countries are, as a rule of thumb more likely to accept her so we can focus our efforts there.
Don't worry about the specifics of an Iranian getting a working visa - we can work that out later. Just some general suggestions would be great. Coledavis, you think China is a good place to try? |
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nomad soul
Joined: 31 Jan 2010
Posts: 11454
Location: The real world
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| Posted: Sun Jun 30, 2013 6:53 pm Post subject: |
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| WeetBixKid wrote: |
| nomad soul wrote: |
| It depends on where she can legally work with an Iranian passport (she'll have to do some research on which countries she can work in); her level of English proficiency; and if she meets any other qualifications specific to the jobs she's interested in. It may come down to whether employers hire her or not. . |
You're right - ultimately it will come down to what the individual school is looking for. We were planning on applying with lots of different places, but it would be good to know which countries are, as a rule of thumb more likely to accept her so we can focus our efforts there.
Don't worry about the specifics of an Iranian getting a working visa - we can work that out later. Just some general suggestions would be great. |
I'm certainly not worried about her situation---I was referring to any additional (specific) qualifications the employer might require in terms of the job because she's a non-native speaker. For example, she may have to show proof she's passed one of the major English language proficiency tests, or the employer may require she get a CELTA or equivalent TEFL cert since her current qualifications/experience appear to be minimal. Anyway, those are valid requirements relevelant to qualifying for a teaching position and are likely to increase her chances of getting hired---contingent upon obtaining a work visa/permit, which is what she needs to focus on first.
But don't expect us to know where she can legally work; the majority of us are passport holders from the US, UK, Canada, etc., just like you. Our knowledge in these situations is extremely limited. Your friend needs to be proactive in her own information gathering and job hunt. Therefore, I would say to start with countries that are in good (friendly) political standing with Iran. She could do an Internet search on 'iran trading partners' for starters. She should then look at the visa requirements indicated on the consulate webpages for those countries she hopes to work in. Ditto for getting visa info from visa agents who deal with her target countries.
Another potential source of guidance would be the target country's TESOL affiliate. (After confirming she can get a legal work permit for that particular country.) I suggest she do an Internet search on 'worldwide affiliate directory tesol' for a list of affiliates and then contact each one about the possibility of working as a teacher. She shouldn't ask them about which employers are hiring---that's not their responsibility. But they'll have knowledge about how to get a teaching job, typical qualifications, if it's possible for non-native speakers to get teaching work, and about the TEFL market in general relevant to that country.
Coledavis thought China might be doable---that's where she could start her research. If she learns she can get a work permit, then she should begin looking at teaching positions in China. |
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