Job Discussion Forums

Patepluma · Joined: 09 Jun 2014 Posts: 1 Location: United States

I have an MA TESL & taught at the university level in the USA for ten years until getting downsized. Got a computer programming degree and have been doing that for sixteen years. Entering my late 50s, I'm looking at taking early retirement in the next one to three years to see some of the world and teach ESL again.

I'm interested in connecting with other older ESL teachers who are or plan to be vagabond ESL teachers to exchange thoughts on the lifestyle and jobs. It seems like it's mostly younger people out there. javascript:emoticon(' Very Happy

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In the early 80s I was in the Peace Corps (Honduras) and have spent a lot of time in Latin America. I'm mostly interested in teaching/traveling in that region (especially Medellin and Buenos Aires), but would like to see other areas such as Southeast Asia, Turkey, and Eastern Europe. Currently based in Chicago.

Don

suphanburi · Joined: 20 Mar 2014 Posts: 916

Ask your questions. There are lots of us "older folks" out here.

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nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

If I understand you, you haven't been in an ESL classroom for the past 16 years. That could be more of a strike against you than your age if you expect to get a TEFL job that's above entry level. That said, since your skills are very likely to be quite rusty, seriously consider enrolling in a CELTA or other onsite 120-hour TEFL cert course that offers supervised teaching practice with real students. You're not limited to CELTA/TEFL courses in Chicago; you're bound to find teacher training in the country/region where you want to teach, which might be a better option for you.

Your teaching experience was only in the USA, so also be aware that your idea of a vagabond or backpacking TEFL lifestyle isn't the thing nowadays as more overseas employers sign teachers on one-year, renewable contracts.

mzuri · Joined: 30 May 2011 Posts: 78

I"m a vagabond teacher of a certain age, and I teach English online to professional adults.

This means I can live where I want as long as the internet connection is reliable and fast enough for a Skype connection (which most of the time is audio only). I have the same students throughout their contract, so we're able to establish a relationship and maintain continuity of learning.

This may or may not be up your alley, but while you're thinking of returning to teaching in a year or longer, you may want to check it out.

Feel free to PM me if you'd like details.