Job Discussion Forums

rippentaire · Joined: 08 Nov 2014 Posts: 5

So, I'll try not bore you guys with a lot of fluff.

I'm 25, fresh out of university since this May, with a B.S. in Mathematics. Currently, I have no job experience on my "resume". I've skimmed through some discussions on teaching English elsewhere, which has left me with the impression that might present a problem in some markets.

For somebody in my boat, what's a good country to aim for? In particular, I'd like to teach older kids or adults, though I understand I can't be real choosy.

Also, I'm sure it's a much less open market, but does anybody know about teaching non-English subjects (particularly mathematics, since that's my thing) overseas?

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

rippentaire · Joined: 08 Nov 2014 Posts: 5

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

If you're not from the UK (I guess you are American, from your use of the word resume), probably Asia is the easiest. It's a big market, fairly easy to find work from abroad, and the pay is reasonable at the newbie level most places. Go to the China, Japan, or (separate) Korea forums for more info.

If you're from the UK, Europe is easy for you - but you'll need a CELTA or equivalent. Ideally, get this in the country where you want to start teaching, and probably in the summer, ready for the peak hiring period of September.

As far as teaching maths, nomadsoul is correct - unless you have a teaching qualification that makes you attractive to international schools (usually good gigs!), it's unlikely. Keep in mind that public/state schools don't usually offer maths in English - it's almost always taught in the local language.

rippentaire · Joined: 08 Nov 2014 Posts: 5

Oh, right, whoops. Not sure why I didn't mention that I'm an American anywhere.

Asia it is, then. I actually interviewed with an English school in Japan once but was turned down pretty quickly. Granted, it had a less-than-stellar reputation by all indications, so it's probably better I didn't get it.

Anyway, I'll go trawl those forums for more info. Cheers to the both of you for the answers.

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

There's also TNTP, if you're interested in using your math degree (http://tntpteachingfellows.org/). Do a couple of years in the program after you're certified, and then head overseas to make more money teaching math than English.