Job Discussion Forums

LisaBfromUSA · Joined: 15 Aug 2015 Posts: 1 Location: USA

I know my question sounds simplistic, but I'm asking if it's possible given my circumstances:

I'm 55. I was told that women can't be older than 53, for some reason.

I have health problems (diabetes, for example). They don't prevent me from working, but recruiters/hirers from China say I must not have any health problems.

I have a college degree, but not in teaching or English. I don't have a TEFL certification. I have some teaching experience, but more corporate training than in a school.

I can't afford anything. I'll need the employer to pay for the plane, accommodations, etc. - everything - until I start earning a paycheck. I know some places will do this, but not all.

I don't want a hot climate. That lets out much of Asia, I know.

I need to start as soon as possible. (I know I have to find a job first and get a background check, etc.)

Is it possible in my circumstances? Which countries or schools would be most likely to hire me?

If it makes a difference, I'm willing to teach any age group. Most of the responses I got from posting a message on this website were for preschoolers and younger children. I enjoy younger kids, but I have work experience in the medical and IT fields, and thought that might be a selling point for college students and adults wanting to learn the English for those industries.

Thanks.

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

Your age, lack of a TEFL cert, zero TEFL experience, and climate preference all work against you. The Peace Corps would be an option, but it sounds like you want an income rather than a stipend.

What countries were those responses from?

suphanburi · Joined: 20 Mar 2014 Posts: 916

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

Europe is out for you for two reasons - your nationality precludes you from entry-level work in Western Europe, and your lack of funds means that you cannot afford the start-up costs required for the European countries where US citizens are able to work legally.

Unfortunately, EFL is not a safety net kind of job for people without formal qualifications or enough savings to get started. This was more likely 20 years ago, but now there are plenty of people on the job market.

Nicky_McG · Joined: 24 Apr 2006 Posts: 190

Usually I find replies too negative on here but I really think it's not a viable option mainly due to your lack of funds an experience. I think it'd be rare for any company to pay all your costs upfront (at least in Europe I've never heard of this) when there are teachers probably already on the ground. The fact you don't want a hot climate will also limit you as the kind of places that pay (or used to pay) well have very hot climates.

In summary, lack of funds is your main problem (much more than lack of certification). The only option I could think of would be to teach online, though that's not usually very well paid.

santi84 · Joined: 14 Mar 2008 Posts: 1317 Location: under da sea

MotherF

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

PittsburghSound · Joined: 27 Aug 2014 Posts: 103 Location: Colombia

OP:

I'm 55. I was told that women can't be older than 53, for some reason.

- In some countries they have age limits for work visas. If your age doesn't legally prevent you from working, then a school in Latin America or some Asian countries will take you.

I have health problems (diabetes, for example). They don't prevent me from working, but recruiters/hirers from China say I must not have any health problems.

- Documented health problems do limit your options somewhat, but not everywhere.

I have a college degree, but not in teaching or English. I don't have a TEFL certification. I have some teaching experience, but more corporate training than in a school.

- This is completely acceptable in many locations.

I can't afford anything. I'll need the employer to pay for the plane, accommodations, etc. - everything - until I start earning a paycheck. I know some places will do this, but not all.

- This will be your biggest issue, I agree with a previous poster. The places where you will find ESL teaching jobs given your background are the places where you will need to fly there first with resume in hand and knock on doors.

I don't want a hot climate. That lets out much of Asia, I know.

- In that case, I suggest you research the following locations and see how they would suit you: Bogotá, Quito, and Medellín. You won't have to worry about hot climates in these places, and there is plenty of work available, especially in Bogotá and Quito. Medellín is a much smaller city, and it is very popular with expats. The teaching market there could be pretty saturated.

Not so in the other two. Plus, since you will need to save up for airfare, these countries won't cost you TOO much for flights. If you're interested in learning more about teaching in Quito, you might want to reach out to a member here who goes by HLJHLJ. For Bogotá contact spanglish. They will be able to give you more information than I.

I need to start as soon as possible. (I know I have to find a job first and get a background check, etc.)

- Actually as of now Colombia does not require a background check. All you need for the work visa is your degree and a letter from the school that will hire you.

ESL is still a possibility for you, but your options are limited. I think Latin America is your best bet, specifically the locations I mentioned. Chile (Santiago) has a voracious demand for English teachers, but the cost of the plane tickets and the cost of living until you get a job and a paycheck are quite high there. It's definitely a great option if you can come up with the funds though.