Job Discussion Forums

PhilOffice · Joined: 21 May 2013 Posts: 23

Greetings,

I am currently actively looking for a job somewhere in the world. While I have some dream locations and places I really want to go to, I am not having the results I expected... Perhaps due to a lack of international experience. Or maybe because I am a native English speaker with a French sounding name.

I have a bachelors in ESL (4 years), as well as 2 years of experience teaching English in a Canadian Private school.

Ideally, I would like to work in an international school as an English teacher, French teacher, or primary school teacher. Frankly however, I am a bit overwhelmed, I have no idea where to start looking. It is quite easy to start a Google search, look for schools and apply, but I was wondering if somebody had a recommendation, or currently works/has worked in an international school.

If not, what type of position could I shoot for? Would universities hire me considering my experience or do I need a MA? I don't want to work in a language school either.

I know there is a job board on this site but I don't know how legit it is, and don't really know where to look considering my qualification.

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

A teaching license/certification from Canada would certainly boost your chances for international school opportunities.

OhBudPowellWhereArtThou · Joined: 02 Jun 2015 Posts: 1168 Location: Since 2003

If you have google, type in ESL Jobs.

It's pretty easy, but you'll have to do your own homework which includes reading a lot on TEFL forums and reading many contracts from schools.

jimpellow · Joined: 12 Oct 2007 Posts: 913

I would think it is a matter of not aligning your search with the proper ESL market segment.

Having said that, if your problems are within the Chinese market for international schools (the real ones), I am not completely surprised. There was a recent article about international school vacancies in China being down as a result of an exodus of foreigners from China over the last couple years.

Personally, I would educate yourself on how to find those opportunities before becoming discouraged and taking a position which is below your potential.

What are your dream destinations?