Job Discussion Forums

[jasonlmk]

Hello everyone who might read this, I'm a 24yrs old, male, who is currently working as a graphic designer for a very famous brand in my country.

However, I've grown extremely unsatisfied with my current job and want to take a 180 degree turn and completely change path; And teach English (others) abroad.

While I am really motivated to start this new adventure, and I'm also aware that it might be difficult and full of obstacles such as (being a Non native closing lots to doors) but that's what I've set my mind to and i will do it !

My current qualifications are

- the Cambridge School Certificate,

- the Cambridge Higher School Certificate ,

- a Degree of bachelor of Science in Design and Color Applications for Industry,

- the IC3 Certification (Internet Core Competency certification) and

- the French Alliance Diploma with mention ' 'Well ''

- Currently doing an TEFL Online Course (While still working to save some money)

-Will apply for a Celta in November

-Will do an IELTS test in October

Also while I may not be considered as an English native speaker, because i live in Mauritius, we Mauritian are multilingual people ! We are considered both an English-speaking and French-speaking nation. (We speak English, French, Mauritian Creole, French-based Creole.)

Our government uses English as its main language; as Mauritius was once under the British rule.

Moreover, i would like to push in my resume that I'm fluent at speaking french and writing too if needed and also i have skills in Art and Craft works being an Art & Design Student at A Level Cambridge and University level + Working as a Graphic designer for 2 years now in Textile Industry.

I would like to have your advice, guidance, and experience on what would i need to do to successfully achieve my goals at teaching English abroad.

Also from the non native whom have succeeded in teaching abroad how have you managed to land a job etc.

My favorites countries are China, Japan and S.Korea.

Thanks.

[suphanburi]

South Korea is a no-go. Wrong passport.

China and Japan are possible.

Get a recognized (in Asia) language proficiency test done (TOEIC, TOEFL, IELTS). This is often a visa requirement for people from countries not on the top 6-7 Anglophone country list.

It will also open up SE Asia to you.

Additionally, you WILL need a current police check (less than 6 months old).
You will also need both your original AND an authenticated true copy of your degree made.
You will also NEED university sealed transcripts of your academic record (also a visa requirement).

.

[Mikalina]

Sounds like you have the one thing that is needed in the TEFL world and that's determination. Can't help you practically, sorry. I just woke up one day and realised I owned something I could sell.

Good luck, anyway. My great grandmother came from Mauritius.

[jasonlmk]

@suphanburi That's sad as i really wanted to teach there (S.Korea) but i am relieved that China and Japan can be possible despite being non native. Do you by any chance know what score do they require ?

@Mikalina Thanks alot !

[santi84]

Have you considered Thailand and Cambodia?

China won't accept you for legal work either (visa regulations). Obviously, there are teachers working illegally everywhere in China but I certainly wouldn't recommend that.

Japan is a highly competitive market these days so I think you'd really be facing stiff competition. Check the Japan forum for current advice from those currently in the job market.

[suphanburi]

[jasonlmk]

@suphanburi Okay noted ! Thank you very much for the replies !

@santi84 While China, Japan and S.Korea are my first choices, i understand that it might be very difficult to land a job there at first and i also keep in mind that Thailand can be an option too ! However I've read that theres too they request native English speaker.

[voyagerksa]

China is becoming more and more difficult to work at for people working under the table. We just had a non native unable to come back because he couldn't procure any kind of visa to get back in. It's really kind of stupid because China is desperate for teachers, but the powers that be seem to be stuck with some kind of idiotic standard which just damages the ESL teaching in their country. Reminds me of Saudi Arabia.

[jasonlmk]

@voyagerksa that's so true ! I've done some research and noted that the chances for me to land a job in the UAE, are close to 0%, that's why i prefer to move to Asia.

[nomad soul]