Job Discussion Forums

[Nikola Tesla]

Hello,

I am interested in transitioning to a career of teaching English as a foreign language. My prior work experience for the past 12 years has been in Engineering and management, but I have recently become very interested in experiencing other countries and cultures while teaching English to adults and children.

My question is whether it is possible to teach English as a means to travel the world. I would make a 1-3 year commitment in each country and am interested in working throughout the various continents until I retire. I can be financially frugal when needed in order to meet my goals. Also, would potential employers consider me to be disloyal or a "job jumper" with various countries in my CV?

I am a white male, 38 years old, single, do not have children, and from the United States. I have a Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering Technology. I intend on taking a CELTA course in Vietnam this autumn.

Thank you in advance for your input!

[nomad soul]

In terms of "job hopping," most TEFL positions are for at least a one-year contract, so one to three-year commitments are normal. Some teachers choose to stay with an employer much longer for various reasons, including saving up a bit.

You didn't say which countries you're interested in, but as an American, you'll be restricted as to where you can teach in Europe. Asia and Latin America are popular regions for TEFL jobs; whereas, the Middle East can be limiting as well as challenging. We don't mention the African continent much in this forum, but there may be some countries there that interest you. Definitely browse the country-specific forums on this site for qualifications, potential earnings, benefits, etc., along with the do's/don'ts. Also, consider your management experience for possible business English opportunities.

[Sashadroogie]

Ditto what Nomad Soul said. 12 months a contract is loyalty enough.

Go for it! Come to Russia too.

Good luck!

[tttompatz]

[spiral78]

I agree with both aspects of what's been pointed out above.

One year is sufficient for most employers to feel that you're worthwhile.
From your end, however, it's a bit tougher. As a newbie in country and school, you can expect the least-desirable schedules and lowest pay. The better schedules and pay raises obviously go to people who've paid some dues at a school and who have built up local contacts and reputation, not to mention language skills.

[coledavis]

I agree with all of the above, plus would add one point: a specialism such as engineering, especially if you have some useful employment experience, may open extra doors. E.g. in addition to your basic teaching job, you may do some proof-reading for local industrial companies, or more teaching/conversational work with them. With a year's teaching here and another there, you may even get a direct employment contract as a teacher with a company, which might mean reasonable pay (not usually the case in this here line of work).

[the_otter]

Just here to reiterate what coledavis said. Your knowledge of specialised engineering language could prove really useful. A lot of engineers here in Germany need English, and people like me (humanities degree people, that is) don't always have much of a clue about how to teach them.

[Sashadroogie]

Yip. Technical writing etc. Good opportunities for proofreading.

[misteradventure]

With an engineering background you could convince people that you were a better gamble than a recent college grad. Of course, his also means you must learn how to market your skills and abilities. The one who stoops down to go door-to-door and self-funds the air fare is a better choice than Mister Perfect who sends resume/CV packets by email all over the world.