Job Discussion Forums

[Austrian]

Hi, I'm looking for some advice from more experienced teachers ...

Passport-wise I'm a non-native (Austrian/EU-citizen) which seems to limit my English teaching possibilities considerably. However I do have a CELTA and an Advanced Diploma in Language and Literacy, but no degree yet - 2 more years for my Master. I have some teaching experience, but only little in teaching English.

I'm 47, my professional background is in tourism, marketing, export management and for the past 12 years in graphic design. Having lived abroad before (mainly in the U.S. and Latin America) I'm considering a (small scale teaching career for the next 10-15 years?

The question is, what would really be possible for a non-native? I'm looking at China, maybe Russia or Thailand for a start. It seems quite difficult to find a decent job via the internet - should I simply go there and visit different school or start out as a volunteer (3-6 months) to get some experience?

Income is not my major concern for the time being, but of course I'd like to make some money later on.

I'd appreciate any helpful hints and comments!!!

Best wishes,
Walter

[nolefan]

Judging from your post and your credentials, I would say that you got a pretty decent chance of making it in China. I'm not sure as far as the other countries are concerned but I think you'd fine.

[Nauczyciel]

Yes, go ahead and apply for jobs in China. It can be a bit tricky to find employment in public schools, but with private ones you should do fine. People who say what matters in China is "white face" do not exaggerate so much. I taught in China last year right after graduating from BA studies in linguistics, but I am a Pole with no experience in living in an English-speaking country and it proved to be enough even to be considered by public institutes (but it was at the peak of the SARS outbreak, so do not count on that). And it is NOT difficult at all to look for jobs via the Internet. Just do a good search. And read the comments on this forum on visas, permits, insurance etc. It's vital!

Good luck

[AsiaTraveller]

If your graphic design background includes Web design and site management, you might consider using your expertise to help construct online English training for private language centres as well as colleges and universities.

Supplemental online training in English is a hot item all over the world. It can be a bigger money-maker for you than teaching, and you can do it in any Asian, Middle Eastern or Latin American country.

[Roger]

Your chances of getting a job in the PR of C are not severely restricted. This is for two reasons: teaching here is not very professional. You will quickly find out why I am saying this! The post that mentioned "white face" as a selling point has pretty much hit the nail on its head!
But you will have to adapt to this, rather them adapting to your, teaching style.
This is why I am curious to know: why do you want to spend the next ten to fifteen years teaching? And, in China of all places...

By the way: have you posted this or a similar question earlier? Every year an Austrian guy is asking the same question.
And: "Austria" quite readily gets confused with Australia by the CHinese! That may be your advantage!

[Austrian]

Many thanks to everybody for their comments. As of now I've decided to take the voluntary road and see where it will take me ...
I've signed up with Travel and Teach in Thailand (www.travel-to-teach.org) for 2 months starting in January and for another 3 months in Yantai, China with Global Volunteer Network (www.volunteer.org.nz).
This should give me some time for testing the waters and looking for a paid job later on.
Whether I'll prefer China or Thailand I don't know yet, I guess there are pros and cons for either one, the money seems to be pretty much the same, Thailand seems to be easier going, but I might be wrong. But it is difficult to decide from thousands of miles away, nevertheless this board and it's contributors have been extremely helpful!
Thanks again.
Walter