Job Discussion Forums

marblez · Joined: 24 Oct 2004 Posts: 248 Location: Canada

Hi,

I am in my 3rd year of a BA in English (Drama Concentration) and Visual Arts. I have 8 months experience in classroom tutoring (and taught some lessons) for ESL students in high school (advanced level). My university offers a TESL certificate, which takes 2.5 years because it is offered as semester credit courses (Linguistics 101, 102, TESL specific courses and practicums - 24 credits total). I will have completed 15 of these credits by June. After my BA I will be taking the teacher certification program.

Anyways, I am interested in summer employment (or 1 semester). Is it possible to find any yet - or should I just wait until my BA is finished? I'm not looking for great salary or benefits, just some more experience.

Thanks!
(If it matters, I'm a 20 year old female - will be 21 after spring semester)

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

What country are you interested in?

ls650 · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 3484 Location: British Columbia

I would suggest finishing the degree. Getting a real life has a way of interfering with these things; if you don't finish what you've started now, the delay may stretch out longer than you think.

marblez · Joined: 24 Oct 2004 Posts: 248 Location: Canada

Glenski: I'm open to most possibilities - My first choice would be Japan because I have been studying the language for a while (my uncle also taught there and loved it, however he had a MEd). As far as I know, they do not accept non-degree applications, so my second choices would be Eastern Europe or China.

ls650: Do you know if there are summer opportunities?

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

marblez,

You won't find any summer employment in Japan, and even if you do, it will be unpaid. Moreover, you need a bachelor's degree to get a work visa and work legally, as you already seem to know. Finish your degree, keep studying Japanese (although you won't use it in the classroom very much if at all), and stay in touch.

marblez · Joined: 24 Oct 2004 Posts: 248 Location: Canada

Well, so far I have received 2 offers: both from unreputable sources in Taiwan. Perhaps one day I will get a LEGITIMATE offer, but until then, I'll take your advice and finish out the school (I'm so sick of mac'n'cheese and midterms, but what can I do?)

nolefan · Joined: 14 Jan 2004 Posts: 1458 Location: on the run

If money is not your primary concern, you got a decent chance at landing a summer position in China with most of the private schools and some of the public schools.
If you plan it well enough, you could even be in multiple summer camps all over the darn place...

marblez · Joined: 24 Oct 2004 Posts: 248 Location: Canada

Which reputable companies in China (or anywhere) can anyone recommend?

GambateBingBangBOOM · Joined: 04 Nov 2003 Posts: 2021 Location: Japan

nolefan · Joined: 14 Jan 2004 Posts: 1458 Location: on the run

The Great Wall of Whiner · Joined: 29 Jan 2003 Posts: 4946 Location: Blabbing