Job Discussion Forums

[The Goblin Queen]

Hi there! I'm Meghan, and I live in Vancouver, BC. I'm sure there's been a bazillion posts about how to start getting going and where to go, etc., etc.. But! I thought I'd present my current settings and interests and see what sort of input I recieve.
Well, I'm 21, and I'm currently attending a part-time course in herbology. But right now, I've been thinking about going overseas and teaching English.
I am extremely interested in going to Japan, since I have been a huge fan of the culture ever since I was very young. My main priorities aren't really to make a bunch of cash (I never heard of that until I started asking people about teaching overseas). I mean, don't get me wrong, it WOULD be nice (since I am unemployed) if I come across the opportunity. But I am not out just to make a bunch of money and leave. I AM hoping, though, to find a job that would help out with airfare and possibly housing. I haven't really lived on my own yet, so help would be nice.
I would really love to experience a new place (although I love Vancouver--it's awesome!) and have an adventure, meet new people, and interact with others and learn new things. I also know that not everything's all rosy and perfect, and there are many things to be aware of (for instance, shams, dodgy situations/people, etc.) and to always expect the unexpected.
I also wouldn't mind going to Hong Kong or Taiwan. (And then possibly going to Japan on vacation?)
I am mostly interested in teaching younger children (ie: kindergarten, elementary school ages). This is because I find children to generally have less of a societal filter in how they percieve the world and interact with others. They are sponges, and incredible ones at that. I also imagine that I might be able to use a lot more creativity in lesson plans and presentations.
Here and now, I would just like to get as many ducks in a row as I can, so I am as prepared as possible.
I don't have a degree, nor am I intent on getting one anytime soon. But, I am interested in taking a TESL course so I can get a bit of a heads up, since I've never taught children before. It has been suggested to me that this would be very helpful, especially in getting a job, as well. As far as I know, they also help out with placement and application. The program I'm looking into is the part-time one at Vancouver Community College. Has anyone else taken a TESL course in Vancouver? Any input/advice?
Anyway, I also need to get my passport. I guess I should get going on that now? Does anyone know how long it takes to process the application?
Also, to get a working visa, I suppose that I would wait until I am applying for jobs so I know which country to get it for?
And when I know which country I am going to, I think it might help to learn a bit of the native language so I can at least get around.
When I apply for a job, how often are places very image-concerned? Since there apparently should be a portfolio included with the resume, with a picture attached, I was wondering about what sort of filtering process most schools use. I guess most of them are different, and it depends on who is reviewing applications and whatnot. The front of my hair is bright pink, and the rest is my natural colour (light brown). I was thinking (probabaly idealistically) that having pink in my hair would be somewhat of a novelty for the kids I will be teaching. I know kids here usually quite like it, or at least it gets their attention in a neutral manner. With comments such as, "Mom, mom, look! Her hair is PINK! How is her hair pink?" and the like.
But I also realize that many educational institutions may have a dress code, or at least be quite conservative, and I would like to take that into consideration.
This is a minute detail at the moment, though.

What else should I start organizing and thinking about?
I'm sure there's lots more to do.

Any questions, comments, suggestions are welcome, as I appreciate honest advice.

You can also e-mail me at [email protected].

Thanks!

^_^

-Meghan

(x-posted in the Newbie forum)

[Sheep-Goats]

1) Teaching English is work, especially if you're teaching kids. Many English teachers find it diffucult to meet new people and see new places because they're busy working. Not that it can't be done, but understand that English teaching will interfere with that rather than enable it.

2) Western kids are little sponges with low cultural filters. Thai kids are spoiled crybabies with a list of demands and very concrete cultural expectations of their teachers. I haven't taught in Japan, but I'd imagine they vary in another respect that I haven't anticipated. Also, keep in mind that while the kids may appreciate your creativity and cross-cultural whatevers their parents might well not. And their parents have an awful lot more influence than the kids do about whether you get paid or not. Not to put you off teaching kids -- but I woudln't come into it with any expectations other than it being hard work if I were you.

3) For creativity in a lesson you generally need to work your kids up to that point over a few months -- especially in Asia -- where your starting point is generally kids who can do a gap fill and copy sentences out of a text to "answer" reading questions.

4) No degree will severly hamper you chances at getting work in Japan. It would even interfere signifigantly in Cambodia. The only thing worse than having no degree is having a non-conservative image, and pink in your hair will be nearly tantamount to disqualification from 90% of the work that's out there. Most schools will want a picture on your resume, or will require a in-person interview. Facial piercings and visible tatoos can really cut into your opportunities as well -- and while these things don't make it impossible they do make it harder to get adequate work.

Get your passport application in gear ASAP -- it can take 3 months in the states (mine took one month for a small extra fee) and I imagine the time period would be similar in Canada.

Don't expect to make money with no experience and no degree and a non-conservative image. Expect to barely get by.

There are good things about the job -- but there are bad things too. And as the profession stands as a whole people really do sacrifice a lot to try it out or to stick with it. More than they should have to, in my opinion, and I don't think that's the case with most professions.

[juststeven]

Goblin Lady,
You are very articulate in our language. I'm sure you will be an excellent teacher; however, I suggest that you complete a BA. The previous poster was 'spot on' in his advice to you. Good luck with whatever you choose!

[The Goblin Queen]

Well, I can dye my hair back to a more natural colour. The only extraneous piercings I have besides my ears is my tongue, which I could probably put a clear retainer in so it will be barely visible. I don't have any tatoos.

What are the cultural views on such things in other places like Hong Kong and Taiwan? Basically the same?

[juststeven]

They will love you in Japan! But, if you want the good jobs you need to get a BA and a cert!

[Finnegan]

Dear Goblin Queen,

Yes, as has been previously stated, a university education will not only provide you with the credentials, it will provide you the forum of time during which you can grow---in a relative safe environment (we are pretty spoiled here in BC, Can.). And, the degree will help out when you return---sorry but herbology won't cut anybody's mustard. The BA is the beginning.

[Nagoyaguy]

Hi;

I am currently teaching in Japan. As other s have said, a degree is basically a necessity, especially if companies are going to sponsor your visa. As a young Canadian, you also have the option of the Working Holiday Visa. You can probably get work as a kid's teacher\assistant, but the pay will be much lower than if you had a degree.

Pink hair, out, as others have said. The tongue piercing may have to go too. A clear piercing holder may be taboo if it is visible. Hell, even if you have more than one or two piercings per ear, it would count against you. Image counts here.

Also, if I may suggest, a new and more 'adult' email address would help when sending inquiries/resumes. Not too many schools will look favorably on 'the goblin queen' address.

Sounds like you have energy and drive to come here, that's a plus. Taking a Japanese language course would also help a lot.

Best of luck!

[Sheep-Goats]

[Chris_Crossley]

Hi, Goblin Queen!

You didn't mention mainland China, but I have taught in the city of Wuhan for just over three years.

My last full-time job was at a public-sector primary school, and, during the spring/summer semester 2004, there was an American girl who did have more than a few visible tattoos, a pierced belly-button and at least three piercings on each ear. It did not stop her from teaching at the school, although the principal did say to her that she ought to cover up her tattoos when seen in public, and not just when teaching the kids.

Also, I have met a number of people who have taught English in China despite having neither a degree nor a certificate to teach English.

Hence, you could consider mainland China as an option.

By the way, I love Vancouver, too, even if I am not from there. My previous avatar (the external URL is no longer available - boo!) was of Canada Place, but the one you see here is my replacement for that one. Taken from the Burrard Bridge, perhaps? I'm not sure.

Anyway, good luck with the choice you make, Goblin Queen! I will continue to be here in mainland China for quite some time, so I know that it is a country that I am satisfied to teach in - for now, at least!

[struelle]

You could always consider work right here in Vancouver! When I got back about a month ago from Shanghai, I was amazed at how many language schools were around, and the scope of the overall market. Although it tends to favor adults and immigrants, I've seen kid schools here too.

Another option is to go into a formal Education program, say at SFU or UBC, and go for the elementary option. You would need to volunteer and/or get teaching experience first, however, so overseas makes a lot of sense here. In our program at SFU, over 25% of the students taught in Asian countries before beginning this.

There's plenty of good advice here already, so I'll bow out and wish you good luck on what you decide!

Steve