Job Discussion Forums

[joshuazarwel]

Hello everyone,

I am new to these boards and heard about Dave's through a news letter my school gives out to students who are interested in teaching.

My background/education:
I'm a current college student in my mid twenties enrolled in a combined BA/MA program majoring in economics and social thought here at NYU. I have another three years before I graduate with both degrees. I also studied German in Germany for a good while after high school. I plan to apply to a TESOL certificate program at Columbia after I finish here at NYU. The certificate will take only one semester, is 18 credits and three workshops. The certificate is a full time in residence program.

I am VERY interested in going overseas to teach English after I finish school. I have very little teaching experience other than tutoring. I am a gregarious person who gets along with others VERY well. I'm a Caucasian male with a deep voice (if that makes any difference) and speak clear concise English. English is my mother tongue and I also speak German at a fluent level.

I'd like to teach English for two to five years before returning to the US to pursue a PhD. One day I want to teach Economics and/or math at the college or university level.

Having "done" the whole Euro thing; I'm more interested in Asia. The experience is MUCH more important to me than the money. I am considering applying to the Peace Corp and see if they can assign me to an Asian country. If that doesn't work out; I will look for work myself, in the private sector or teaching at a public school/whatever.

What advice can you give me in general? Any ideas of where there is a good amount of demand for English teachers? What would be a good program for a recent college grad who wants to teach in Asia? Has anyone here taught in the Peace Corp.?

Any other advice would be great, and I'm sure I'll think of more questions to add to this thread.

Thanks and Regards,
Josh

[travelingirl68]

I taught in Central Asia in the Peace Corps from 2002-2004. I would definitely recommend the experience. You said you are in your mid-twenties, what other things have you done before starting your program? That I had worked a few years before joining definitely gave me more options when I applied.

If you have specific questions, feel free to PM me.

[dyak]

I've taught some rocks in my time.

[Glenski]

Have you looked into the JET Programme?

[Justin Trullinger]

I guess I misunderstood the topic (as did Dyak)

I thought you were talking about my students.

I would say that if you want the opportunity to teach rocks, Latin America is a good choice. (Southern Europe wouldn't be bad either, but you said you'd "done" Europe. )

Good Luck,
Justin

[dyak]

Yes, they were really 'orrible Chinese and Korean students

I need a holiday.

[Justin Trullinger]

Okay, sounds like Asia is a good place to teach rocks as well. I guess you can probably find them all over the world.

I'd try the beach, Dyak. Wear sunscreen!

[SueH]

[joshuazarwel]

lol. Well, maybe the title of my post was a bad choice. I meant it in a positive way aka: "Teaching is cool!" but it came out like I wanted to teach rocks or students that are like rocks, lol. Maybe I should have typed "Teachers Rock!"

What is the deal with the "JET Program?" I've heard of it a couple of times on these boards, but know nothing about it.

What do you think would be a good match for me as per my education and background/interests.

Thanks again!
Josh

[dyak]

[Glenski]

[joshuazarwel]

Wow. The JET program looks pretty good. Looks competitive to get into according to some reading I've done. What are the typical qualifications of an accepted applicant? Do you think my education/background is acceptable even with no teaching experience other than tutoring? I may get some TA time in as well.

thanks.