Job Discussion Forums

Kesavah · Joined: 08 Apr 2005 Posts: 15

Hello everyone,

I've been lurking around this forum for a little while now and this will be my first post! From what I've read you all seem to be great sources of information, so I would like your honest opinion on something.

First of all I am 30 years old, I have a CIS diploma (Computer Information Systems) and I have no teaching experience. I have volunteered in the ESL classes at the local college for a few months, and I have a few conversation partners from the same ESL classes that I meet with weekly. When I first began investigating a new career in TESOL a few months ago, I ended up taking the course with Global. I know, I know, probably not the best move, but I live in a small town and the four week course offered at the local college had been postponed numerous times and was finally canceled until the end of this year. The Global course was offered in the town next to mine and seemed like the best option while I continued to work, pay off my student loan, and set up some savings. I really enjoyed the course, I feel like it got me into the right frame of mind, and my volunteering has been lots of fun!

My issue is this: Do I have enough to begin teaching in Indonesia? I am the type of person who loves to be organized and prepared, my friends know me as the Budget Queen! And, because of my excellent budgeting prowess I am finding that I will have even more money than I originally planned for. So, to make a long story short, if you advise taking a four week intensive TESOL course (Winfield College in Vancouver looks good right now), I am willing to admit I made a mistake with Global and invest some money in upgrading my training.

Thanks in advance for your help everyone! Ta ta for now...

Kesavah · Joined: 08 Apr 2005 Posts: 15

Gosh, 43 views but no replies? I hope I didn't accidentally offend anyone with my question. I really am a nice gal, honest! Very Happy

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

Ok, I'll bite and answer your post.

guru · Joined: 27 Jan 2003 Posts: 156 Location: Indonesia

just apply for an EF job and you've got a very good chance. look at jobs offered on eslcafe and look at tefl.com
i don't think people replied because getting a job with a degree is not a problem. if you have a degree, are keen, and committed for a year then there's lots of jobs here. In actual fact many schools are desperate for teachers.

you sound keen and you sound like you are committed to teach professionally. That's what schools want and students need. Just apply!

guruengerish · Joined: 28 Mar 2004 Posts: 424 Location: Australia

Maybe you didn't get replies as people wondered what 'fall' meant.

Just kidding, but autumn does not occur in Asia. it's hot and wet or hot and dry. So presumably you're talking about a season somewhere north of Mexico. You just need to decide which of these wet or dry seasons you want to arrive in.

Some areas have reverse seasons, and the wet season in Java could well be the dry season elsewhere in pats of Indonesia.

Kesavah · Joined: 08 Apr 2005 Posts: 15

Thanks everyone, your advice is much appreciated! I'm just going to dive in and see what happens...

guruengerish · Joined: 28 Mar 2004 Posts: 424 Location: Australia

Yeah, just do what most of us did and dive in. Do read up before you leave, and at the very least, bring some Lonely Planet books with you. They'll be cheaper than in Indonesia and no doubt the latest edition.

Once you start travelling around, you'll find the books very handy.

Good luck and selamat jalan!