Job Discussion Forums

[lyla]

I've noticed that there are a lot of job postings for employment starting in September. Ideally, I would like to start teaching more towards the end of the year so that I can save up more money before heading overseas. Does anyone know what the demand is for teachers at different times of the year? If there is very little need for teachers in November or December, I'd consider leaving earlier. Which countries hire at which times of the year? (Basically interested in China, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, or South and Central America)

Also, how much luck have any of you had with getting jobs in these countries via telephone interviews?

[tedkarma]

Many countries have different prime hiring seasons. It would probably be best to ask on the boards for the specific countries - so you can get the input of people on the ground there - rather than speculative answers.

Korea - hiring is good all year round for BA/BS type postions in the hogwans.

If you have a graduate degree and are looking for a university position then October/November for the school year that starts about March 1st, and May/June for the second semester that starts about September 1st.

[sigmoid]

The second term [semester] in Thailand starts in November.

[denise]

Although there are prime hiring seasons (which of course vary according to the country), there are always jobs available--a quick search of the jobs page here or www.tefl.com will show you that schools are always looking for teachers. Private language institutes, especially those that have a lot of business English classes, don't necessarily follow academic calendars.

I've gotten jobs in three different countries via telephone interviews. Many people might say that face-to-face interviews are better (my first job was via a face-to-face, but that was because I was lucky enough to already be in the country), but I guess I've just gotten really lucky. No problems to speak of yet. I prefer the security of having a job and visa lined up before I hop on a plane.

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[nolefan]

For China, I firmly believe that the spring sememster is the best time to come over. By signing a one year contract with a university, you will be able to get 2 months of paid vacation over the summer and you might even get another month a half for the winter break.
When you sign up during the fall, they will try to get you to sign a 10 month contract so that they can get away from paying you extra.

[tesol1]

Many countries time their mass-hiring with the spring and fall semesters in the Western World. Many differ. But you can find jobs just about anytime, anywhere.

August/September and January/February are definitely the best time in China, however.

Other links include: eslmonkeys.com

markseslworld.com

eslme.com

tesall.com

eslteachersboard.com

transitionsabroad.com

etc. There are many more out there, these are just a few to get you started.

You can also try typing ESL jobs in (your country) into a major search engine. This should turn up lots of geographically specific listings.