Job Discussion Forums

[kkookie99]

Hi All

I've been reading the logs here and really interested in getting your opinions and advice about my situation.

I'm not a native english speaker ( chinese but born in Manila, Philippines) currently working and living in Auckland, New Zealand. I'm 23 and working as a Marketing Executive for an ISP.

ANyway Im in a cross road in my life and Im keen to make a move in the next 6 -8 months. My questions before I go ahead with is ..

1. How difficult is it to find a job if you're not a native english speaker? Im looking at working either in China, Thailand or even Spain.

2. WHat course? There are so many courses out there and so many institutes its not funny. Im looking at tesol at www.teachinternational.com and CELTA at GEOS Auckalnd Language center.

So my question is does it make a HUGE difference to study CELTA ?

3. Where is the best place to look for jobs ( silly question ) i know since this is probably the place but do you know anywhere else?

4. When people say there isnt much money to make in teaching english exactly how much less are we looking at ? Im earning about 2,000 NZD a month ( net) so I guess in comparison how much less are we looking at.


Those are my starting questions, appreciate heaps your advice,comments and opinions.

Hope to hear from you guys soon.

[sigmoid]

It's not impossible for someone from the Philipines to get an English teaching job in Thailand, but there are already so many there that you'd have A LOT of competition.

I think it would also be very difficult for you to work in Spain without an EU passport.

I think having a certificate would make a big difference for a non-native speaker.

Do a websearch for job websites. There are many. This site has an international job board with a link at the top of this page.

http://www.eslcafe.com/joblist/

Salaries in Thaialnd are generally below 1000 USD. China's salaries are a bit lower, but include accommodation. I think you might have a better chance of getting a job there. Anyway, there's heaps of info on the internet. do some research. This is a good place to start.

[stillnosheep]

Get a CELTA to demonstrate seriousness and help overcome the disadvantage (in the eyes of many potential employers) of your not being a native English speaker and check your subject headings for typos; and do not expect to earn anything like your present salary for many years to come.

[guangho]

Do you have a New Zealand passport? If so, that may help overcome the "stigma" of being an immigrant. A greater concern is your race. In East Asia (Japan, Korea, Taiwan and- although they can't afford to be choosy- China), white is good, black is bad, and Asian is at best "tolerable."

[kkookie99]

Hi All,

From the time I posted my message, I spent about 7 months thinking about it and now I have finally decided to go and teach. However, that's the first step.

Now I need to apply for a teaching english job ! how scary and exicting. I have decided to start with Thailand in Bangkok for now and see what happens after.

I've got my cv ready and posted my resume on the cv but I havent had much bites- I know this is probably a big ask but I wondered if someone would be nice enough or if someone would have the time to have a quick look at my cv and give me your thoughts and feedback.

if anyone is interested please pm me. or email - [email protected]

Thanks.