Job Discussion Forums

Heresy · Posted: Fri Aug 26, 2005 12:14 am Post subject: Hello world.

Hi everyone!

I'm a long time lurker, first time poster. I just thought I should introduce myself before I politely bombard you with questions.

My name's Adam, I'm currently on work placement (internship) during my 3rd year of a 4 year Honors Degree in Software & Electronics Engineering.
I've had a very keen interest in computers from a young age, and coming from a fairly poor family in Belfast I saw it as a suitable way to secure an enjoyable and comfortable future.

Throughout this year it has dawned on me that I am not suited to the career I've been working towards. Does this sound familiar to anyone?

Working beside people from a similar background to myself, struggling for promotions and stressing themselves to the point of illness has been a real eye opener. I need to feel that what I do for a living makes a difference to people, rather than an increase of figures on a chart.

I volunteered to supervise college kids in a scheme called the Young Enterprise where kids are encouraged to set up a business and attempt to make a profit in order to learn enterprise skills. I really enjoyed the teaching assistant role I played and it was what first gave me the inkling of teaching. I've always had a strong urge to travel, and always enjoyed the very few package holidays I had a kid, and having to uproot and move to wales for my internship gave me very itchy feet.

All the above factors combined made me give ESL serious consideration. I've spent nearly 5 months reading posts here and I'd really like to become part of the community. I hope to be able to give something back for all the knowledge I've already picked up here.

Sorry for the long post guys, and sorry for the nerdy subject title, I couldn't resist! Laughing

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Thanks for the background description. I hope I don't sound too harsh if I ask.... did you have a question to ask? About the only advice I can give is this.

1. Finish your degree.
2. Decide on a country (or two, or three, etc.) and research it.
3. Consider getting TEFL training or experience.

Heresy · Posted: Fri Aug 26, 2005 3:33 am Post subject:

Hi Glen, thanks for the advice.

Yeah I do have a couple of questions:

Firstly, I'm planning to enroll on a TEFL course in Belfast in november. It's with Tefl Ireland and is a 60 hour course including self study. I know that 100 hours is the recommended duration but due to my location I don't really have a choice. I'm sure the intensive weekend would be more beneficial than an online course. So I was hoping someone might check out the course details for me and help me make sure it's worth my hard borrowed student loan.

Secondly, money is a very necessary evil unfortunately. And since Japan is definately one of the countries I hope to teach in, can someone please give me tips that would ensure my acceptance onto the JET program. I've heard from several sources that it is one of the higher paid ways to teach, and would be ideal for me coming straight out of uni with my unfortunate debts.

My main plan is to work in Korea, Taiwan and Japan to help me scrape myself out of debt and to be able to afford to teach in countries that pay less, like Thailand.

I really need to ensure my first placement is relatively safe, as I won't have much money to fall back on should a school screw me over on a contract.

Again, sorry for the long post and thanks for the advice!!

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

I can't advise on the first question, but here is my 2 cents for the second.

QatarChic · Joined: 06 May 2005 Posts: 445 Location: Qatar

Welcome to the world of TEFL heresy Smile

Ok, if I were you, I'd spend a year or 18 months in the UK, to pay off your debts (or some of them) first because the only overseas option you would have of a well paid job for a newly qualified teacher (as far as I know) is with the JET programme...I'd say the better paid jobs are here in the Gulf, but you need experience and/or MA/DELTA.

I was in your position once several years ago and decided to stay put in the UK for a year or so to pay off some of my student loan etc....you could fill your time up by gaining EFL experience by teaching on a summer school in the UK- some of these schools pay well....after that you will be in a better position to teach overseas Smile

Oh yes...here is a good site a friend recommended http://www.moneysavingexpert.com there's a good section for students etc

Good luck whatever you decide Very Happy

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

Heresy · Posted: Fri Aug 26, 2005 2:00 pm Post subject:

Wow! Thanks for the replies everyone!

Just to clarify, I've always intended on finishing my degree. I'd hate to drop out now and have a huge debt with nothing to show for it. Smile

Eventually I'd like to do a Masters in a subject, I'm not sure which subject yet but I'll probably decide over time. I want to make sure that if I ever did stop TEFLing that I'd reduce the struggles returning to "normal" life.

I think I'll apply for the JET programme, and if I'm unsuccessfull I'll spend a year hacking away at my student loan.

Maybe I'll start playing the lottery too. Laughing

EnglishBrian · Joined: 19 May 2005 Posts: 189

Remember that most TEFl salaries are so low you'll be able to defer paying back the student loans company (if not credit cards etc.) indefinitely. I finished studying in '92 and I've been in TEFL 7 years - only just started paying back the loans this year. Worth keeping an eye on whether the salary (thinking Japan, Korea and Taiwan mostly here) just tips you into the group who have to pay - it could be a false economy taking such a job.

Personally I wouldn't mess about in the UK. If you want to go, go. Get the degree (it's a simple visa requirement demanded of all foreign workers in many countries), get the best TEFL cert. you can afford, and go. That's my advice. And don't be surprised if you carefully plan for months and have it absolutely certain you're going to, say, Japan - then a week before you fly find that something's changed and you're actually off to Venezuela. That's normal for the business.

Good luck to you.

Heresy · Posted: Sat Aug 27, 2005 11:10 am Post subject:

Thanks for the advice Brian.

Did you mount any interest on your loan in the time you were TEFLing?

Also, I've wondered about pensions. Do TEFL teachers arrange their own pension while they work, or join a scheme provided by the schools? Or is it common place to just put aside pension payments while TEFLing?

QatarChic · Joined: 06 May 2005 Posts: 445 Location: Qatar

Interest starts s soon as u graduate Heresy Crying or Very sad

That's why I chose NOT to defer it...everyone is different though....I knew I wanted to travel and see the world while TEFLing, so for me it was easier to work hard- play later kinda thing. However some of my mates did what English Brian suggested- they got to see mroe of the world than me, but then they had more money to pay off later...everyone is different

As for pension scemes well most people organise their own stuff- I for one, just put money aside...I'm hoping to "really"do something about it a year or two from now -I'm 29 at present...

It's good to see that you are going to finish your degree though- good on you Very Happy

PAULH · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 4672 Location: Western Japan

QatarChic · Joined: 06 May 2005 Posts: 445 Location: Qatar

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

PAULH · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 4672 Location: Western Japan

[quote="QatarChic"]

QatarChic · Joined: 06 May 2005 Posts: 445 Location: Qatar

True PaulH.... ...to each their own I guess Very Happy

The way I see it, I'm young, single and have no dependents...of course when I do settle down and have kids, my priorities will change...but for now, I just want to put money aside and spend the rest on the things I like ......