Job Discussion Forums

[meaconing]

Hello all,

My fiancee and I are leaving an unfortunate situation in Korea (surprise!) and we're looking to Hong Kong as a possibility.

I've got a M.A. in TESL, and my fiancee has a B.S. in English and an American teaching certification.

I've read over the forum, but still have a few questions:

1) Will being American with American degrees limit our opportunities?
and/or
2) Will having an M.A. be of any great benefit? I have experience teaching at Universities and Community Colleges in the 'states, but (surprise!) my M.A. was nothing but a hinderance in Korea. Does anyone with an American MA TESL lurk in these forums?

3) I've noticed some disagreement as to whether Just Showing Up is a good idea. We've got, essentially, another week in Korea before we leave. As time is of the essence, we feel the Showing Up Route might be our only option. (Aside from taking something quick'n'dirty in Japan/Taiwan.) Finances aren't a problem - we've got enough to be unemployed for a month or two if necessary.

4) Most importantly, will my fiancee's lack of a CELTA be an enormous problem, irrespective of her 8 months ESL experience and 5 years High School English experience back home?

Apologies if some of these questions seem redundant. I've tried to scour the forum to the best of my abilities!

Thanks in advance,
Tom

[munasa]

I don't think your fiancee will have any trouble applying for a NET position with the EMB (Education Manpower Bureau). They are interviewing all the time now. I don't think lack of a CELTA would be a problem for her. For instance, primary (elementary) teachers just have to get a CELTA during their first two year contract.

Sorry, I can't answer your questions about your Masters. There are a lot of good opportunities here for qualified teachers, which seems to be the right description for the two of you! If you have funds to support yourselves, you'll have time to look for a good job -- you won't have to take just anything.