Job Discussion Forums

fat_chris · Joined: 10 Sep 2003 Posts: 3198 Location: Beijing

I'm currently teaching at a grade school in New York City and am starting to hate it. I love teaching, just not kids. I'm also getting the travel itch again and am really jonesin' to throw myself back into Over There. So I think I should float through this year, start making some plans, save some scratch, and head back to Asia as of September, 2007.

I was looking around and I discovered the ELF program through the US State Department.

My question is, for those of you familiar with ELF, what would be most suitable for me, the Junior Fellows program or the Senior Fellows program?

I'm thinking I could apply for the Senior Fellows. I served in the Peace Corps in China for three years as a teacher trainer (helped develop exams, led conferences with teachers, served as the keynote speaker at municipal teachers conferences) and I worked as a high school teacher's assistant in Austria for two years.

Thanks,
fat_c

GWUstudent · Joined: 29 Aug 2006 Posts: 29 Location: Washington DC

Do you have an MA TEFL? I don't know much about the fellows program, but thought that was a requirement.

fat_chris · Joined: 10 Sep 2003 Posts: 3198 Location: Beijing

I will have an MA in TESOL from Teachers College, Columbia University by August 1, 2007.

My question is: how do I know if I should apply for the Junior Fellows or Senior Fellows program? I would definitely be qualified for the Juniors and feel I may be qualified for the Seniors as well.

Many thanks.

Irish · Joined: 13 Jan 2003 Posts: 371

One problem with applying as a senior fellow is that they want people with significant post MA experience. You've got the experience but it's pre MA. That may not necessarily exclude you outright (although I suspect it does) but the competition is pretty stiff, particularly for certain regions, and you'll be up against people with years of post MA work.

Why not contact the recruitment center that covers the New York region and ask them if your pre MA experience would count in a senior fellow application? You might not be eligible for the senior fellow program but you look very competitive for a junior fellowship. Better to discuss it with the regional officer first than going to the trouble of putting in a senior fellow application and having it rejected outright because you don't meet their criteria.

fat_chris · Joined: 10 Sep 2003 Posts: 3198 Location: Beijing

Irish,

Many thanks for your response and your advice.

As I have begun to look into this more, it is more apparent to me that applying for a Junior Fellowship is indeed the way to go as you have indicated to me. I'm quite interested in a position in Asia.

Thanks again!

fat_c

Irish · Joined: 13 Jan 2003 Posts: 371

Glad to help fat_c.

Keep us updated on how it goes. Applying to the ELF program is a long process but it definitely seems worthwhile based on the assignments offered. I'm sure others will be interested in hearing about your experience with the process and -- hopefully -- your ultimate placement somewhere in Asia.

Good luck!

GWUstudent · Joined: 29 Aug 2006 Posts: 29 Location: Washington DC

How did you end up teaching at a high school in austria??

Sounds like you have great work experience. Good luck to you and keep us updated...I would love to know if you make it into the fellows program:)

DainaJ · Joined: 26 Jul 2006 Posts: 62

Yes, please update us. This is an interesting program. I forwarded the information to my husband, who might apply for a junior fellow position as well.

JZer · Joined: 16 Jan 2005 Posts: 3898 Location: Pittsburgh

fat_chris · Joined: 10 Sep 2003 Posts: 3198 Location: Beijing

ibasiram · Joined: 24 Mar 2003 Posts: 107

About that senior fellows program. It seems really good, but as you say for the very experienced.
Does anyone know of any similar program for European native speakers?