Job Discussion Forums

speechvo · Joined: 09 Oct 2006 Posts: 3

I'm 24 yo living in Northern California. I have a master degree in speech-language pathology. I have experience working with infants, children, and adults with various speech/language impediments. Do I need to get TESL or any special certification to teach overseas? I'm interested in only working during the summer months (approx 3 mos). Is that a possibility? I'm really interested in doing accent reduction with adults in Asia. I'm not interested in teaching English. Any suggestions?

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

tedkarma · Posted: Thu Oct 12, 2006 12:11 am Post subject:

Asia is a pretty big place!

Narrow down your choices a bit and where or what you might teach might become more apparent?

With your specific skills you might try developing a package of training that could be offered to teachers rather than students. Perhaps a weekend seminar of the basic skills in which you are a specialist? More of a consultant role? It could be that call centers or larger language school chains might be interested in something like that.

The problem with summer work is that most schools/programs are a bit wary of people who come and go quickly - and don't have to wait around and be accountable for the results of their ideas/suggestions/changes (be they good or bad).

kparsons · Joined: 30 Jun 2005 Posts: 63 Location: Hanoi, Vietnam

In Vietnam, summer programs are HUGE. Schools always hire teachers just for the summer term (at our school, it ran from the very end of May or beginning of June through mid-August). You aren't going to go home rolling in money, but everything you make is pretty much yours to keep, as our school pays for your housing, your visa, and a good chunk of your flight allowance.

I know I've seen loads of other schools in other countries advertising for summer teachers, so Vietnam is surely not your only option. I'm not really sure what is required for summer teachers. Usually, they're so hard up to get people into the school that they may let you slide if you don't meet all their requirements (again, that was just the case around here last year). Although, with a master's, I think you'd have a leg up on the qualies.

speechvo · Joined: 09 Oct 2006 Posts: 3

thanks for the helpful insights.

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

speechvo · Joined: 09 Oct 2006 Posts: 3

Would I be qualify to teach English without the training/certicates? I would like to work maybe in Japan or Hong Kong. I'm not planning to profit or make tons of money for the summer. I'll just be happy that the income will be enough to cover basic living costs. My goal is to work and travel at the same time without giving up my current job.

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. It helps put everything into perspective. I guess I just have to be more realistic with my plans.

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

You're not going to find work for a month in Japan. 3 months is the mimimum I have heard and that is with Westgate.

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