Job Discussion Forums

[ellinas]

Hello

I have a Master's degree in Economic Studies from a scottish university,and would like to teach economics/statistics/mathematical economics/econometrics in Asia.
I prefer to teach at universities,junior colleges,or even schools which include economics or statistics in their curriculum.However I dont speak japanese or korean.
I have read and heard many horror stories about recruiters/employers in Japan/Korea,even Hong Kong(to a lesser extent).Therefore,before I apply to any job I would like to do my homework.I want to research,double and triple check recruiters/employers and see how reliable they are.
I want to avoid uneccesary hassles,wasting money and time,and frustration.
Does anybody know reliable employers/recruiters who can recruit someone like myself with 1 year's proven teaching experience as a tutor at a university,and a Master's degree in economics?

[The_Hanged_Man]

Honestly with no language ability and a lack of a teaching certification I think your options would be very limited. Perhaps you could find a position with a 2nd teir (or lower) international school that isn't strict with its hiring policy, but for the most part they require certification plus 2 years of teaching experience at the appropriate level. Also, there are a few English speaking universities, but those generally require a PhD and/or publications for a position.

[Glenski]

Universities in Japan require English teachers to have a master's degree, plus publications, some fluency in Japanese, plus experience working in Japan. I would expect that econ/math teachers would need much more proficiency in Japanese. Looks like that rules out Japan for you.

[tedkarma]

I have an MBA in addition to an M.Ed. and some TEFL stuff. My experience teaching business-related courses (which I certainly do prefer) is that it has usually come THROUGH my TEFL-related job.

In other words, I was usually hired as an EFL teacher and got assigned (or even reassigned once) to business or computer courses. I probably was selected, at times, due to my more diverse experience and education though.

I have taught business and economics to students in Saudi; Organizational Behavior, Accounting, Psychology, and more to Thai students; and was even offered a math position once by virture of a friends TEFL interview!

But, I have to say, those opportunities would not have fed me well had I depended on only those type jobs. As an enjoyable alternative when it comes up - great! As a bread-and-butter occupation - very difficult. I am not suggesting that YOU couldn't make it work. Only, that it has would have been very difficult for me.

[Brooks]

maybe places like Hong Kong, Singapore or Malaysia would have suitable positions.

[saint57]

I live in Malaysia and I teach international business. My friend teaches economics. We teach at the pre-university level. A master's degree would get you extra pay, but a teaching degree is the only way to get the job.