Job Discussion Forums

hansum · Joined: 14 Jan 2007 Posts: 1

I dont have any teaching experience. Just a plain old BA and no certificates. Ive been through a heck of a lot of careers, none of which really satisfied me. So I thought Ill give English teaching a try. Why not?

Which countries are best for newbies looking for experience. I need a reasonable income per month for me and my wife to live on. Korea looks good. About how much should I expect with no experience and a BA from the United States?

Also, my wife lives in Thailand. I would like to bring her over to where I work. Possible or not?

saint57 · Posted: Sat Jan 20, 2007 5:03 am Post subject:

I wrote a really long post speculating about why your wife lives in Thailand and not the States, but is willing to go to any Asian country that will let her in. However, I didn't hit submit because I believe that the post included too many stereotypes.

I know it's none of my business, but it would be great if you could explain the relationship in a way that smashes all stereotypes.

tedkarma · Posted: Sat Jan 20, 2007 10:31 pm Post subject:

Generally speaking, Korea is probably the most newbie-friendly country for TEFL. That said, it can have its problems, and not everyone loves it there.

Bringing a spouse is often quite do-able. But, you'll need to find out from your specific employer as they will, most likely, have the paperwork to do and may, or may not, want to go through the hassle.

Married people though, are often seen as more stable and less likely to bolt at the first signs of discomfort - so it probably all balances out.

GambateBingBangBOOM · Joined: 04 Nov 2003 Posts: 2021 Location: Japan

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

Am I the only one here who isn't a bit insulted with this post? From what I read, he says, "I'm not very good at anything, never had a job I liked, might as well try teaching English." Why not?

GambateBingBangBOOM · Joined: 04 Nov 2003 Posts: 2021 Location: Japan

I don't think he actually meant it like that. I think it more shows that he's flitting from career to career never really sticking with anything for really long enough to decide if it's the career for him. And the "why not?" suggests that teaching EFL will be another on the list of false starts. An eventual highly bitter career in retail management (with muzak being the soudtrack to his miserable life) may be in the cards for the OP, unfortunately.

His best bet would be probably to start with some sort of Myers Brigg test and then go on to What Colour is Your Parachute before eventually going to seeking professional career councelling.

But hey, he might just get lucky with teaching English and discover he really likes language and linguistics and get himself some decent training and work hard at establishing a career in it...maybe.

MamaOaxaca · Joined: 03 Jan 2007 Posts: 201 Location: Mixteca, Oaxaca

I used to work with some guys, who had too much free time with an internet connection and used to write posts like this to see how many feathers they could ruffle. How do we know you're not one of them?

Oh and by the way, I know a Guy who took his Guatemalan wife to Korea, he's doing well there, but he has specific TEFL training and a lot of experience.

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2007 5:15 pm Post subject:

Whatever happened to mike?

Oh, well, he never had too much fun trying to talk linguistics on this forum...

Best,
Justin

Chancellor · Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2007 8:56 pm Post subject:

helmsman · Joined: 13 Aug 2006 Posts: 58 Location: GCC

hansum
before I start giving advice, could you tell us all what it is about your background that makes you think that teaching EFL is right for you, apart from having a BA?

Does your degree have anything to do with language or humanities? In other words do you know enough about English communication? Also, do you have the right personality and enough patience?

Of course there are schools out there that will take any American with a pulse, but are you looking for a career or just a paycheck? Some of us have made this a career and take a lot of pride in our achievements and dislike the idea that just anyone can jump in and be a success.

I agree with Gordon.

Bayden · Joined: 29 Mar 2006 Posts: 988

fluffyhamster · Posted: Thu Jan 25, 2007 10:29 am Post subject:

Won't p*ss off anyone who can visualize scare quotes around the word (thus: "success").

nickpellatt · Joined: 08 Dec 2006 Posts: 1522

I can see how the post can be deemed insulting...but firstly id just like to wish good luck to the OP if he does give it a go and at least try the EFL route.

I guess I kinda sympathise a little....im 37 and it could be said I have never been a success employment wise...but I have now found something I like doing, and Im hoping to pursue it further...

so good luck!

tedkarma · Posted: Sat Jan 27, 2007 11:40 pm Post subject:

Perhaps enjoying what one does is directly related to one's success at doing it?

That is true for me anyway. But I tend to enjoy everything except sales (Hated it and miserable failure at it!).