Job Discussion Forums

[mavally]

Dear ESL cafe customers,
I heard that there are teaching jobs available in Alaska and they pay well. If anybody knows smth - please, let me know.
I am graduating in half a year from master's program in Linguistics and currently looking for job in the U.S. It would be nice if you could give me some advice.
Sincerely, Valentyna.

[spiral78]

Where are you from?

[mavally]

I'm from Ukraine. Why?

[spiral78]

Sorry, only because it's obvious that you're not a native speaker. As I posted on your other thread, the ESL market in the U.S. is tight for native speaker with experience and qualifications. It's unlikely that a non-native speaker (presumably with little experience in teaching English as a second language, since you mention that you haven't yet graduated) is going to be eligible for any decent position that would provide a green card in any of the U.S. states.

Have you checked with immigration? They can give you information on whether teaching English as a non-native speaker will qualify you for a green card. I think it probably won't.

[mavally]

I have 4 years teaching experience in Ukraine after my B.A. degree.
But thanks, anyway. I know it's hard. That is why I am asking maybe smb heard smth. Cause I know some non-native speakers were able to find positions. I know it's not decent according to your standard but according to our life it is quire good. If even I am not able to obtain smth perminant, smth for a year would be good enough. Thanks.

[spiral78]

I don't mean to imply that non-native speakers aren't good teachers. Often, they have very useful insights and approaches to learning and teaching, as they have obviously been successful themselves. Having a non-native speaker as a teacher can be very inspiring to learners.

We have one non-native speaker here on staff at our Candian uni, and I've worked with other non-native-speaker teachers at universities in Europe. They are all valuable members of the teaching team.

My point was that there are difficulties with the legalities of teaching in the U.S. as a non-native speaker, particularly if you haven't got a green card already.

Have you considered Europe? There must be some countries where you'd be legally eligible to live/work, and could possibly land some deent university positions.

[mavally]

Which countries in Europe do you mean?
I know people are going to Asia but I don't like Asian culture and I don't know if I can take it. But what is most importantly my significant other is here. I don't want to leave him ((

[spiral78]

I am not an immigration expert, but I know that Ukrainians are eligible for work/living permission in the Czech Republic, for example. With your background in linguistics, maybe you could consider applications in countries where Ukrainians can get work permits.

I am just saying that I don't think any language school or uni in the States is likely to be able to get papers for you as a teacher. Asia isn't the only alternative.

[JZer]

[Chancellor]