Job Discussion Forums

rcm · Joined: 03 Mar 2007 Posts: 3 Location: USA

After teaching in Japan for three years (JET Program) and Prague for one (adult conversation school), I'm back in the U.S. and at a bit of a crossroads. I'm considering getting my Masters in ESL, but I have found little in the way of detailed information on how having a masters affects one's job and salary prospects in countries other than Japan and the U.S.

I know that it opens the door to teaching at colleges and universities, but don't have a clue what the hours, pay, and working conditions are there.

In short, I'm at a bit of a loss as to how to move to the next level in this field. I like teaching, the students, and the hours, but don't want to end up stuck as an English speaking drone at a conversation school.

Central Europe and Asia are the areas that I am most interested in, but there's a whole wide world out there I'm happy to explore.

I would appreciate any advice, the more detailed the better.

Thanks,

Robert

Jetgirly · Joined: 17 Jul 2004 Posts: 741

What about getting teacher certification and working in an international K-12 school?

rcm · Joined: 03 Mar 2007 Posts: 3 Location: USA

I've thought a little about that, but it seems that most international schools require a few years teaching experience in one's home country. Also, I like working with high school kids, but I prefer college-age students and adults. Is working for international schools a particularly good way to go?

-Robert

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

Another factor with international schools is that the competition's pretty fierce, and people don't often leave their positions, so openings are relatively rare. I personally wouldn't pursue teacher certification and serve a stint teaching in my home country on the assumption that I'd be able to find a job at an international school - I'd be afraid of disappointment in the end.

With my MA, I've been able to work for two universities so far. The work is obviously much better-paid than private language schools, and there are more opportunities for professional projects. Curriculum design, international projects, etc. Hours, in my experience, are generally much better than with private schools - split shifts are rare, and I've always been paid one hour of prep for every contact hour, and more if it's a writing course. I've still never been in a position to receive regular benefits (tenure, pension, health care) but I think these things are possible in the right situations as well.

Students at unis are more or less motivated, in comparison with private language schools. I've taught Dutch and German students at a uni in Holland, and they were relatively motivated, but less so than my immigrant students here in Canada. But the courses are relatively higher-stakes than those taught in private schools, so I think that students generally approach uni study with a bit more energy.

tedkarma · Posted: Tue Mar 06, 2007 1:00 am Post subject:

For a good career - international schools are probably the best way to go.

If you like older students, consider teaching at secondary level. As mentioned though - these are competitive positions and you will be starting at the bottom - but once in the system you can have a pretty good choice about where you would like to go work and live - and how long you might stay there.

A strong MATESOL program - while providing relatively cushy college and unversity level jobs - will find you with fairly unstable job security in much of Asia. You can find great jobs - they they are often limited in terms of how long you can stay there. The BEST MATESOL type jobs tend to be in the Middle East - and while some people like it - my five years there really turned me off to the culture. Even jobs in the ME though - are subject to a fair amount of political jacking around.

If I were a younger man - international schools are the route I would take.

Sheikh Inal Ovar · Joined: 04 Dec 2005 Posts: 1208 Location: Melo Drama School

I'm with Ted ... at least then you can make a decent living in a country you like being in ...

Teacher in Rome · Joined: 09 Jul 2003 Posts: 1286

John Hall · Posted: Wed Mar 07, 2007 4:36 pm Post subject:

tedkarma · Posted: Thu Mar 08, 2007 12:39 am Post subject:

Teacher in Rome · Joined: 09 Jul 2003 Posts: 1286

To clarify, Ted, I wasn't referring to working in universities, but in private organisations. I was trying to point out that it's perfectly possible to make a decent career in EFL without going the university / international school route, and without needing an MA.

I remember when I first started teaching, MAs were becoming the norm. You did your CELTA or DELTA, then went on to get an MA. It seemed ridiculous to me at the time that you needed to get even more qualified to work in a profession where the wages were so low. (I'm talking about working in a language school in London.) In fact, the low wages were one reason why I left teaching for a few years. But, having returned to teaching, still without an MA (but with degree and DELTA), I've found that there are interesting opportunities for those with experience and and skills.

tedkarma · Posted: Thu Mar 08, 2007 1:58 pm Post subject:

With the right job - and the right qualifications - wages need not always need be "so low".

I have friends working in the Middle East earning US$60,000+ AND free housing, plane tickets, no taxes and more. You could literally save most of that if you wanted to. But, they are well qualified and experienced.

That is, exactly, why a graduate degree is useful.

Not in London - you are correct.

Just my opinion.