Job Discussion Forums

donfan · Joined: 31 Aug 2003 Posts: 217

Hi,
I am thinking of doing ESL as a career. However most ads for ESL teachers indicate a preference for younger teachers. What happens when somebody turns 40? Are they immediately seen as washed up? What countries can you go to that don't have an insistence on youth?

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

There are lots of positions for older (sorry) teachers in Japan. You aren't the ideal candidate for teaching young kids, they mostly want younger women, but there are lots of other jobs here too.

I am the only foreign teacher at my university who is under 40.

Roger · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 9138

China might be a good place too for someone aged above 30 or 40. And, here you can find gainful employment in a kindergarten more easily than younger folks.

Wolf · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 1245 Location: Middle Earth

NOVA et all will take over 40s. I helped train a few (don't ask about that.)

I have friends in their 50s 60s and one nearly 70 who teach in Japan. The oldest has a PhD, though.

In China age doesn't mean a whole lot to many employees. I know a few people in their 50s 60s and one in his 70s (and he doesn't have a PhD) teahing here.

The big thing is usually people at that age have commitments that are hard to break to go overseas (family, property, retirement plans, stuff like that.) If you have lots of the above, you might find leaving it behind hard.

I started at 22 with nothing but a BA in my backpack.

Do net reserch and weigh it carefully.

Oh, and read the posts of the more experienced here.

donfan · Joined: 31 Aug 2003 Posts: 217

China - mmm could be interesting. However, what is the savings potential there like? I would have thought very little. I need to go somewhere where I could save myself a nice little nest egg for retirement.

Wolf · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 1245 Location: Middle Earth

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

I was in Korea for a time and found most of the teachers were pretty young. Mostly 20 somethings and the market is for teaching kids. Of course there are many exceptions and one's age shouldn't deter you from a particular country. I'm using generalizations.

october · Joined: 01 Oct 2003 Posts: 49 Location: Israel

well, Mr. 40, I sure hope we are not too old (i'm 36 - not such a big difference) I have been in education for more then 10 years but only 7 in EFL/ESL and i am also hoping to get a job abroad. In my mind 40 is young!! it is the experience that counts and your state of mind. The true problem is the financial situation. Saving with a family is tricky. If you are on your own i believe that a good teacher is well appreciated anywhere. Hey, would you like to work in Israel? Just kidding.