Job Discussion Forums

proudcdn1 · Joined: 06 Nov 2007 Posts: 2

Hello,

I was hoping to get some information on what the job market is like in Calgary.

I will be returning to Canada this summer and settling in Calgary due to my wife's employment. I have taught ESL abroad for the past 10 years in Japan, Korea, Germany and the UAE. I have a Master's Degree in Applied Linguistics and my CELTA which I obtained in Vancouver. For the past 3 years I have taught ESL at a university in the UAE.

Could anyone recommend any good schools/companies in Calgary?

Thanks Smile

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

With your experience and quals, you'll want to skip the private language schools and go for a university/college position. You can try SAIT, UCal, Mt. Royal, etc. These jobs pay decently and there are often interesting projects available. The kicker is that, to land an actual 'permanent' position, even with your resume, is likely going to take some time. It's more feasible that you'll find short-term contracts that don't offer benefits - which maybe you won't need, assuming that your wife's company includes you in health care supplements, etc. Ultimately, if you're willing to commit to Calgary, there are permanent contracts around, but they're few and far between, in my experience.

VanKen · Joined: 29 Oct 2003 Posts: 139 Location: Calgary, AB Canada

Yes, there is work here but no matter where you end up you will be on the bottom of the food chain, no matter your experience. Best to apply early, if you can.

shantaram · Joined: 24 Jan 2008 Posts: 42 Location: Montreal, Quebec

Does anyone know the 5 language certificates that are recognised in Canada?

I'm in Calgary, hoping to take a CELTA and teach ESL.

I taught in Korea for 1 year, if that makes a difference (and taught adults full-time for 2 months in Melbourne Australia), but don't have a certificate that would be recognised in Canada.

I'm hoping to take CELTA but the dates of the course might not work out and I need to look into other options.

Apparently there are only 5 recognised certificates and I'm having a hard time finding out which ones they are.

Of course, I can contact the local ESL school and ask, but I'm waiting for a response from them on another query and wondered if someone could give me a heads up in the meantime.

ETG · Joined: 28 Apr 2005 Posts: 67

Shantaram, I am not sure what you mean by 5 certs being recognized in Canada, it might help if you go to www.teslcanada.ca and check what programs they recognize. Also you might wan to check the schools that you are eventually interested in teaching in in Canada so you know what credentials they are looking for. Good luck

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

CELTA is on the list.

shantaram · Joined: 24 Jan 2008 Posts: 42 Location: Montreal, Quebec

Thanks for your replies! I checked out the link ETG and it answered my question.

Jetgirly · Joined: 17 Jul 2004 Posts: 741

Last year I saw some job postings on U of C's Career Services website for TESL positions paying $50 per hour. I don't remember much except that it was legitimate and it looked like you'd be teaching immigrants recruited by oil companies, but there was no mention of full-time hours or the location of the work (the company, whose name I can't recall, was based in Calgary but the work may have been elsewhere). The ads didn't say that a Masters was required, but I imagine there would be a lot of competition for a $50/hour TESL job!