Job Discussion Forums

[user001]

Hello teachers,

I'll first present myself: i have a Bachelor's Degree in Biology and, soon, a Master's in Environmental Science. They were both obtained from french universities. From the title, you understood I was from the french part of Canada. Some might say I have a slight accent, but who doesn't? I consider myself bilingual, my employer too, since I often do translate official documents (english to french). I contacted my universities, and they told me they do not emit diplomas in english, and that I would have to hire an official translator (I saw a thread concerning that subject).
I want to teach for various reasons including: my desire to learn chinese, my love to teach (only a couple months experience though), the obvious future need for environmental workers in many countries of Asia, travel, etc.

So here are my (first) questions:

1. Are there any good chances to find an TEFL position, without TEFL certificate (too expensive), with a diploma in french? I wonder if this would dissuade potential employers from hiring me..

1a. Maybe I should get a certificate as a security? Although I read it is of no importance in Taiwan...

2. Could I be rejected at the interview because of an accent? I read so many stories of "selection" of teachers, that it makes me wonder...

3. Has anyone heard of, seen, better, work at a school that also offers french? Does anyone know of someone who teaches french?

Thank you!

user001

[TaoyuanSteve]

[BJ]

I have known several French people get jobs due to their ability to speak English well. Also many Dutch, Belgium, South African (Afrikans speakers very heavy accents) Phillipine etc. Your degree may need to be translated into Chinese and stamped as authentic
It depends on their needs, and to be honest if they can understand your accent, ie is it very strong.
French is taught here at a few universities, and you may well pick up a few adults on a one by one bsis at some of the adult schools.

So all in all it is possible.

[TaoyuanSteve]

[Miyazaki]

OP,

No problems at all.
Come over and have a look around.

There are many French, South Africans, Philipinos, Argentinians, Italians, Germans, etc. here in Taiwan, and at all levels of education (Universities, high schools, elementary schools, cram schools, language schools, etc.), teaching English. Some of these people are teaching at very well-known (famous) schools in Taiwan and Taipei.

As long as you can speak English and have your Canadian passport, it won't matter if your degrees were obtained in Quebec.

Again, come on over - of course no one can be guaranteed a job but you stand a very good chance of finding a school to work for.

[user001]

I sound more like Trudeau! or our governor general Michaelle Jean (with a deeper tone...) because of the international french. I do not have that back country french Quebecois speaking english I think you refer to. Chretien speaks frenglish, as we call it here... He is definitely not the norm (I guess if he managed to go all the way to the top without any native language, I have my chances!).

I wanted to add that I considered teaching english mostly because of the "entertainer" aspect of the job, which I am good at. After reading many posts, I believe that's what schools are looking for.

Are there many non native english speakers teaching EFL?


ps- Thanks for the answers.

[BigWally]

[Ki]

Don't worry about the accent. It's the passport and white skin that matters. In fact, many schools will hire you over me despite my experience, qualifications, Chinese language, etc, because you have that north american passport and I don't. So, yeah, don't worry about it.