Job Discussion Forums

Jo30 · Joined: 22 Oct 2003 Posts: 2 Location: UK

Dear all

I recently qualified in and am now researching countries and schools to approach for positions starting in January.

My prime concern is gaining a solid 1st yr teaching within a robust infrastructure along with a focus on teacher development. I would prefer a warmer climate and the ability to engage in local life.

Any suggestions, ideas, thoughts gratefully received.

[b]FYI:
B grade CELTA from IH BCN
30yr old female
British
mixed background - international blue chip and start-up org's. (therapy tutor, marketing management, recruitment, project management)
No degree[/b]

[color=red]Many thanks again
Jo

[/code]

Jeff Mohamed · Joined: 18 Oct 2003 Posts: 34 Location: Houston, Texas

I think you're very wise to think in terms of finding a first job in a school where you will receive educational support and which places an emphasis on teacher development. Unfortunately, such schools are few and far between. If I were you, I would apply for a position with International House in e.g., Spain, Portugal or Italy. IH schools generally do much more than most other schools to support new teachers and to foster their professional development.

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

Since you're British, try the British Council.

dduck · Joined: 29 Jan 2003 Posts: 422 Location: In the middle

I thought the British Council only assisted teachers with 2 years experience.

Iain

lajzar · Joined: 09 Feb 2003 Posts: 647 Location: Saitama-ken, Japan

I would be cautious about listing the sex offender rehabilitation tutor bit. Bear in mind that the person who reads your CV might not have a perfect grasp of English, and might misinterpret that line in the worst possible way. Even many native speakers, skimming through 50+ CVs to find the one person they are looking for, not not read past the words sex offender. Confused

J-Pop · Joined: 07 Oct 2003 Posts: 215 Location: USA

rogan · Joined: 03 Mar 2003 Posts: 416 Location: at home, in France

I'd suggest somewhere in Europe - either West or East.

It's not too far from home if everything goes pear-shaped, and you are not immediately identified as a 'foreigner'

Have you any,even basic, language skills in any European language? If so go where they speak that language.

Roger · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 9138

your home country for a first on-the-job training and induction into ESL life.
If you can't stand it there you won't stand it anywhere else any better!
After two years you have choices, and you can look back on what is generally called "experience" - which might help you locate jobs overseas!

Ben Round de Bloc · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1946

dmb · Joined: 12 Feb 2003 Posts: 8397

I recommend Istanbul, Turkey. You will earn a decent salary and have an amazing time in an exceptional city. The English Centre, Interlang and IH all offer great training and support. They value 'new' teachers as they usually have alot of motivation and are keen to learn

struelle · Joined: 16 May 2003 Posts: 2372 Location: Shanghai

J-Pop · Joined: 07 Oct 2003 Posts: 215 Location: USA

Jo30 · Joined: 22 Oct 2003 Posts: 2 Location: UK

Thanks all.

Spain is seeming my best option at the moment. Anyone know of any good schools about 30mins from BCN...?

kaw · Posted: Thu Oct 30, 2003 1:24 pm Post subject: here, there and everywhere

Hi Jo
just a few life experiences - I started off in Italy - crap school but soon became very resourceful and really got to grips with materials development and how a good language school shouldn't be run.
As for Turkey - great place and the schools mentioned previously are good - especially Interlang but pretty sure you do need a degree nowadays.

Hate to be the bearer of bad news but.....(and maybe someone can correct me if I'm wrong) - don't most places want people with a degree these days......

As for working in Spain - don't IH have several branches out there and have an idea that they may have been recruiting for San Sebastian recently.

Good luck