Job Discussion Forums

JZer · Joined: 16 Jan 2005 Posts: 3898 Location: Pittsburgh

Before anyone makes any comments, I know that this is probably not the best discussion board for asking this question since most people that switch jobs probably don't frequent this board. But maybe someone can give me ideas from friends or people they have met while living abroad.

I am looking for something else to do or at least something more professional. I like living abroad but teaching English abroad is getting to me. I think I have two choices. One would be to get certified as a teacher in the US. I could do a program like teach America and get my certification and some experience and then go back abroad or I could pursue another career like engineering. I think that one can find jobs abroad in engineering. Anyone have any suggestions?

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Look at the many articles by Terri Lloyd at www.daijob.com to see about non-teaching work opportunities, especially in Japan.

Whatever you consider, a key point will be the language barrier.

Former co-worker of mine saved his money and returned to college after a few years of TEFL in Japan. Got a second degree (this one in Chemical Engineering). He just graduated, so he's job hunting right now.

TheLongWayHome · Joined: 07 Jun 2006 Posts: 1016 Location: San Luis Piojosi

Translation? Interpreting? Journalism?

JZer · Joined: 16 Jan 2005 Posts: 3898 Location: Pittsburgh

workingnomad · Joined: 26 Sep 2005 Posts: 106 Location: SE Asia

You could start your own online business?

Check out this http://www.workingnomad.com/forum for ideas about working abroad!

JZer · Joined: 16 Jan 2005 Posts: 3898 Location: Pittsburgh

Thanks,

I will read up on your site. I don't really know where to start with my own business.

Sadebugo · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 524

You sound like you haven't ruled out EFL completely. I am reluctant to bring this up again because some people got uneasy when I did before, but you could teach English for the federal government at DLI. It pays relatively well and affords you the opportunity to go back overseas when you like. I have been working for them for three years and have spent time in Slovakia, Japan and am now in Djibouti. Had I not found this particular job, I doubt I would have remained in EFL overseas. I enjoy teaching but I couldn't see a future in it abroad.

Of course, if you don't want to work for the military then this is not the job for you.

If you have any specific questions, send me a PM and I'd be happy to answer them.

Sadebugo
Djibouti, Horn of Africa
http://travldawrld.blogspot.com/

JZer · Joined: 16 Jan 2005 Posts: 3898 Location: Pittsburgh

Do you have to have a US teacher's certification to teach at these school? I was thinking about going back to get certified but then the question is what should I get certified in. I think that the DLI schools they don't need ESL teachers so getting certified in ESL would probably limit one in regards to where they can work in an international or American school.

Sadebugo · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 524

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

I'm also thinking of getting out of teaching to start a family. I think I might teach for a couple of years and start making the transition. With the internet, you have lots of possibilities.

Writing
Selling Stock Photos
Starting a Business
Selling Affiliate things

For US cert, I got my NJ cert in P3 and ESL and Spanish. I did it from abroad and only had to go there for the Spanish Ptaxis test. Now I can teach in NJ. NOw, I don't have a license since I haven�t actually taught there, but I could if I wanted to.

About jobs abroad, you'll find that in many places, teaching simply pays more. For example, a teacher here in Peru could make 500 usd, but an engineer 150usd. These are starting salaries.

coledavis · Joined: 21 Jun 2003 Posts: 1838

As a free career test, for career choice, you could do worse than look at www.careersteer.org

JZer · Joined: 16 Jan 2005 Posts: 3898 Location: Pittsburgh

The only problem is that this test doesn't even ask if you like to travel or not so it idn't give me any ideas about jobs that will allow me to travel.

coledavis · Joined: 21 Jun 2003 Posts: 1838

The test is more a matter of looking at what careers you are personally suited to. After all, if you are suited to jobs in catering, or the military, or engineering, or sign-painting, or nursing, or teaching, then it is up to your common sense to find a job on a ship, with the forces abroad, international companies or whatever. I.E. Find the right employment for you and then work out how to use it travel. I think there would be little joy in being able to travel and hating the job that takes you out there.

JZer · Joined: 16 Jan 2005 Posts: 3898 Location: Pittsburgh

coledavis · Joined: 21 Jun 2003 Posts: 1838

An interesting point. Well, in principle yes, it would be good to try jobs out, but you can't try out all the jobs going, especially given training requirements in many careers. The test is to at least have some idea of what you may be suited to. My previous point covers the travel question somewhat, but to be explicit, I would suggest that when looking at what is suitable, you should also research the potential of that career to encompass travel. I.e. you look at the shortlist of jobs, then do some research on those careers on the internet to check out what they entail in more detail, including travel prospects.