Job Discussion Forums

[Guest]

The US State Department apparently hires ESL / EFL teachers (known as Regional English Language Officers) under the larger heading of Foreign Service Specialists. Does anyone know anything about these jobs? I don't think I've ever heard a word about these positions; they seem to be even more fabled than the nearly mythological oil-rig jobs! Thanks to everyone who can help.
Echidna

[been_there]

Actually, Regional English Language Officers (RELO) work with the Public Affairs section of the embassy in a country. One officer covers several countries in a region (hence the name). For example, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and Indonesia are one region, with one RELO.

They dont teach.

The people that DO teach are the English Language Fellows (ELF's). Before you laugh too much at this, go to:

http://www.sit.edu/elf/index.html

and they got all the info there.

and its not much of a holy grail, just government work.

[Guest]

Thanks Been There! I appreciate your response. Tell me, do you know much about these jobs, either as regional director or actual EFL teacher? Are they good jobs? I'd guess that one would be able to find paying jobs in otherwise impossible places. Am I barking up the wrong tree here? And I AM curious why I've never seen a post (either here or on other sites) from someone who's worked for Uncle Sam as an English teacher. Thank you!

[been_there]

Well, here is your first post from an (ex) government English-teacher.

I was an ELF (English Language Fellow) in Indonesia. Was recruited and hired by SIT (see website) and was off to beautiful Sumatra to teach at a university.

You have to have a Masters for this.

As far as the 'good' is, well, its a contract position where you get grant in installments. You walk away with about 14k. While you're in country, you get insurance and living expences.

[fat_chris]

[Wolf]

[been_there]

Yes, thanks for the joke. Anything to say on the topic of Working for the Man?