Job Discussion Forums

[gajackson1]

I am absolutely heartbroken. After researching the job, country, and culture pretty thoroughly (over the past few months), I just pulled together the required documentation for my CfBT application. Official transcripts, all current documentation, thorough application, 2 fantastic ref letters (nicer/kinder than I could have asked for, really), decent photos, etc. I wrote off to J.W., the recruitement manager, to let her know I would be DHLing everything in the morning. And I got this letter back about 2 hours ago:

Since we were last in contact, the Ministry of Education have informed us that they will not be able to consider applications from teachers with US qualifications. This is because they are not familiar with the American Education System and at present they wish to stick with British standard qualifications (which would include Canada, Australia and New Zealand) as they are familiar with them.


I am very sorry, after the trouble that you have taken with your application but at least you have all the documentation which may be required for applying for other positions.


We do have other positions that do not have restrictions on US applicants. Have a look at this website www.workatcfbt.com for more information on these. You could also get in touch with our International Recruitment Manager, (C.F.), cfrankland(at)cfbt.com.my and he will know what other positions could be suited to your qualifications and experience.



I really wish you well in seeking other positions.



Kind regards,





(J.W.)

RECRUITMENT MANAGER


So there I am. I will still probably forward along my app/doc copies to J.W. and/or C.F., but we were really, really planning on Brunei - it seemed like such a great choice, and CfBT like a good company, too. I hope the government changes their mind, and have NO idea what it means for any current U.S.A. recruits who have not yet started there.

I'll inform/update as I can; hope others do the same. In the meantime, I'll look into other Brunei opportunities, or possibly the NUS.

Regards,

Glen

[The Lemon]

There's lots odd about the MoE's rationale, not the least of which is their long-standing acceptance of Canadian qualifications which are no more "British system" than those of the US.

The real losers of all of this are Bruneian students. In my years of teaching in Brunei classrooms I often had students express statements of fear of "Americans" - remarkable, considering most had never met one. Maybe their worldview would be expanded beyond what Malaysian media tells them if they got to know some very human and caring American teachers.

Sorry to hear the news, Glen. You might want to put this on the main Brunei thread, as well...

[Taiwanlight Zone]

I was thinking of applying also but I have an Irish passport. Are the Irish also excluded from applying? Thanks

[gajackson1]

TL - I remember first coming to Korea, and there was al ot of the same fear/misconceptions. I can remember all the times I heard 'Wow! Are you really from the USA? You don't act American!" - based upon tv dramas and movies (although Blacks have it much, much worse in Korea, insofar as negative media images go).

So, I will go ahead and submit my app anyway - the worst they can do is reject it out of hand, and at least it will already be there if the MoE changes their minds again. In the meantime, I'll just look into other Brunei/regional options.

Glen

PS - TlZ? If your Irish certification meets 'British standard qualifications,' then I don't see why not - I'd say go for it.

[jsteventon]

Irish is fine - there are several Irish teachers here.