Job Discussion Forums

[Mr_Neelix]

Hello everyone,

I just wanted to begin here by introducing myself and seeking some of the sage advice and guidance of some of those with experience in the field of teaching English around the world.

So, to begin, I am an American citizen, born and bred, and will be graduating this summer, God willing, with a bachelors degree in English. It is obviously my intention to seek a job "overseas" teaching English. I have already inquired about jobs in China and Turkey (Europe, unfortunately seems out of my league at the moment), but I was hoping some of those with knowledge and experience could provide me with some advice, tips, points, and any other useful or beneficial knowledge that will help get me set on the right track. Thank you in advance.

[spiral78]

I realize that Mr. Neelix has already ruled out Europe, so this isn't necessarily useful to you in particular, but for other newbs who may be reading through the threads on this board -

it's not that Europe requires more experience or higher qualifications - it's simply that the 'older' Eurozone member countries don't hire anyone from outside the zone to teach English, having plenty of British citizens available for these jobs.

Yes, there are under-the-table jobs, particularly in Spain, but legal working papers are nearly impossible to get unless you're British.

I highlight this to point out that North Americans and Australians very rarely are able to get legal teaching work in Western Europe REGARDLESS of quals and experience.

It's not just 'out of your league at the moment,' unfortunately. It's legally out of reach regardless.

Unless you marry an EU citizen or somehow otherwise (ancestry?) get EU member citizenship yourself - which takes time and (obviously) significant local connections. Works for a few...but NOT the many.

[spiral78]

That said, I like Turkey very much

[Glenski]

Have you posted in the China and Turkey forums?

[denise]

Do you have a TEFL certificate? Regardless of where you go and whether or not the schools that you apply to require one, it will provide you with the basics. Without it, what will you do when you walk into a classroom and see all of those faces staring back at you? Can be pretty daunting the first time, even with the training!

good luck,
d

[jezebel]

[spiral78]

Jezebel, these laws are relatively new (over the past ten to fifteen years). They didn't contribute long-term to the view of Europeans regarding the provincialism of Americans.

Also, there's the little fact that the States don't allow Europeans to come over and work freely...

[jezebel]

Hey, I'm Canadian. We have pretty easy immigration laws to people who are educated and speak English or French, but we don't have any reciprocal agreements with the US or the EU to exchange workers.

I agree the U.S. is quite difficult to get permission to work in. But as Canadians we feel the bite even more. Because we're so close to the U.S. we rely heavily on many of their industries like TV, popular book and magazine publishing, even infectious disease control. We don't develop much strength in those sectors because we can consume their goods and expertise. But that means if you're a Canadian and want to work in those fields, your options here are quite limited, and until you've reached a position of esteem, you'll have a very difficult time being allowed to work in the U.S. At least the EU has the size and breadth of expertise to afford many different opportunities to citizens. Canada is too small to offer these opportunities and too paranoid about "brain drain" to do anything to encourage its citizens to travel for work, other than doing a bit of aid work in developing countries. Doesn't stop this country from siphoning up all the talent it can get its hands on from other nations - especially developing countries that can barely stand to lose those talented minds.

Anyway. Just a rant about something that has bugged me for years. Canada's policies are designed to try to keep a jealous hold on every member of the population, but all they do is make me want to get the heck out. It's like the friend you avoid because every time you try to leave she begs you, "Why are you going? Don't leave me!"

[naturegirl321]

Read up on TEFL at the library.
Observe some classes.
Get a TEFL cert.

[Glenski]

[Teatime of Soul]

For information about living and teaching in China, you might read this free, comprehensive guide:
http://www.middlekingdomlife.com/guide/

Cheers.

[dakota29michael]

I'm American. I have my passport..... and happen to love the idea of foreigners of all kinds coming here and bringing their beautiful languages and heritages with them.

[jwbhomer]

[bluehighway]

[naturegirl321]

How long did it take you to do the paperwork and was it hard to find a job?