Job Discussion Forums

[Ccope]

I've been reading up on the posts here for awhile and have found most comments from veteran teachers to be encouraging for those who want to begin a career teaching abroad. Every once in a while, though, I see comments about the economy going slack and TEFL jobs drying up. I would like to hear more from the veterans on this prediction. Before I, or any one else, spends a few thousand on a TEFL certificate or moving to another country, I would like to have an idea that there is still a job market.

Just for some background information, I am thinking of looking for jobs in Latin America or Asia after completing a TEFL certificate course (hopefully in Mexico, but maybe somewhere else in LA). I have an Interdisciplinary Studies BA (not in education) and two years experience running a primary school in Southern Sudan (got that job simply by being in the right place at the right time).

Again, I would appreciate hearing from those of you that are already out on the field, about the TEFL job market staying alive for a few more years. Rather than disappearing, do you see salary or benefits for TEFL jobs taking a severe hit?

Thanks in advance.

[mandalayroad]

No offense, but are you kidding? Very few get rich in TEFL (unless they own a school), but there are still plenty of jobs around the world. Having the right paper documents have become more and more important to get the better jobs, but TEFL careers will not disappear in our lifetime.

[parrothead]

Keep researching these and other boards before you make your decision. If possible, try and check out some school websites and try to get a better idea about what this field is like. I don't think you understand it yet. To be sure, Asia and Latin America are very big places, so when you talk about availability of TEFL jobs you really need to specify a particular country. Some countries have more demand than others. Some regions require more qualifications. Some prefer teachers with specific nationalities. There are jobs everywhere, and if you are flexible enough you will be able to find one.

[Justin Trullinger]

It may be true that, as various countries and regions get more "experience" in English learning, the backpack and teach kind of jobs may dry up. BUt overall, it seems unlikely that qualified teachers will have problems. There's still a major need for English world wide.

I've been in the field eight years, and get a lot more offers than I did eight years ago.


Best,
Justn

[naturegirl321]

I've been teaching for six and have had tons of offers in Feb when I was looking for a job, and they were fromschools. As far as insitutes go, once you have experience, you can walk into mmost and get a job. Most, that is. I don't think that jobs will dry up anytime soon. They might be harder to get as more peopel get qualified though.

[Kootvela]

The problem isn't getting a teaching job. The problem is getting a well-paid teaching job.

[naturegirl321]

[Justin Trullinger]

[Kootvela]