Job Discussion Forums

[Aleksey]

Hi everyone,

Just wanted to point this out - I haven't seen this being discussed on this forum yet. There are many non-native speaking ESL techers from various places, as most of us may know. I am myself one of them.

I have now been teaching for over a year - first in several schools in China , and now in Bangkok. I was born in Russia, but have been living in English-speaking countries since the age of 11, and currently hold a UK passport.
Sometimes, however, I do get the feeling that a lot of schools in Asia ( esp. decent ones) hunt only for native speakers - and it kinda feels discriminating!... why assume that myself or someone else speaks worse English, just because we were not BORN in an English-speaking country?

Any thoughts/ experiences on that one? Are there any non-native ESL teachers here? What about native speakers - what do you guys think?....

Im open to all views. Thanks

[Glenski]

[JZer]

[jonniboy]

[Madame J]

[Justin Trullinger]

How native do you sound?

If you've been speaking English, in English speaking countries, and doing your schooling in English since age eleven, what difference is there between you and a native speaker?

The test of most consuls (for visas) is:

Passport from an English speaking country. (Check)

Education in English, in an English speaking country. (Check)


So unless you sound extremely non-native, for most employment situations, you are a native speaker.



Best,
Justiun

[naturegirl321]

I feel the same, I'm American born, mom's from Romania, but came to the US when she was one. Dad's from the US, but for some reason I look Asian, no wisecracks please And have had problems in Korea and China.
the way I figure is that those places aren't worth teaching at.

Looks help, are you blonde hair and blue eyed? Don't mention that you're not a native speaker, for all purposes with a UK passport, you ARE a native speaker.

[rmcdougall]

Why not hire them? They will usually work for a lesser wage than the "big 5" and will do what I want them to do: re. english corners, bbq's with students, pie-in-the-teachersface-fun, etc.

[rmcdougall]

I'll hire you! English is not as important as obedience.

Madam or Monseir, please note that I'm hiring for a major uni....so my 'way' might not be the way you should talk about....


If the city of Pudong interests you...PM me..........

[Aleksey]

[quote="Madame J"]

[Justin Trullinger]

My first passport was issued when I was 20. Who the heck gets a passport at birth?


Best,
Justin

[johnslat]

Dear Justin,
As far as I know, only babies born outside of their country of citizenship, and that's not always the case since they are often just put on their parent's passport:

"AMERICAN CITIZENS SERVICES

Your Baby's Report Of Birth, Passport And Social Security Number

Congratulations on your child's birth!

Your new baby needs a first passport, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (similar to a birth certificate) and a Social Security number. We'll tell you what you need to do to get all three items.
The law on acquisition of U.S. citizenship varies if one or both biological parents are U.S. citizens, and if the child is born in or out of wedlock. Click here to find out more.
Did You Know...? Many passport/report of birth applications are initially refused because applicants forget to bring one or more items of required documentation, or forget to bring originals. So, to avoid making a 2nd, 3rd or even 4th journey to the Embassy with your entire family in tow, please make sure you have all of the items you will need for a successful application.
 Your Child!
 Forms (filled out neatly and completely prior to the appointment)
 Both Parents (or a notarized consent from the non-appearing parent)
 Mom and Dad's passports
 Child�s Nicaraguan Birth Certificate (original issued by the Central Registry)
 Medical Records (the Epicrisis or Doctor�s Signed Statement) Documenting the Birth of the Child
 Proof of Parent's Marriage (if pertinent)
 Proof of Termination of All Prior Marriages of Parents (if pertinent)
 One Photo of the Child
 Evidence of U.S. Citizen Parent's Physical Presence in the U.S. (if pertinent)
 Evidence of U.S. Citizen Parent's Physical Presence Together at Conception (if pertinent)
 U.S. dollars or credit card for application fee.
Please read further for more infomation.
It is important to start this process as soon as possible after your child is born. In the case of urgent, unexpected travel, your child will need a passport. In addition, you may need to secure a Nicaraguan immigration stamp for your child, which also requires a passport.
Once you have assembled all the necessary items, you will need to set up an appointment to bring all of the documents, parents, and baby to the Embassy.
Make your appointment online by clicking here. You can also send an email request to [email protected].

[Never Ceased To Be Amazed]

And don't forget to save up for prosthetics as the US Embassy...anywhere...will charge you and arm and a leg...

NCTBA

[JZer]

[Aleksey]

Quote:

on some countries passports it says place of birth.

Bingo! That's the case with my UK passport, cos it states:

Place of Birth: Ekaterinburg

(the Russian city i was born in)... I guess that could raise some eyebrows - is there a place called "Ekaterinburg" in UK??!