Job Discussion Forums

chinacanary · Joined: 04 Mar 2009 Posts: 1

Hello
I am looking for some information on the state of ESL in the USA, namely in the LA district. Could anyone advise on what the current job market is like from an American perspective? I have visited various websites (CATESOL et al) and see there are jobs available. What chance, however of any of these jobs being offered to a Brit with all the necessary credentials? Are there any Brits working in the industry anywhere in the states who could give me their wisdom on working in the USA?
I understand from previous threads that most see it as an impossibility, with employers finding it difficult to justify offering employment to a non US resident, and this must surely be an even tougher ask in the current economic climate.
I would appreciate any advice, and many thanks in advance for taking the time to reply.

Nozka · Joined: 26 Feb 2008 Posts: 50 Location: "The City of Joy"

I guess you can tell by the deafening silence here that your chances are slim to none. This is about like one of us Yanks landing an ESL gig in Stockholm or Amsterdam; I'm sure there are a few, but I wouldn't pack my bags any time soon.
As far as ESL in the US goes, you need to do a lot of prospecting to strike gold, and most people never strike gold. I've been working two jobs for years now and still no chance of going full-time. I recently saw a teaching job offer in San Francisco for $8hr. Panhandlers do better.
My advice: try bartending.
Best of luck.

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

The only Brits that I know who are teaching in California also have a Green Card that came with their American spouse...

Sorry...

VS

Chancellor · Posted: Mon Mar 23, 2009 6:59 pm Post subject: Re: State of ESL in USA?

Noelle · Joined: 26 Mar 2005 Posts: 361 Location: USA

OP
It is possible to find ESL work in the states if you're a non-U.S. resident but moreso in the adult sector.

If you're willing to teach IEP-Intensive English Programs, there are some options, but keep in mind that most intl' students who travel to the U.S. for IEP courses are usually looking to be taught by American teachers... otherwise, they would be studying in your part of the world.

I taught in California at one of the programs and came across several British and Australian teachers, so it's obviously possible!

Also keep in mind that unless you're a director or somehow employed full-time and legally, you will only be earning between 12 and 20 U.S.D. per hour and most likely will not get benefits.

eclectic · Joined: 09 Nov 2006 Posts: 1122

There were a few non-US residents teaching in Union City, New Jersey from 2001-2008 at a place called Horizons English Institute, faculty of about 12. They taught mostly hispanics, half of whom were not even legally in the US, I was told by a recruiter there when I interviewed for a position myself.

All the teachers had to have a BA AND TEFL/TESOL cert. Problem was, they had to speak Spanish as well, since the students spoke almost zero English. AND, the job paid $11 an hour, with a terrible split shift: 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and then 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Teachers were required to work 24 classroom hours a week, with 1 day off.

My friend's 17 year old son makes $9.75 and hour dropping french fries into a vat of boiling oil at McDonald's, AND GETS TO EAT FREE.

As a comparison of salary there.....