Job Discussion Forums

[sultaneh]

Hi everyone,

OK so pretend that one of your friends, let's say she's 25 and single, wants to teach overseas (outside of the USA) but she has no teaching experience, and has a CELTA.

Where would you recommend she go, as her first teaching experience, just rated on how enjoyable an experience it would be?

[spanglish]

I'm in the same position as you, just a few months ahead. I've got the same question as you. It would help to set up a few criteria:

Do you prefer rural or urban? How urban? Is it very important to you to save money? (if so, don't come to Latin America for your first job unless you get very very lucky) What kind of work/life balance do you want?

[sultaneh]

I haven't narrowed it down just yet. I'm leaning towards an urban/ or at least suburban environment.

it would be nice to save some money, but I do have some savings so it's ok if I can't put away thousands of $

[naturegirl321]

You're going to have to be more specific, like is having a visa important to you? Housing ready for you? age groups, etc?

I'd say ASia is pretty good to get adjusted to teaching, you'll probably get a visa. Or if you're intersted in Latin AMerica, try Mexico.

[sultaneh]

having a good experience is important to me -- whether i have a visa or not, doesn't matter as long as i'm not in a lot of danger of being deported or fined.

age group doesn't matter either does having someplace to live.

just looking for a good overall experience

[naturegirl321]

I say Asia. they take pretty good care of you there, but culture shock might be an issue. If you're looking for something close to home, try Latin America, if you want info on Peru, let me know and I'll PM you.

[denise]

I'm guessing that this thread is connected to your other one--the "favorite places" thread. That is yours, isn't it?

If money and working legally aren't issues, then most of the world is open to you. Are there any particular regions or cultures that appeal to you? Languages? Integrating with the locals? Dating? Pretty much anywhere you go will be good in some areas and weak in others. I think that in order to narrow the options down you need to figure out what your priorities are--beyond just having a good time. You can have a good time or a bad time anywhere, depending on your attitude and on the school that you work for. (I think that having a good experience depends more on the school than on the country. A dodgy, unscrupulous school can make you miserable wherever you go.)

d

[sultaneh]

thanks d for your reply,
I'm glad you told me that about schools, it does make sense to work for respectable people.

I am drawn to working in the Middle East- esp. Egypt, except I'm not sure I can handle the heat, and if it's a good idea for a single American girl to go there.

would love to hear any recommendations that people have, that would help a lot

[sultaneh]