Job Discussion Forums

[hydrogonian]

As a former ESL teacher, I am aware that there is a lot of crossover between the ESL profession and the work of speech pathologists. SPs often work with phonics methods to achieve their goals, and often work with young learners in schools. Additionally, there is the accent reduction niche.

How much work do you know of for Licensed SPs abroad? I would think that contracting their services out to Interntional Schools would be one niche, and corporate accent reduction another.

So, in any country of which you have knowledge, what is the probability of finding good work as a SP? The only thing that I ask is that you dont guess if you really have no idea, but to post if you specifically know any demand for SPs.

My reason for posting is that I desire to live abroad again, but not necessarily as a classroom teacher. The SP Masters degree would allow me to come back and find plenty of reliable and well paying work at home, and hopefully also find reliable work abroad. What do you think?

Thanks ahead of time for your responses.[/b]

[SueH]

Depends which country is 'abroad' for you!

[spiral78]

I think Sue's reply is a very useful one on a couple of levels.

I have worked in Europe for some years now, and accent reduction isn't a priority in regions where we are really training people to communicate in 'international English' in contexts where they are primarily working with a mix of other non-native speakers and native speakers in international contexts.

Accent reduction is far more of a priority for immigrants into native English-speaking countries.

People from India, for example, relocating to the UK or North America, are a great niche for accent reduction.

You might find some niches in markets where non-native speakers are taking 'bridging' courses before entering universities in native English speaking countries.

But in the business world, I think that, these days, good 'international English' is a pretty wide range in terms of pronunciation.

[spiral78]

sorry about my complex 'contexts' and somewhat confusing sentences. It's late here, and I've been working all day on critical reading and listening skills, so I'm burned out on reading my posts critically before clicking 'submit,' I'm afraid.

But the general idea's solid (I think).

[hydrogonian]

No problem spiral, I think your post was fine. Very Helpful.

I'll define 'abroad' as anywhere that isnt the USA, Canada, or the UK. I'll leave Australia in the definition of 'abroad', as I am not from there, and it is a place I may enjoy.

Although I mentioned accent reduction for the sake of being all-inclusive of the possibilities, I realize that this is a luxury service that one would most likely have to do there own marketing for, wherever it is offered. I was thinking more in terms of SLP work that caters to the community of native english speaking expats with children living in any non-native english speaking country. In other words, the population that would send there kids to an International School.

So to be more precise, does anyone know of the need for either in house SLPs or for the need for contract services of SLPs in International Schools? Perhaps there is a market for advanced phonics or Dyslexia therapy in this population? I know Im asking about a subject that is very specific, but I thought Id take a shot in asking just in case. Thanks for your help..