Job Discussion Forums

chnike112 · Joined: 04 Aug 2009 Posts: 13

First off, thank god for this board. i really appreciate all of your sage wisdom and advice. I learned more browsing this board than anywhere else.

Ok, so I just graduated with a BA in comparative religious studies from Ohio State and am seriously considering CELTA this fall and going overseas right after. What level can I expect to be teaching? I am guessing that it depends so to narrow things a bit how about in an east asia location (I hear Korea is nice, Japan, Thailand, etc.). If you have info you'd like to throw at me about other places 'round the globe feel free.

I would ideally like to teach as high a level as a can (high school, university, middle school would be cool too). I'm down for doing elementary but think I would prefer an older crowd (but then again I havent been there so dont really know what its like). So where am i most likely to get my first teaching gig if i were to take the ESL plunge?

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

chnike112 · Joined: 04 Aug 2009 Posts: 13

I am not confining my search to Japan only in fact Korea is a more likely destination for me. I was just wondering which levels new teachers usually start at. I did not mean to offend you or anything (as your post seemed salty). I do not mean to say I EXPECT or DESERVE any high school or university or any other job. Just said thats what I would LIKE. In regards to the university work I was reading in the Korea board that some people were teaching at the uni w/o an MA and are new to the EFL world so it does not seem impossible (though highly unlikely and again i do not EXPECT nor have any sort of realistic expectations of teaching at one).

rlp5321 · Joined: 26 Jul 2009 Posts: 15 Location: Hamburg, Germany

Hello Chnike,

I don't have any information about the job market for ESL in Japan or Korea, but I do have some advice about some members on this board.

I am a newbie and a member for only a short period of time, but I have noticed that some board members enjoy putting down newcommers. Its a cattyness I don't understand. However, when I view such comments from people like Glen, I realize that it says more about his/her personality than it says about your search for knowledge about the ESL world.

Feel free to ask your questions on this site - no matter how basic they may seem. While you'll get some responses like Glen's there are some very knowledgeable people who give some great advice.

As for your job search, if you are set on teaching at the University level in Japan or Korea, its possible (I believe that all things are possible in life) but it may take time or additional training or additional education to get you there.

When you arrive in Japan (or before) talk to some people who are doing what you want to do. Try to meet people with your same qualifications/age that have your dream job. Then ask them how they got there and follow the same steps.

The world is full of people who will tell you that 'you can't'. These are people who have often accepted limitations in their own lives and in order to prove that they were 'right and wise' to accept such limitations they must convince others to accept their advice on 'limitations' as well. Ignore them and keep reaching for your goals.

RLP

chnike112 · Joined: 04 Aug 2009 Posts: 13

Thanks rlp I do appreciate the post. Most of the people I have encountered have been quite friendly though some seem to have a chip on their shoulder for some reason. I do not mean to point a finger at Glen. I have had next to no interaction w/ Glen and its hard to ascertain a person's disposition from one text post on an internet forum so please Glen don't feel like I am attacking you or anything. I appreciate you taking the time to post and share your knowledge. anyone else w/ advice please feel free to share!

nickpellatt · Joined: 08 Dec 2006 Posts: 1522

Im guessing when you say you want to teach at a high level, it refers MORE to the speaking and English level of the student, rather than purely meaning the level of position, academic environment etc?

Glenski is pretty right on the money, you will be looking at entry level jobs most of the time ... but this doesnt mean you will be only working with students who have low level English skills. 'What level will I teach' is kinda ambiguous in terms of it can refer to language levels of students, and level of position and professional status.

If I have read you correctly ... and you are referring to the English skills your students may (or may not) have ... the answer is a very general one, but it depends quite a lot on the nature of the jobs you seek, apply for, and are offered.

If you go for kindergarten work or primary schools ... its fair to say you may encounter no (language skills), to very little English language skills.

Generally ... although there are exceptions, the older the students, the more likely it is that they have been exposed to English already, meaning they should be of a higher level in terms of language usage. This isnt always true of course...but its a general rule of thumb.

The education systems can be different in other countries...they may not stream pupils according to ability, and sometimes students may have been studying for a long time, but have no communicative ability.

The key to this is checking job adverts, and talking to prospective employers and teachers working in the schools you apply. If you dont want to teach absolute beginners...then dont seek out Kindy or primary school work. If you apply to language schools, and they should be able to guide you to the type of students you are likely to have.

chnike112 · Joined: 04 Aug 2009 Posts: 13

Thanks so much Mr. pellat for your reply. I am more interested in the general maturity level of the students that I would be teaching. I would prefer teaching 16 year olds with low english ability over 7 year olds w/ great english. I would be fine and willing to teach all levels however but would prefer an older crowd. I plan on looking for and applying for positions to teach an older crowd I was just interested to know where most new ESl teachers w/ CELTA certification (onsite) end up going (or at least are able to go). I know many go to like elementary schools but was wondering if middle and high schools are willing and open to hiring new ESL certified teachers w/ no expereince or is it the type of thing where one starts w/ elementary school and w/ experience can "move up" in the age level they teach

santi84 · Joined: 14 Mar 2008 Posts: 1317 Location: under da sea

The level of your students could be very skewed, no matter what the title of the course is. I taught an upper-intermediate class and had students ranging from a PhD who had near-native ability to a working immigrant who could only say "Yes, Mam!". They were both wonderful in very different ways.

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Thu Aug 06, 2009 3:35 pm Post subject:

CELTA stands for Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults, and at least where I am, this is where most recent grads would start. Where most of the work is; Adult EFL.

May be different in other parts of the world, though.

Best,
Justin

santi84 · Joined: 14 Mar 2008 Posts: 1317 Location: under da sea

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Thu Aug 06, 2009 3:55 pm Post subject:

Agree and agree. If general maturity is your thing, a nice group of 8 year olds is a much more socially mature crowd than anything that's sixteen.

Best,
Justin

chnike112 · Joined: 04 Aug 2009 Posts: 13

santi84 · Joined: 14 Mar 2008 Posts: 1317 Location: under da sea

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

chnike112 · Joined: 04 Aug 2009 Posts: 13

Thanks for the detailed reply Glen. By "older crowd" I meant teens and adults v. elementary school kids. Sorry for the confusing language. You make a good point that their proficency in English is going to be a better determination of whats in store for me than their age level. a 17 year old w/ no english vs. a 10 year with good english. also by ALT you mean assistant language teacher? Kind of like a team-teach atmosphere?