Job Discussion Forums

baltomatt · Joined: 29 Sep 2009 Posts: 20 Location: Xi'an, China

I am new to this and would appreciate any advice you could give, particularly with regard to location.

I have just completed my TESOL course. I am 48, male, single, and this is a career change for me. I have two undergraduate degrees, one in accounting and one in secondary education--mathematics. I have taught high school math for four years, but that was over 5 years ago. I currently hold, but am not using, a certificate to teach secondary math. I also have experience working as a C.P.A. I have some knowledge of Spanish and German, but I am not fluent in either.

I am not looking to do this for the short term; this is a long term commitment. Although I don't expect to save tons of money, I would like to be able to live on what I make teaching; my lifestyle is somewhat minimalist, so I don't require a lot. I prefer to teach adults, if possible. My primary interest, other than teaching, is languages, so I would like to have the latitude and time to study the language of the country in which I am living.

I am considering both Latin America and Asia, although I am leaning toward Asia at this point. Any thoughts from you would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

What TESOL course?

It makes a difference....

baltomatt · Joined: 29 Sep 2009 Posts: 20 Location: Xi'an, China

I took the 4 week TESOL course at ILI, but the certificate is through SIT

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

I think that one is on-site, and included real teaching practice - correct?
If so, it's fine:)

Sorry, I'm not very useful to you, not knowing the Asia/LA job markets. I'm a regular, but my 'fields' of expertise are teacher training in general, and Europe in particular.

However, others will certainly be along soon...... Cool

baltomatt · Joined: 29 Sep 2009 Posts: 20 Location: Xi'an, China

Yes, it's on-site (130 hours) and included actual teaching, observations, etc.
Thanks for your response.

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

I recommend Asia. They'll set you up with a visa, flights, and housing.

If you taught in a HS, why not do intl schools? www.tes.co.uk and www.ibo.org With one in Maths, you'd have your pick of jobs.

Chancellor · Posted: Wed Sep 30, 2009 7:28 pm Post subject:

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

baltomatt · Joined: 29 Sep 2009 Posts: 20 Location: Xi'an, China

I am less concerned with finances than I am with:
1. Where I can find a long-term situation teaching mostly adults.
2. Who will hire someone at 48.
3. Decent working conditions without worrying about visa problems (above board)
4. Opportunity to learn the language while I am there--I'm not looking to slack off but I know that more time goes into teaching than just the time spent teaching (ie. prep time), so more than 30 hours of classes probably means 50+ hours total.

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

Business English agencies?
Company direct hires?

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Thu Oct 01, 2009 1:06 pm Post subject:

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

Hi, Justin....actually, I AM familiar with SIT. The thing is that so many less-than-standard courses have hijacked reputable names (Oxford being the most-abused that I know of) I really just wanted clarification.

You're right - SIT is highly reputable:) Even I knowi it Embarassed

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

coledavis · Joined: 21 Jun 2003 Posts: 1838

QueenJane · Joined: 20 Oct 2009 Posts: 7 Location: Berkeley, California

Hi! This is my first post. I have similar questions - I'm a woman in my mid50s and am wondering if age will be a major consideration. Obviously, sex does make a difference. I'm considering first Mexico, as I live now in California. I also need to be able to make enough money to live on.

I have a BA in Economics from University of Maryland, and an MBA from Golden Gate University. I've always worked in corporate environments, although in support staff positions, not management. I've taught people one on one in using computer programs, but not in front of a classroom, nor languages.

The TESOL Certificate course I just took is a 60 hr. 'intensive' through Oxford Seminars. It did not include actual teaching time in front of actual foreign language speakers, only class members. The teacher was excellent and the materials seemed good, but I was less than impressed by the fact that huge amounts of material were gone over very quickly, with literally no chance to absorb and improve. It seems clear to me that there is a great deal to learn about being a competent teacher - much more than what a 60 hr. program can really cover. Oxford has a placement service which virtually guarantees you a job - but what job where? I would like to teach Business English to adults or college age students.

Questions:
> Will being a mid50s woman be a big hindrance in finding a job in particular countries (I am not considering the Middle Eastern countries)?
> With the qualifications I have now, what sort of salary might I expect?
> Should I take additional training - the Cambridge sponsored CELTA program seems like a good possible choice - before even attempting to find a job?
> Are there teaching Business English courses/programs that are better than others?
> What other questions should I be asking?

Thanks! [/b]