Job Discussion Forums

[wander&teach]

Hi. Breaking into the world of teaching ESL is really overwhelming and I'm looking for advice on how to start. I am open to any country. I prefer teaching adults but would be fine with high school teenagers. Problem: I have no classroom ESL time. Any idea where I should start? How do I apply for a job and be sure I'm not answering a scam ad? I plan to depart in 2011 or sooner if I can figure out what to do with my house.
Here are my credentials:
MA in Adult Education 12/2008
Oxford Seminars 60-hour TESOL 3/2009
Corporate Training Experience 2004-present
Literacy Volunteer - volunteer ESL tutor for 15 months for one Cambodian student.
I know I have broad questions but I would appreciate any advice.
Thank you.

[tommchone]

Don't sell yourself so short; if you come across as a total neophyte, you're ripe for the picking. You DO have experience (more than most), accentuate the positive.

[Glenski]

What sort of climate do you favor or dislike?
How different a culture do you think you could tolerate (think hard before answering "any will do")?

What kind of language learner are you? Good with the romance languages? Russian alphabet? Chinese characters? Farsi?

How much do you think you'd like to make per month (or more importantly, how much do you want to save)?

[denise]

In addition to thinking about how you'd answer Glenski's questions, you could start browsing job ads--here and www.tefl.com should be good for starters. You will get an idea of what countries seem to have the biggest need, what the salaries are like, what qualifications they require, etc. Take a look around and see if any particular jobs/regions jump out at you.


I'd also add a couple more things to consider: how important is it for you to work legally? Some people don't mind border-hopping every few months to get a new stamp in their passport if it means they can work where they want to; some of us like to have everything sorted out legally. Also, what kind of social life (including dating) do you prefer?

d

[anyway]

Any teaching experience will be a plus on the resume. Your master's will move you up as well. Obviously, you should play up your business experience in your resume. It is hard to find jobs teaching adults only although business gigs would fall in that category.

Generally speaking, 20-25 classroom hours per week is a comfortable rule of thumb. Housing should be included. Airfares are hit and miss. Salary depends entirely on the local economy. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Never send any money. That is the definition of a scam. Otherwise, research is crucial and speaking (by phone) with a teacher or two on staff is best.

My advice is simply to start testing the waters. Send apps to as many jobs as possible and see how much response you get. Start with the jobs you would prefer (destination, hours and salary-wise) and see if anyone replies. Then work your way down the ladder. At some point you will start receiving interest and/or offers. If that offer comes in their first reply, red flag!

[wander&teach]

I really appreciate all of the quick responses. It has helped me tremendously. The questions some of you posted help to guide me. For instance, I know I want to work legally. Once I start teaching a group I like to see them through - I enjoy seeing them finish their semester/term. It is very rewarding and I would hate to have to leave suddenly.

I also want to be able to save a bit to pay off loans as I am still paying off my master's education. I definitely feel more confident now that some of you said I have enough teaching experience even though it is in a corporate setting. I'm still undecided on a location but now I know to study the economy of the area. I also will be on the lookout for a scam.
Thanks again for the tips and I'd welcome any other information.

[spiral78]

I think you can cross Europe off your location list. Legal options for non-EU citizens are few. Pay simply isn't enough to allow one to pay off debts from back home. Further, your Oxford cert would be substandard - most newbie teachers here have CELTA or equivalent, and the lack of supervised teaching practice with actual students is known to most employers on this side of the waters.
Finally, there are considerable start-up costs here - you most often need to come on over with enough funds to support yourself for a few months - most reputable employers won't hire (at the newbie level) from abroad.

[coledavis]

You could look for jobs where the accommodation is free or subsidised. It makes saving easier. You might approach schools in Siberia, where they are very keen on native speakers (learning to read Russian doesn't take long in itself and enables you to use a dictionary etc etc).