Job Discussion Forums

[Cinco]

Hi all. Here's where I'm coming from;

-I'm 27, unmarried, no kids, no criminal record or medical issues.
-BFA Digital Media
-2 years tutoring English writing in college
-worked at a game company making English learning software for the Chinese school system
-currently a volunteer museum guide at the La Brea Tar Pits.
-various other TA/teaching/journalism experience but nothing accredited or traditionally qualified as counting toward a teaching certificate
-decent German, some Spanish and Arabic.
-$20,000 in student loan debts, no other debts.

The family never traveled much when I was younger, and I've wanted to do this for a long time. I'd like to commit two or three years to it initially, and ideally get some kind of credentialing accomplished at the same time. I'd also like to save enough that I can pay off, or at least greatly diminish, my student loans by the time I come back, and have some marketable language and teaching skills to apply to a teaching, law enforcement or advertising career.

Admittedly I'm high on motivation but not qualifications for this market. I'm not sure if I should stay here and get some certification, or if there are good jobs from good employers that others can recommend for my level. I have a preference for the Middle East or Africa, but it sounds like China or Korea would be more likely.

Thanks in advance.

[Glenski]

If you want marketable language skills back in your home country, what foreign languages are spoken/written there? Mostly Spanish? Go Spanish speaking countries to improve.

Going to Africa won't diminish your student loan debt. Go where the money is and live frugally for a while.

[naturegirl321]

CHina is always a possibility, though saving or paying off debts might be hard.

[misteradventure]

If you were from the UK, I'd say to follow your heart, since they have forgiveness/ignore the debt if you earn less than some predetermined amount.
Being that you are in the US< I"d suggest Korea/Japan/Taiwan for the money alone. Pay some bills and then you can negotiate.

There are plenty of alternative teacher training regimes available if you want to go that route. I suggest you avoid California, as the latest news suggests that the state may default on it's debt (18% probability) and I wouldn't want my student loan check riding on that.

Good news is that you could have a job in Korea in a week if you aren't picky.

edit: spelling error

[Cinco]

Glenski: Yes, I'm in Los Angeles, and Spanish is ubiquitous here, it would definitely be the most useful language if I choose to return to LA when I'm done overseas...however I'm not certain that I will, other states might prove nicer (and cheaper) in which case I would put the emphasis more on the teaching experience than the language. I'll take your suggestion and look at some central american options though, I've had a long interest in the archaeology there.

naturegirl321: Perhaps I'm mistaken, but most of the jobs I've seen advertised suggest at least 1000 USD/month untaxed with boarding included. Sadly this is more than I can save in a month after expenses in LA. Is this an unrealistic estimate, or are there other expenses I haven't taken into account?

misteradventure: Avoid California indeed It's been difficult surviving here with the options I've had after graduation...learning about income tax the hard way, competing with middle-aged industry veterans for entry-level spots that end up going to the producer's cousin who has Photoshop and some spare time after paintball. The amount of financial and material waste in LA alone is spectacular to behold and puts a realistic face on the state's budget issues.

Korea doesn't sound too bad, and most of the students I tutored during college were Korean. Do you have any suggestions or leads to programs that could get me some certification or credit while I'm there?

Thank you all for your answers.

[jdl]

Some international job opportunities:
http://www.educationcanada.com/international.phtml

[littleone]

South Korea!!

[denise]

You mentioned the Middle East... check the jobs page here and www.tefl.com for jobs in Oman. If you get a TEFL certificate, you can go for the regional college jobs (usually hired through recruiters--check on them because they get mixed reviews) or maybe even some private universities. It'd be worth looking into even without a certificate. You wouldn't get the top university jobs, but the salaries here are still decent enough that you can save money and still live comfortably.

d

[jdl]

Denise has it. Give Oman a try. As Denise says the salaries are good and easy to bank.

More importantly for me, the lifestyle is amazing. Oman has two precious gifts to offer, Space and Time, to be used as one wishes. I can not recommend it highly enough.

Some people like the city (muscat) but I always found the country more appealing just because I felt a greater sense of freedom in the rural environment. I found Salalah to be the best of all possible environments having been to all regions of Oman with the exception of Musandum. The Colleges are as good as you are going to find: 15 to 20 hour per week work load, ample time for personal development pursuits at work, great pay, acceptable working conditions, a little disorganized at times, good students, just a few 'weird' staff, etc. The recruiters are ok, but do be a wise consumer.

Did I mention great lifestyle?

Your qualifications are acceptable except that you do not have ESL/EFl stamped anywhere on your paper. Your 'life experience' is impressive and marketable. As Denise says maybe get a 'quickie' minimum standard certification and go for it.

[bailey73]

[jdl]

cinco and bailey73,

If you do decide on Oman you may want to play up your media background and experience. The colleges are just moving into the area of marketing and promotion and welcome any experience and skill in the areas of web design, media production, infomercial, video etc. North American training in this area would be an asset. If you have skills that can help market the college both internally and externally or if you can teach 'media' or provide some guidance you have an extra that is valued.

Esl instructors are common. ESL teachers with that extra life experience and skill/passion are being sought. You may even get into production of your own work as well? Good luck.