Job Discussion Forums

[darkmarsh77]

Hey everyone,

This month I will be completing a TEFL/TESOL course in Canada, and hopefully will be find a position teaching English sometime in the next couple months. I have a Honours B.A. and some English teaching/tutoring experience with Asian international students living in Canada (approximately one year). Fortunately, I have no debts of any kind, so maximizing my net income is not critical, as long as I can live comfortably without dipping into my savings, I'll be satisfied. Also, I have EU citizenship, which makes living in Europe a possibility.

Anyways, I have a fairly simple (or maybe complex?) question: where is the best place to start looking for employment in this field? I have no real preference in terms of location yet, so I wanted to hear different opinions.

Thanks in advance!

[spanglish]

What are your priorities and interests? Learn a certain language? Save money? Live in the city/country? Avoid pollution? Go camping? Go to the symphony?

[darkmarsh77]

It would be a combination of different things. Gain some experience teaching, live abroad, discover new cultures, enjoy life. I have been working as a Canadian bureaucrat for the last couple of years, and frankly, I need a major change. Like I said, I have no debt, so saving money would not be high on my priority list. I would certainly value the experience with a good employer in an interesting, friendly country over simply making money.

[denise]

With no debt and EU citizenship, you can basically go almost anywhere. I would envy you, but if you're having a hard time deciding, maybe it's not such a good position to be in after all.

If you're at all interested in the Middle East (or at least the Gulf), you will need a bit more experience, so you can cross that off... process of elimination!

What does enjoying life entail for you? If there are certain sports or hobbies you don't want to give up, or would like to learn, start looking into places where you can do them. (e.g., hiking--look into suitable landscapes/climate; skiing & snowboarding require a suitable climate; etc...)

If you want to immerse yourself, mingle with the locals, etc., you may want to stay away from big cities with large expat populations. If, on the other hand, you want a safety net of other foreigners, you may be better off in a city.

The list of considerations goes on and on!

d

[Insubordination]

I would suggest Spain. Great culture, contracts offered and an easy first experience overseas.

[Otterman Ollie]

No, No, forget Spain, in fact forget Europe, go to the last place left where someone in your lucky position can maximize their enjoyment, learn about a different culture, and maybe even see a few fellow countrymen and women make complete fools of themselves!

[MrMrLuckyKhan]

If you want major culture-shock come teach in SEasia!!! Your quals will land u good jobs here. You will get paid enough to have a great experience anywhere out here, especially since you're not worried about saving...