Job Discussion Forums

[sqygle]

Hi everyone

I've just finished my CELTA training and have been teaching some privates in Thailand while I look for my first proper job. At first I thought how wonderful it was to pick from any number of jobs posted from all around the world. But the more I look into things the more confused I get.

I love teaching and want to start to build up my CV with the prospect of doing a distance learning MA in education or linguistics, working for a secure and reputable company, or specialising in some way perhaps as an examiner. This is all way off in the future of course but I'm aware that such career paths can be particular about the amount and type of experience you need to have.

I suppose I am asking those of you in the know where would be a good starting point for a newly qualified teacher looking build a decent career teaching adults and is there anything that could potentially work against me in the future. (not sure how true it is but I had heard that some recruiters don't consider teaching in Korea or Chinese universities to be valuable experience, or are these just opinions of disappointed, bitter teachers??).

As a newbie I don't expect to walk straight into a perfect job and am aware of the trials and tribulations EFL teachers everywhere face, but a reasonable one would be nice. I'm looking pretty much anywhere in Asia, especially China, and am blessed with the patience of a saint required for such a job

Or am I thinking about it too much? will a years experience teaching adults almost anywhere be enough to get me started (really don't fancy teaching kids).

Thanks for your patience and any advice would be greatly welcomed.

[coledavis]

I think the problem with China is that many of the jobs there involve 'just spoken English'. Don't get me wrong; this is useful to many students. But as it doesn't involve formal classroom teaching, it won't impress conventional language schools and won't give good all round experience (although spoken English group work is a useful experience in itself, and I recommend it later on as part of your development). Essentially, go somewhere where you have to teach! I think a chain might be best - yes, I know, 'McSchools' - as they should be committed to mainstream teaching. The time for experimentation is in your second or third job. In my opinion.

[sqygle]

By McSchools are you referring to the EF's, Shanes and Web internationals of China? I know they have their fair share of critics but do you think future employers would consider these as real teaching? Or would I be better off looking elsewhere?

I have no objection to starting off in one of these places, if I found one with reasonable management I would get on fine, experience different types of classes and hopefully do some further training. I just wonder as many of these McSchools cater mostly to kids I may end up teaching more kids classes than I would like to, do you think this would this impact negatively on my future chances getting a decent job teaching adults?

[coledavis]

Yes, EF, IH International, Benedict. No, these are definitely 'real teaching'. The criticisms you'll find on the forums are primarily aimed at teachers' conditions and pay. They are good experience for first jobbers. No, your assumption about 'mostly for kids' is not necessarily the case; it depends on the school, although even if it does adults, you should expect a mix, usually of some classes with adults and some classes with adolescents. They normally tell you on their advertisement.

[Paul D.]

China is a wonderful place to visit and even live in for a bit, but, if you value your "career" don't come here.

Love,

Paul

http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XNjA3NzU0NA==.html

http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XMTY0NDg5NjM2.html

[sqygle]

Love the videos


I'm finding myself applying for jobs all over the place, both good and maybe not so good, but only ever hearing back from recruiters who have been impatient, vague and sometimes rude.

looks like the good schools already have the good teachers.
Just trying to hold out for something decent and not jump at the next offer, which is tempting because there seems to be a lot of competition out there.

I'm sticking with the idea of working at a language school but if you were just starting out as I am, where would you be loooking? any company, country or city that is easier for a newbie to get a look in?

Many thanks

[coledavis]

Russia has a buoyant ESL market. Moscow or other cities, depending on your preferences. Moscow has more schools than elsewhere, so there are more opportunities. But if you prefer smaller friendlier places, you might make the effort to look elsewhere.

[warda]

I find myself in a similar place to the OP and thought I'd piggyback on the topic.

I'm a US citizen with a BA + CELTA and am in my first year teaching. My contract's up the end of July, and I want to be on top of things for the fall hiring season.

I'm currently at a private language institute in Thailand, and most of my work is with young learners; however, I also teach some older teens and adults. Before taking CELTA, I did a semester of tutoring for the EAP department at my alma mater.

Ideally, I want to teach for another year or two before pursuing an MA in a seated program. Post-MA, I want to work my way into university or company teaching, preferably in the Middle East.

While my company's been good to me, it really isn't the type of teaching I want for my career, and there doesn't seem to be a lot of opportunity for advancement at this school. Additionally, I'm not happy in my host country- I think it'd be nice to visit, but I don't like living here. It feels like time to move on.

What kind of job should I be looking for? Should I apply to private institutes that specialize in adults like Wall Street or certain IH affiliates? Where else should I try applying, as I'm not yet qualified for most uni posts?

Are there any countries or regions that are better for my purposes? Currently, I'm considering Turkey, Malaysia, and Indonesia (and reading country and region specific boards). I'm also considering the Peace Corps.

As an aside, finances aren't my primary motive, but I've got about $200/month in student loans. It'd be nice to be able to pay them myself or get them deferred. Right now, my mom's covering my payments and I will owe her back. No other debts or expenses.

What else can OP and I do to further our careers?
I'm attending a conference in Malaysia next month, and intend to join TESOL as soon as I have the funds in the correct currency.

[tttompatz]

Honestly?

a) bachelors degree or better
b) Native speaker with a passport from one of: USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, NZ, AUS or S. Africa
c) student loans or other debts to pay off
d) no work at home
e) willing to put up with a bit of crap and some wasted time

= go to Korea, work for a year or 3 and pay off all your debt...

THEN you have all your options open and the world becomes a lot easier to handle.

http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/korea

.

[nickpellatt]

sqygle - Im not convinced China is the way forward. Dont really know about the rest of Asia, but Im tempted to lump lots of Asian jobs into the same boat. There may be exceptions, and one company I would consider is Wall Street English. From what I can gather, standards are quite high, they offer adult classes and there is some structure in their programs. Out of all the chains, I think Wall Street would be the best one considering your preferences and future plans.

I am a few years further down the line than you, and would also like to work in serious environments and have more of a career. HOWEVER, I have pretty much done work I enjoy doing rather than serious professional work, and find that now I am trying to apply for more serious roles, in more professional environments, my skill set isnt really quite up to par.

Whilst many jobs in China (and I think Asia in general) are great fun, I dont believe its easy to pick up great teaching skills and knowledge in many of these jobs, and so you dont have skills that are easily transferrable to other settings. This is my 5th year in EFL, and I am now applying for quite a nice job in the UK, but I am not so confident in getting it because I know I lack experience and key skills in some areas of teaching because I have spent my time working in middle schools, colleges and independent language centres in China, and fun summer camp type places in the UK. I havent dont any exam prep, never taught an IELTS or Cambridge exam class and my grammar knowledge is fairly weak too as I do mainly skills lessons. As a result ... I can see a teacher with just one years experience at a structured International House school looking a stronger candidate than I am.

Choose your jobs very carefully IMO. Ive had a great time and loved every minute of the last 5 years, but I do sometimes feel I have painted myself into a corner and I find it hard to move into the type of teaching environment I would like, or need, for my future.

[Nemodot]

Age and exPectations make a difference!

Tefl attracts all sorts but seems to be two major types. 1. Young backpacker or taking a year off before becoming a lawyer types who want to see the world. They do a tefl cert, take a job to cover expenses and off they go. It's a job to them not a career. A few become attracted to the lifestyle and travel and try to make it a career. For that you need a delta/med and school experience IMHO.

2. Older career "fed upers" or redundant/divorced/burnt out/bankrupt types who decided a life abroad is better than mysery back home. Again job is main aim not a career as most had a career. If sensible has a decent penion expected so just need to live till then.

The real career types are fewer so in a sense it makes it harder to have a career! And in a way it can be above way ticket if not careful. Returning back to home country can be difficult if not impossible - I mean in terms of. Job and somewhere to live.

I decided to become certified school teacher so I could go home and earn more abroad. If you are younger and want a career I always suggest the same as you will have more options! And more opportunities to advance ie become a dos/head of department/ head etc