Job Discussion Forums

[melssa]

Hello, thanks for clicking on me! Just so I can get the best advice possible, let me enlighten everyone as to my certs, experience, and what I'm looking for. Finding a job in Chicago has become extremely difficult as over a thousand teachers were laid off last year and there seems to be word of more layoffs to come. Aside from these displaced teachers, there are many teachers who have yet to find a full time placement (like myself) as well as the newly graduated and those moving from the suburbs or neighboring states. Career changing is a difficult option as staffing agencies will not work with me (apparently teaching experience doesn't count and my office experience isn't recent enough), and I can't get any one else to consider me since the pay for entry level jobs is very low and everyone figures I'm leaving as soon as I find a teaching job or a better opportunity (and I probably would!). I have always wanted to travel more and this seems like an opportune moment.

I have a Masters degree in Elementary Ed with an endorsement in Social Science and with one more class, Language Arts. I've had some basic instruction in Spanish, French, Chinese, German, Japanese, and Latin. I did student teaching, subbing, long term subbing, aide volunteering, and taught religious education courses for a period of a year and a half in one school, then after graduation I worked as a K-3 afterschool teacher (pre-k and 4-7th grade aide) for a period of 7 months. After that time I worked as a long term sub (3rd grade) for a period of 4 months.

As to what I am looking for. I have a very large amount of student debt to pay off. It may be possible for me to defer my federal loans for another year (and after that can be on an income-contingent plan), but I still have about $500 - $600 a month in private loans and hospital/credit card debt. Therefore I need a place that allows me to make a living that will provide living expenses plus at least that amount extra per month. I realize that my financial situation does not allow for me to teach in some really great places, although I'm wondering if international schools in places such as Thailand would pay a bit more than average, and if my experience would allow for such a position.

I am currently receiving unemployment and living with a friend who does not require me to pay rent, so I could probably save up about 3-4k for start-up costs. If I can get an extension or if I am able to find some type of job before then, I can save more.

I'm primarily interested in TEACHING, not just a vacation, but I do have certain preferences. I'm looking for a place with a lot of cultural history. I also prefer a warmer climate, if possible. I plan on taking my cat with me (I will be vaccinating him this week) and I understand the different regulations/extra cost imposed - I'm more worried about finding accommodations where I can have my cat. I would also really like a place with an expat community. I lived in Japan as an exchange student and fell in love, I wouldn't mind going back (a third time) but also feel I should perhaps try something new. Before I went to Japan I knew nothing of the language or culture so I'm very familiar with culture shock and can handle not knowing the language/a very different culture.

Wow this is a long read, thanks for sticking with me to the end! I appreciate any feedback anyone can give me. Hope to hear from everyone soon!

[spiral78]

There are very few places where you can count on being able to pay off debt back home. Most are in Asia or in the Middle East.

You are also qualified for international school positions, but these are not numerous in most locations.

I think others will be along shortly with more specifics regarding possibilities.

[melssa]

I have an interview later this month for a position in Abu Dhabi, although I admit I'm not too crazy about the idea. But you never know, I may end up loving it too...best to keep an open mind, I guess.

I would love an international school, but many require 3-5 years of teaching experience. Not sure if I qualify for that, but I will be submitting resumes and attending a job fair in Feb.

[spiral78]

Good luck to you!
I've friends in Abu Dhabi who like it very much - and it is one of those relatively rare areas where you can make decent money, assuming decent quals.

[mimi_intheworld]

[smithrn1983]

I have a friend who taught in the U.A.E. for several years and loved it. You might also look into Vietnam, and maybe even Indonesia if Asia is more your cup of tea.

[melssa]

My interview is also through TeachAway.

I suppose my issue with Abu Dhabi is, even though I know it is more progressive and the money is decent, I do not know how well I would do in a country where my freedoms may be restricted due to my gender. I suppose I should visit the thread on fb and check out the experiences of other single women like myself. In Japan I did experience situations where the women were treated as less important than their husbands or sig others, but this did not apply to American women or even younger Japanese couples. Despite this, I know that I may come to love the area. Before I went to Japan I ONLY wanted to go to Europe, and on a whim saw a flyer about a sister school in Tokyo and signed up for it. It ended up being an incredible experience.

I love Asian culture and feel this would be a better fit for me. I was thinking about Taiwan, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Japan, Thailand, or Malaysia. I was under the impression that Japan and Taiwan offer more in the way of financial benefits. Is Indonesia the same way? I would much rather not go to South Korea or Vietnam. Both are great places I'm sure, but I have little interest in either of them.

I do want to eventually return to the states (Chicago most likely) and when I do it will be better for me to have a good grounding in another foreign language, so going to a place where I can learn Arabic/Chinese/Spanish would be an incentive as well, although I can do without it.

[smithrn1983]

From what I understand, Indonesia has a pretty good pay/cost of living ratio, though you can do better in Asia. Malaysia also pays rather well, and was left out of my suggestions, for which I apologize. Japan pays well, but, as others will attest, is also expensive, and start-up costs will be high. You might try posting on the country specific boards as well, since it seems like you already have a pretty clear idea of where you want to go, and at this point are simply narrowing down your choices.

Teach Away also has programs in Malaysia which might appeal to you, if you haven't already looked at them.

[tttompatz]

The best paying (in terms of saving) for you would probably be the ME or Korea.

I can't speak much to the ME and Korean discussions cannot be done here (you have to go to the Korean board and register separately).

I will add this however, In Korea you won't be used as a teacher as much as you will be a talking tape recorder or dancing monkey BUT you will be, without much difficulty, able to pay off your debt and have a decent lifestyle. Contracts usually include housing and airfare. They may also include pension, medical and other benefits.

Thailand will NOT be the place to go. At little better than entry level wages you won't be able to pay your bills at home and until you get 2 years of classroom experience you won't get into the better paying "international" schools.

You might do OK at some of the language academies in Vietnam (ILA) where you can usually bank $600-1000 if you are prudent in your lifestyle or popular with your students (more classes = more pay).

Japan is OK but the competition for jobs is steep and the start-up costs are high ($3000 + airfare). You may want to consider the JET program? Pay and benefits are pretty good.

Same with Taiwan however you may want to look at a public school in Taiwan. They will pay very well for teachers with home country licensing (up to $3000 per month + benefits) and have a nice benefit package as well.

.

[LH123]

I second the fact that, if you want to be paying off loans, international schools are probably a better bet than language academies. Not all want 3-5 years' experience, expectations regarding qualifications and experience vary wildly from place to place, and school to school.

I understand that this is a common portal for searching for international school jobs.

[naturegirl321]

www.tes.co.uk and www.ibo.org are good places for intl school info. Keep in mind that while the min is usually 2 years exp, in "less desirable locations" they may accept teachers with less and often give them great perks and benefits since it's harder for them to get teachers.

I had a couple friends in SW ASia who had good intl school jobs without the 2 years exp.

[denise]

Abu Dhabi is a nice city, but not terribly rich in terms of cultural history. The UAE is very new--sure, there are "traditional" souqs, and you can go out into the desert and see how people lived... 40 years ago... but you won't find museums with centuries of art, history, etc. I just saw something on CNN that said that they are building three gargantuan museums in the hopes of injecting some culture into the place.

But they DO have the fastest roller coaster in the world! That's gotta be worth something!

Oman has a slightly more traditional feeling to it--fewer skyscrapers, more natural. There are a few international schools in Muscat. I live in Muscat, and it's really fine for single women. You do have to dress modestly (although you'll see foreign women who walk around dressed like, well, sluts... not sure what the locals think about it!), but most foreigners live in a little expat bubble, so there's not much culture shock. But then, there is also very limited interaction with the local culture. It's a trade-off.

d

[melssa]

Thank you everyone, for your input. I really appreciate it.

I will go on my Abu Dhabi interview, but I have decided I will focus on finding positions in Taiwan, Indonesia, or Malaysia. I will also keep my eye on International Schools, thank you so much for the links.

Wish me luck!

[mimi_intheworld]

[mimi_intheworld]

oops, double post. Mod, please delete.