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jessicab
Joined: 28 Dec 2010
Posts: 10
Location: CANADA
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 Posted: Thu Dec 30, 2010 6:51 am Post subject: Advice: Anywhere in Asia, Good place to start |
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Hello!
Right now I am finishing up my Bachelor of Education in Canada and I have a BA Hons in History as well. I'm looking for a teaching position somewhere in Asia. The thing is I'm bit overwhelmed with all the information out there. Will I be able to get a job that pays decently well? I'm looking to save some cash and get experience.
What are some things that are need to know?
Contracts? Recruitment agencies??--- I've read some posts about scams
Salaries? Expectations? Experiences?
I've been going through some of the threads all over the site and everyone is so helpful. This seems like its going to be an amazing resource. |
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KayuJati
Joined: 21 Feb 2010
Posts: 313
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| Posted: Fri Dec 31, 2010 1:26 am Post subject: |
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What does a person with a Bach of Education teach? Does that degree qualify you to teach at the elementary level only in Canada?
Some countries require that you hold a degree in the subject area in which you teach. Other places simply accept any degree for native English speakers to teach conversational English.
So, it depends upon the countries in which your interests lie, and what subjects you hope to teach.
BTW, I just placed someone from the USA into a very good-paying job in Malaysia, but that person had certification in addition to a degree within the subject matter to be taught. |
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Steinmann
Joined: 17 Mar 2009
Posts: 255
Location: In the frozen north
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| Posted: Fri Dec 31, 2010 1:35 am Post subject: |
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| KayuJati wrote: |
What does a person with a Bach of Education teach? Does that degree qualify you to teach at the elementary level only in Canada?
Some countries require that you hold a degree in the subject area in which you teach. Other places simply accept any degree for native English speakers to teach conversational English.
So, it depends upon the countries in which your interests lie, and what subjects you hope to teach.
BTW, I just placed someone from the USA into a very good-paying job in Malaysia, but that person had certification in addition to a degree within the subject matter to be taught. |
In the states, one with a B.S. in Ed would usually specialize in one discipline or another. For instance, I have a B.S. in Secondary English Ed. I wouldn't be a good fit for Middle Grades Science, therefore. Some U.S. states also require a degree in the subject taught, though. I also have a separate B.A. in English, though, so I'm good to go in any state.
Malaysia, eh? |
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KayuJati
Joined: 21 Feb 2010
Posts: 313
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| Posted: Fri Dec 31, 2010 1:56 am Post subject: |
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| Steinmann wrote: |
| KayuJati wrote: |
What does a person with a Bach of Education teach? Does that degree qualify you to teach at the elementary level only in Canada?
Some countries require that you hold a degree in the subject area in which you teach. Other places simply accept any degree for native English speakers to teach conversational English.
So, it depends upon the countries in which your interests lie, and what subjects you hope to teach.
BTW, I just placed someone from the USA into a very good-paying job in Malaysia, but that person had certification in addition to a degree within the subject matter to be taught. |
In the states, one with a B.S. in Ed would usually specialize in one discipline or another. For instance, I have a B.S. in Secondary English Ed. I wouldn't be a good fit for Middle Grades Science, therefore. Some U.S. states also require a degree in the subject taught, though. I also have a separate B.A. in English, though, so I'm good to go in any state.
Malaysia, eh? |
Yes, Malaysia just beat Indonesia in the Asia Football Federation's Suzuki Cup and, therefore, today is a national holiday. So I am sitting here perusing Dave's ESL Cafe.
The OP is asking a big question. Each country has its own set of regulations AND in each country there are different types of schools which have different regulations.
In Malaysia, one needs a home-country certification (US, Canadian, New Zealand, whatever) in order to teach at the international schools. There are exceptions, of course, but how do we account for them? International schools are those that teach expat children mostly, although some rich locals can afford their high prices.
Local universities, however, require at least a Masters degree. But there are exceptions, of course, and you must teach within the subject in which you earned your degree or degrees.
Local public schools? Forget about it; highly politicized and you must use the local language, which can be Malay (gov't schools), Tamil (Tamil schools), or Mandarin (Chinese schools).
So, for Malaysia, the OP would have perhaps too small a pool of opportunity, mostly small English language schools which do not pay that much. |
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jsteventon
Joined: 08 Jul 2007
Posts: 191
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| Posted: Sat Jan 01, 2011 12:58 am Post subject: Which country? |
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H
How about Brunei? It sounds like you would have the qualifications, Several Canadian teachers are employed here by CfBT in government schools. Check out the long thread here on Dave's called 'Thumbs Up for Brunei!' It is a great place to live and work - I can highly recommend it. The CfBT website is www.cfbt.org
JS |
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wailing_imam
Joined: 31 Mar 2006
Posts: 580
Location: Malaya
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| Posted: Sat Jan 01, 2011 7:00 am Post subject: |
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| It depends what exactly you are looking for. I would recommend China. There are a full range of jobs, it's a fascinating place to be right now and offers some of great scope for learning and experience. You need to research your job offers thoroughly though |
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Steinmann
Joined: 17 Mar 2009
Posts: 255
Location: In the frozen north
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| Posted: Sat Jan 01, 2011 7:30 am Post subject: Re: Which country? |
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| jsteventon wrote: |
H
How about Brunei? It sounds like you would have the qualifications, Several Canadian teachers are employed here by CfBT in government schools. Check out the long thread here on Dave's called 'Thumbs Up for Brunei!' It is a great place to live and work - I can highly recommend it. The CfBT website is www.cfbt.org
JS |
CfBT specifically neglects to mention being interested in candidates from the US. What up with that? |
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tttompatz
Joined: 06 Mar 2010
Posts: 1951
Location: Talibon, Bohol, Philippines
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| Posted: Sat Jan 01, 2011 10:37 am Post subject: Re: Which country? |
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| Steinmann wrote: |
CfBT specifically neglects to mention being interested in candidates from the US. What up with that? |
Other than the fact that Americans are not welcome?
Fact of life in some places.
. |
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Steinmann
Joined: 17 Mar 2009
Posts: 255
Location: In the frozen north
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| Posted: Sat Jan 01, 2011 10:51 am Post subject: Re: Which country? |
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| tttompatz wrote: |
| Steinmann wrote: |
CfBT specifically neglects to mention being interested in candidates from the US. What up with that? |
Other than the fact that Americans are not welcome?
Fact of life in some places.
. |
I get that Americans aren't well liked in a number of places, but unwelcome? That's a little harsh. Plus, most places dig an American accent, right? |
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Glenski
Joined: 15 Jan 2003
Posts: 12844
Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN
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| Posted: Mon Jan 03, 2011 1:14 pm Post subject: Re: Advice: Anywhere in Asia, Good place to start |
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| jessicab wrote: |
Hello!
Right now I am finishing up my Bachelor of Education in Canada and I have a BA Hons in History as well. |
So, you're minimally qualified for entry level jobs except in international schools.
| Quote: |
| I'm looking for a teaching position somewhere in Asia. |
All of Asia, or is there any part you wouldn't go to? You want to save money, but that would rule out some of the lesser developed Asian countries.
| Quote: |
| The thing is I'm bit overwhelmed with all the information out there. Will I be able to get a job that pays decently well? I'm looking to save some cash and get experience. |
Experience comes with the job anywhere. Since you are just finishing up a degree and want to save money, how much do you have to pay off in student loans per month, and how much beyond that do you want to bank?
With no loans, figure that in Japan you'll make roughly 250,000 yen/month (do the conversion yourself; it varies per hour), and have to spend about half that on basic necessities. So, whatever you don't spend beyond that you'll potentially save. Realistically, I'd say, you could save 70,000 yen/month, but your mileage may vary.
| Quote: |
What are some things that are need to know?
Contracts? Recruitment agencies??--- I've read some posts about scams
Salaries? Expectations? Experiences? |
In Japan, contracts are for a year most of the time. Same with visas. If you are in doubt about a scam anywhere, write the info here so someone can help. Expectations: work 20-30 hours/week in the classroom and 10-20 hours/week as other duties. You'll often (not always) have a format to follow but be expected to hit the ground running with minimal (if not ineffective) training. Demo lessons are common for interviews.
Are you planning on going to the foreign country for the interview? When?
If not, your opportunities are limited, very limited. There are also peak seasons for hiring; in Japan it is usually Feb/March for April start dates. Don't expect housing to be paid, but secondhand places are routinely offered. Airfare is almost never paid here. |
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jessicab
Joined: 28 Dec 2010
Posts: 10
Location: CANADA
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| Posted: Mon Jan 03, 2011 6:13 pm Post subject: |
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| KayuJati wrote: |
What does a person with a Bach of Education teach? Does that degree qualify you to teach at the elementary level only in Canada?
Some countries require that you hold a degree in the subject area in which you teach. Other places simply accept any degree for native English speakers to teach conversational English.
So, it depends upon the countries in which your interests lie, and what subjects you hope to teach.
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In Ontario a BEd would allow you certification in either the primary/junior stream or the intermediate/senior. Technically my degree makes me qualified to teach everything except French (or any other foreign) language class. It's easy enough for me to at least get my intermediate qualifications for history here in Canada this spring/summer.
I suppose ideally I would be teaching at the elementary or intermediate level. |
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jessicab
Joined: 28 Dec 2010
Posts: 10
Location: CANADA
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| Posted: Mon Jan 03, 2011 6:17 pm Post subject: |
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| wailing_imam wrote: |
| It depends what exactly you are looking for. I would recommend China. There are a full range of jobs, it's a fascinating place to be right now and offers some of great scope for learning and experience. You need to research your job offers thoroughly though |
China would be amazing. Would I be qualified enough for a position in a Chinese school? I worry a lot about my lack of experience for these positions.
| Quote: |
| experience comes with the job anywhere. Since you are just finishing up a degree and want to save money, how much do you have to pay off in student loans per month, and how much beyond that do you want to bank? |
My student loans will be min. $500/mth CAD and I'd love to be able to throw some extra cash at OSAP whenever I can. |
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Glenski
Joined: 15 Jan 2003
Posts: 12844
Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN
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| Posted: Mon Jan 03, 2011 10:25 pm Post subject: |
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What is OSAP?
500 CND is about 41,000 yen right now. So, if you have a 250K yen job, and have roughly half of that left over from basic necessities, and deduct 41,000, you will have about 80,000 yen to play around with for the following:
emergencies
subscriptions to magazines, newspapers, satellite TV
prescription meds
personal entertainment (video rentals, bar life, snacks, etc.)
sightseeing (transportation, accommodation, entry fees)
hair care
postage
souvenirs/gifts and associated shipping
other transportation needs
other luxuries
Note: Casual drinking a couple of nights a week in bars in Japan will eat about 50,000 yen/month. There are ways to lower that, but this is an average. |
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tttompatz
Joined: 06 Mar 2010
Posts: 1951
Location: Talibon, Bohol, Philippines
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| Posted: Tue Jan 04, 2011 12:03 am Post subject: |
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Bottom line - with a Canadian passport, a B.Ed and NO EXPERIENCE other than your student teaching practicum you enter the world of ESL at the entry level.
About the ONLY place in Asia that will pay enough at the entry level to cover your living expenses AND pay your student loans would be Korea.
Head on over to the Korean forums (separate registration required) and read your socks off.
Anywhere else in Asia won't pay enough at the entry level to cover your expenses and loan payments.
Get 2 years of experience under your belt (to go with your B.Ed) and the picture changes dramatically and you can add bilingual program schools, international and/or IB schools to your list of potential employers with salary and benefit packages that compare to what you find at home.
. |
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jessicab
Joined: 28 Dec 2010
Posts: 10
Location: CANADA
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| Posted: Tue Jan 04, 2011 12:04 am Post subject: |
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| Glenski wrote: |
What is OSAP?
Note: Casual drinking a couple of nights a week in bars in Japan will eat about 50,000 yen/month. There are ways to lower that, but this is an average. |
OSAP is Ontario Student Assistance Program, it's government sponsored loans for college and university students.
Good thing I don't drink at all! |
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