Job Discussion Forums

[catflap]

Hello all,

I am a 48 year old UK native-speaker with CELTA and degree but NO teaching experience and am thinking of coming to Vietnam in the next few weeks
to job-hunt. Is my age likely to be a problem? I have seen posts on this site saying there are folks out here teaching in their 60s and 70s,
but they all seem to have plenty of experience. Is a newbie likely to get much of a look-in at my age?

Any help would be appreciated.

[baygioimdi]

You should not have any serious problems since you have a degree and a CELTA, the CELTA is the king of all TEFL etc certificates in Vietnam.

You will probably have an issue finding work during the month of February. This is due to Tet since most students do not enroll for new courses in language centres for at least a month after Tet . Most schools will start employing new teachers in March and April.

Your age will not be a factor but you may have some issues competing with the younger teachers teaching children. However, that does not mean you won't find work teaching young learners. I suggest you focus on schools that are teaching general English to adults. I would not waste your time going to schools that focus on IELTS, such as ACET because they won't employ you due to a lack of experience.

A few other things to keep in mind:

Your previous experience, you can try to focus on teaching ESP courses related to your prevoius experience-teaching business English, business writing, Hospitality English etc.

Most schools will also look at the following when employing older teachers:
flexibility-as one gets older one may become less flexible which may or may not cause issues with other teachers in the school etc etc. Basically, are you going to cause problems for the school.
Baggage-why have you left your country, are you bringing extra baggage with you which may cause some issues in the school.

My experience is that a lot of professional schools would prefer to hire an older teacher because they are generally more reliable, may drink less etc etc, have experience working in business, can control their emotions etc. However, its not black or white.

Best of luck

[snollygoster]

No
As per previous post- On the money.

[catflap]

Thanks guys. That's handy to know.