Job Discussion Forums

lamhung_503 · Joined: 24 Aug 2009 Posts: 6

Hello forum. I am going to graduate this summer with a BA and have been interested in teaching English overseas for a long time now. I have some experience teaching immigrants in the US. However some things I am very concerned about is that I am also an immigrant to the US when I was 8 and looking at the job board it mainly requires " Native speakers". Would I qualify as a candidate, if not what are the chances of me getting into a decent paying job.

Last thing is the different types of certifications that are out there when I did some research such as TESOL from Language Corps, CELTA and TEFL. What are the main differences between these and which one do you guys recommend would work for a job in Ho Chi Minh City. Thank you so much for your advice.

Mac

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

What is your nationality? American? Just say that much. Having lived in the US as long as you have, I doubt you have any foreign accent.

Are you interested only in one city in the world?

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

You should qualify as a native speaker if you hold a US passport. If you've been in US schools since the age of 8, Glenski is right - you are unlikely to sound or function differently than a native speaker.

tttompatz · Posted: Wed Jun 01, 2011 1:10 am Post subject: Re: Getting Started

lamhung_503 · Joined: 24 Aug 2009 Posts: 6

Thank you so much for clearing that up. I am Vietnamese and I currently hold a US passport. To Glenski, I am very versatile and would like to travel as much as I can not stuck in one place.

BadBeagleBad · Posted: Wed Jun 01, 2011 1:53 am Post subject: Re: Getting Started

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Just say you are American, whether you are naturalized or not. Do not say where you were born if you want to avoid confusion.

Consider yourself a native speaker. Apply as necessary and forget about being an immigrant, at least until after you are hired and the visa is in your hands.

Now choose countries that interest you, lurk on the respective boards and read FAQs, and post in those forums.

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

lamhung_503 · Joined: 24 Aug 2009 Posts: 6

Are there any programs you would recommend for me like Language Corps? Also would it be harder to get certified in an unfamiliar country such as a Vietnamese American completing the program in Korea or Taiwan. Thanks in advance.

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

The Great Wall of Whiner · Joined: 29 Jan 2003 Posts: 4946 Location: Blabbing

Echoing other comments.

US Passport, US education, US experience, US English....

The only challenge will be to find a school not looking for "that white face".

They do exist out there....

lamhung_503 · Joined: 24 Aug 2009 Posts: 6

I have a US passport, BA degree and an American name. But the color of my skin will prevent me from finding a decent job? Please save the trouble of going through the whole certification and end up empty handed. Thank you so much.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

In some isolated cases, yes, you will find that some employers will look at your ethnic heritage/face more than your passport. Skip them and concentrate on the majority, while stating loudly and clearly that you are American first and foremost. People who don't realize that Americans come in so many sizes, shapes, and colors/heritage aren't worth working for, IMO.

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

Yes, the fact that you're Asian by descent will cause some employers not to hire you, or want to pay you less. So you move on. Find decent employers and don't work for those people who treat you like less of a teacher.

AGoodStory · Joined: 26 Feb 2010 Posts: 738

Keep in mind that Asia is where you will encounter the greatest resistance to hiring someone of Asian descent/appearance to teach English. (But perhaps the sheer number of jobs available in China and Korea provides an effective counter-balance.)