Job Discussion Forums

[email protected] · Joined: 28 Jun 2011 Posts: 8 Location: Kootenays, BC

Another newbie here. I have been reading the postings on this site for quite awhile and am now ready to take the plunge and ask my questions.

I am a 63 year old young-hearted Canadian female. In February 2011, I completed the TESOL / TESL certification from Oxford Seminars, along with specialization modules in Teaching Business English and Teaching TOEFL Preparation. Total of 140 hours.

For the past 15 years my involvement with ESL students has been:
o living and tutoring ESL in Vina del Mar, Chile for 3 years
o home stay host for 5 years hosting international students
o did my practicum in the International ESL Department in 2010 at Selkirk College (280 hours)
o as a volunteer tutored groups and individuals thru the College and various community services.

As I head into my 3rd stage in life, teaching is a career change for me from my background as an administrative assistant.

If you are wondering why I have given you a brief history of my life, it�s because I don�t have a university degree. I am learning that having a degree seems to be a deal breaker. Ie No Degree No Working Visa.

My preference would be to go to Argentina or anywhere else other than China, but according to the postings, China is a country that accepts non-degree holders and mature folks. Am I correct in this?

Folks also say buy a plane ticket, go to that country and knock on doors. They say that I�ll be hired. Would you recommend me doing that or should I focus on applying online for positions?

I really want this to happen therefore any directions, suggestions, or thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

BadBeagleBad

I think your best bet would be to narrow it down to a few countries and take it from there. Will you have some other income, or do you need to make enough to live on with just your teaching jobs? In most of Latin America you would not have too hard a time getting a job. There may be some people who are prejudiced against older workers, but I know many teachers in their 50�s and 60�s in Mexico, including a friend who just made a career change in her late 50�s and got a job in a few weeks. But, in Latin America, aside from international schools, and really upper crust schools, there are not too many that hire from abroad. In my former job I was in a hiring position and I preferred to hire people in their 40�s and 50�s and would not have turned away someone in their 60�s. A lot will depend on how you present yourself tooo, are you energetic, enthusiastic, in other words do you look old? Or project a young-spirited person?

BadBeagleBad

I think your best bet would be to narrow it down to a few countries and take it from there. Will you have some other income, or do you need to make enough to live on with just your teaching jobs? In most of Latin America you would not have too hard a time getting a job. There may be some people who are prejudiced against older workers, but I know many teachers in their 50�s and 60�s in Mexico, including a friend who just made a career change in her late 50�s and got a job in a few weeks. But, in Latin America, aside from international schools, and really upper crust schools, there are not too many that hire from abroad. In my former job I was in a hiring position and I preferred to hire people in their 40�s and 50�s and would not have turned away someone in their 60�s. A lot will depend on how you present yourself tooo, are you energetic, enthusiastic, in other words do you look old? Or project a young-spirited person?

tttompatz

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

Your age is the main issue but there are employers that might overlook it.

To give yourself an edge, consider creating a 10-minute, YouTube video of yourself teaching an actual class (will need to show the learners' responses/reactions as well). You'd have to find a group of willing participants. For more impact, teach a grammar point for your video. Prospective employers can then be directed to the video for a demonstration of your teaching skills and energy and hopefully, you'll wow them to the point where they won't care about your age.

Also, seriously think about joining your local and/or national TESOL affiliation. This is great for networking opportunities and for continuing your teacher development.

Lastly, when sending out your resume/CV, add a section that shows you're active and healthy. For example, for Other Interests or Hobbies, you could mention that you bike, jog, take salsa lessons, etc.---whatever it is you do to keep yourself in good health.

Good luck!

[email protected] · Joined: 28 Jun 2011 Posts: 8 Location: Kootenays, BC

Thanks everyone for the feeback. It was not exactly what I wanted to hear, but I guess it's my reality. I liked the suggestions of the TESOL afflication and making a video of teaching.

After writing my post I got an email from a Chinese placement agency (SYA Education Consultancy & Management) in Qingdao City, Shandong Province, China who are interested in placing me. YIPEE! Has anyone heard of them?

[email protected] · Joined: 28 Jun 2011 Posts: 8 Location: Kootenays, BC

[quote="BadBeagleBad"]I think your best bet would be to narrow it down to a few countries and take it from there. Will you have some other income, or do you need to make enough to live on with just your teaching jobs? In most of Latin America you would not have too hard a time getting a job. There may be some people who are prejudiced against older workers, but I know many teachers in their 50�s and 60�s in Mexico, including a friend who just made a career change in her late 50�s and got a job in a few weeks. But, in Latin America, aside from international schools, and really upper crust schools, there are not too many that hire from abroad. In my former job I was in a hiring position and I preferred to hire people in their 40�s and 50�s and would not have turned away someone in their 60�s. A lot will depend on how you present yourself tooo, are you energetic, enthusiastic, in other words do you look old? Or project a young-spirited person?[/quote]

Yes I am energetic and folks tell me that I am a very young 63 yr old. Most people 60+ are not seeking the adventure that I am seeking. They are settled into their safe lives and this is enough for them. Good on them, but that is not for me. Witout a teaching income, I have enough money to last for up to 6 mths. After numerous rejections (because of my age and no degree) I am think I should pick a country, buy a plane ticket and hit the pavement. What do folks think? I would like to travel to Bhutan, Argentina, Columbia, or Cosa Rica. ps The school placement agency did not pan out so I am back to square one.