Job Discussion Forums

[kona]

I'm a little confused on what the preferences are for the British Council as far as qualifications go. How much does nationality matter? (and I realize this may very from country to country even though, theoretically, every BC is standardized). I know its not a prejudice against people or culture but more of a different educational system and pedagogical differences in curriculum, but will they always hire a Brit, Aus, Kiwi or Canuck over a Yank? Or does it all come down to the cambridge certification (CELTA, DELTA, etc)? And further more, how much does experience and other graduate credentials matter to them (and does it matter where said credentials come from)? Basically, how does one align their chakras for these positions?

Anyways, from all the forums I've read BC seems like probably the world's most legit language institute, and I'm considering it as a possible work route in the future (currently working on a MA TESOL in the US). I've got 1/2 year ESL experience and 1 year middle school experience too (no teaching cert though), so I probably can't go directly into a BC post MA even if I get a CELTA, need to work on my credentials some first I'm sure. Just want to know all my options, any feedback is appreciated... Considering Bogota, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Cairo (if the revolution shapes up nice), Istanbul and one of the moons of Jupiter.

[Sashadroogie]

Plenty of Americans work for the BC worldwide. But bear in mind academic qualifications are not the only criteria used in recruitment, on account of the fact that the British council is not just a 'language institute'. It's an adjunct of the British Consulate, and as such is not likely to hire any one who may not be too enthusiastic promoting Britain, its culture, crown etc abroad. It is probably one of the very few places where teachers could claim to be cultural ambassadors and not be talking through their egos.

Good luck... and remember that you'll be seen as representing the forces of British imperialism in some of the locations you mentioned, so be prepared for the extra security that will entail....

[kona]

[fladude]

I say put on a Sex Pistols T-shit, with the logo God Save the Queen on it, have 10-15 pints (of British beer of course), carry an 80s style boombox (playing the Sex Pistols of course), run in their front door and yell out that you are there to promote British culture, to get pissed and teach some English.

If that doesn't convince them of your desire to promote British culture, then I don't know what will.

Edited to add: its probably a good idea to drape a British flag over your back too.

[posh]

Hehe

A guy I know somehow got invited to a BC bash in Prague with the Queen in attendance. He said he bought a second-hand suit for $5, turned up and proceeded to neck as much free champagne as possible. At some point everyone was invited to go up and shake Her Majesty's hand. He was having some trouble standing by this stage but did manage to do a walk past. When he was done he then remembered something that he wanted to ask her, so he joined the back of the queue again. As he slowly approached the front one of the bodyguards stepped into his path and politely said, "I think you've had a bit too much to drink, sir."

[Sashadroogie]

No more cushy job in the BC for that fellow, then! And I should jolly well think not! But just curious, which year was that? When did the Queen attend a function at the BC in Prague?

[kona]

[Perilla]

I know plenty of BC teachers. The majority of them are British and are also healthily anti-establishment. There isn't any political vetting process, nor is it a cushy number. Most of whatever perks there were have been eroded over the years, though BC is still a much better employer than your average language academy.

Yes, BC does recruit other nationals. There's an understandable bias towards Brits as there is a cultural angle involved, but I know that BCHK employs/has employed quite a few US, Canadian, Aussie and Kiwi teachers in the time I've been in HK.

[posh]

[TwinCentre]

Former veteren of the BC here (5 years full-time in two countries) and I think some of you really have got an innaccurate image of the place.

Working as a language teacher at the BC, you will find that it very much is a language school, and surprisingly a normal one at that. I found it comparable to IH, with a few more fancy words to deal with in your yearly evaluation, and generally a bit more paper work.

The culture bit, IMHO, is done indirectly by teachers in pretty much the same way as any language school - themed lessons, quizzes, parties, etc. We all know language and culture are intertwined.

The BC employs a fair number of non-Brits as teachers, but it seemed to me that their policies on doing this varied from centre to centre and country to country. They may have a blanket policy now.

About pay, I often got the impression that the BC offered more work to teachers rather than a higher salary, whenever I worked out my earnings per hour, it seemed the same as other language schools, it is just that I worked twice as many hours as them! Just my impression.

I have found having the BC on my CV useful, especially with educational employers in the UK, even non EFL ones (supply teaching etc).

[kona]

@Twin Centre, which BC's did you work at? and your pay to hours worked wasn't very good? That kind of surprises me, as I always thought they payed really well, but definitely made you work for it.

As far as getting an inaccurate image of the place, I'm sure that THEY MUST make the student's learn the lyrics to bank robber by the clash if they want to pass. they sure as hell will in my class.

[TwinCentre]

[kona]