Job Discussion Forums

BobStrauss · Joined: 01 Feb 2012 Posts: 16

I've decided to get on the path to an eventual career at the tertiary level in the USA or UAE.

Problem is, I'm just leaving the international school scene, and I need some relevant experience.

Qualifications:
BA Political Science (English Minor)
TEFL Certificate (CELTA equivalent)
MA International Studies
US State teaching license (K-12 ESL) ** Will be earned by August
MA in TESOL ** Will be earned by December

Experience:
1 year in a Korean hagwon
4 months in a Chinese "language college"
16 months in Australian "language colleges"
16 months teaching adults in Indonesia
1 year teaching primary at an Indonesian int'l school

I know that many of you will say that I'm wholly unqualified to teach anywhere at the tertiary level, and I understand where you're coming from, but surely there must be a few places out there where I can squeeze in the door. My question is - which places do you recommend?

Korea? Vietnam? Taiwan?

Money is a bit of an issue, and Saudi is definitely not an option. Any advice or opinions are welcome.

BobStrauss · Joined: 01 Feb 2012 Posts: 16

Forgot to ask ... how about Westgate in Japan?

Would that be a decent filler position after my current contract ends in July, in order to get a bit of experience (and make some debt payments)?

Ariadne · Joined: 16 Jul 2004 Posts: 960

How about China? You have what you need already to get a job at a university and the upcoming additions will just sweeten the pot... but not by alot.

.

MotherF · Posted: Fri Mar 16, 2012 2:34 pm Post subject:

How about Mexico?

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

How about the two Asian countries you mentioned first?

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

BobStrauss · Joined: 01 Feb 2012 Posts: 16

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

Never meant to imply lying, just strongly pointing out that is what it would be. There are those who IMO falsely believe a Westgate uni gig is uni teaching.

To improve your chances of getting a foot in any uni door, I would strongly suggest getting several peer-reviewed publications, preferably in international journals, under your belt.

As for additional work experience, stop working with young children and in language schools. Do whatever you can to get real college/uni/junior college experience, even part-time. Where I used to live in the U.S. (Seattle), PT work was about all people in ESL could get. I hear that opportunities FT vs. PT may differ depending on what region of the U.S. you are in (or are willing to go to).