Job Discussion Forums

John28 · Joined: 16 Mar 2012 Posts: 17

This is my first post on this board as really I would like some advice.

I qualified with a CELTA in May last year and I would very much like to travel abroad and use this to teach. I went to Hong Kong for one week last year and thought it was wonderful, therefore I would ideally like to start here. Then, if I enjoy working and living abroad, I would like to then work in Japan and try and see as much of both countries as possible whilst I am there. I enjoyed doing my CELTA course and the teaching side, however I am only certain at the moment that I would like to use this to travel. Who knows, I may actually decide to pursue teaching as a career once I gain more experience.

The problem I have is an uncertainty of where to start applying. I have seen that this website has a jobs board which I regularly check, however I am unsure what schools and companies are the best to go with, what kinds of contracts they offer, what the better ones are and what the dates of these can be. Can anybody share tips and experiences?

I am currently working full time within the Language Centre of Nottingham Trent University, I am an administrator of the Pre-sessional English course and although this has been a great job, I now feel (especially at 2 Cool

that it is now time to move on, develop and see the world. At the same time, I do feel slightly anxious at leaving a secure job for work that is temporary, not certain and for something that I may not like. I suppose that is the gamble!

Can any teachers with more experience please give me some tips, advice and maybe a good time to start doing this?

Ariadne · Joined: 16 Jul 2004 Posts: 960

Spend many hours reading threads on the general and newbie forums. Then read the ones for Hong Kong and Japan. It will help you discover what kind of jobs are available and what kind of job you might want to pursue. It really will help you get enough info to begin to ask more focused questions.

I know several teachers in HK but they are all career teachers in the NET (?) program. I don't know if HK is a good place to find work for just a year or two, but the HK forum should have lots of info for you. According to some posters here, Japan is a tough place to find work now. That could change by the time you want to look for work there. Or not. Be prepared.

Many people teach in order to travel. There's no reason you can't do both but I certainly hope you will make being a good teacher your first priority.

Good luck to you.

.

John28 · Joined: 16 Mar 2012 Posts: 17

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

Come to the Japan forum. Look at the 2 FAQ stickies, which have a list of web sites where many people apply for jobs here.

Read threads before posting general questions, and after you have located potential employers, post specific questions after you have done a search for the information. Most questions have been asked countless times.

When do you want to start?
Do you have a bachelor's degree, or are you eligible for a working holiday visa?
Do you plan to job hunt while in Japan or from your home country?
Are you limiting yourself to certain types of jobs or certain locations within Japan?

Answers to those questions will help a lot.

John28 · Joined: 16 Mar 2012 Posts: 17

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

You're welcome. Any reply to the other questions?

Chris Westergaard · Joined: 14 Mar 2006 Posts: 215 Location: Prague

I think your CELTA provider should help with this stuff and they probably have a lot of experience with different companies. As far as teaching, be careful with over analyzing it. Wherever you start, is not necessarily where you'll end up. If you're a flexible person, have a good sense of humor, generally like people and learning new things, you'll be happy. So do some basic research and then take that big step.

sharter · Joined: 25 Jun 2008 Posts: 878 Location: All over the place

My advice-

1. Learn from colleagues, it's much better than reading books. Nearly every idea or activity I've picked up has been from someone and not something.
2. Always assume that every employer is a rogue and prepare accordingly.
3. Despite what many say, once you've got a bit of experience, the Middle East (specifically UAE and Qatar) are well worth a look to earn some cash. Women tend to have fun in the Gulf and in my experience the female students are much easier to teach.
4. Buy your Bovril in the UK as it's a bugger to find.
5. Always remember that if you have a dodgy employer, it's up to you to do something about it. Running is always the best option.