Job Discussion Forums

[njs7t3]

Using the internet to find a decent teaching job overseas is like trying to find a needle in a haystack made of needles.

[spiral78]

A lot depends what part of the world you're trying to get to.
Some regions only hire people who are available for face-to-face interviews, and some regions are OK with hiring sight-unseen. It's all about how many teachers are on the job market and how high demand is, in the region(s) you're trying to get into.

[nomad soul]

Ditto what Spiral said. Plus, timing is everything. Some regions and/or certain teaching situations (e.g., university and international schools) indicate a peak hiring season or specific times of the year when the majority of teaching jobs are posted. As a job-seeker, you need to be savvy, quick, and often flexible.

[njs7t3]

Originally all I could think about was Prague. But it's my first year out and I'd like to eat and not share an apartment and not be treated like sh** so that's out. Then I thought about South Korea. I met a great student in my CELTA program who was Korean, it seemed like an easy transition, I could make money there etc. No go because of a 6 year old misdemeanor possession charge. Now I'm looking at Latin America or Russia/C.I.S., which are both HUGE regions. And from what I gather, a good percentage of the desirable jobs aren't even posted online.

I suppose that's just how it goes. I'm a greenhorn, so it's time to throw a dart, get hired by criminals, hate my life for a year or so, and hopefully develop some contacts so that I can find something better. It goes with the territory that you get crapped on. I'm just wondering if my umbrella is big enough.

[nomad soul]

[njs7t3]

Thanks nomad. This really is a great resource. You responded to a newbie who's freaking out about life choices, and it's much appreciated.

[spiral78]

nomad's absolutely correct, as usual, and may I expand that to say that the first year anywhere is always the toughest?

It really takes some months usually to get settled in, acclimated, used to the surroundings, people, and work, and to start to feel comfortable overall.

As a newbie to any region, you can't expect the best work schedules and students (those will have gone to teachers who were there the year(s) before and who have a good local rep already).

Housing for expats is quite a tough issue - landlords in generally reasonably are a bit suspicious of foreigners unlikely to stay long-term, and who culturally may be expected to be loud or dirty or whatever, whether that's justified or not. If you flat-share, you may get lucky or unlucky with your flatmate(s). All this takes some time to sort out.

Basically, getting started somewhere new is always a challenge. It can go mostly well, or it can be really difficult, and 'you' can't entirely control where on the range the experience will fall. 'You' need to be prepared to deal with logistical problems of all kinds in the midst of working a new job which will feel demanding, and possibly without an effective support system to help.

And all that in a country where you probably don't speak, read, or understand the spoken language!

I'm not targeting this post specifically at you, njs7t3 - this is true for everyone. And obviously many, many people do it and it all works out reasonably well!

Yeah, you might get hired by criminals and hate your daily life for a year. Hopefully it won't be that bad, but, yeah - it's best to be aware that this can be very challenging and all the important details aren't likely to be worked out simply.

What gave you the idea you'd be treated badly in Prague, by the way? Though you're right about the liklihood of flat-share. I'm in Prague, and there are lots of people like you around who seem to be having a pretty decent time of it....

[Glenski]

[njs7t3]

Allow me to clarify. Compared to Europe, where you barely break even, almost certainly share housing, Russia/C.I.S. where you work for an incredibly poorly managed school, freeze under gray skies for months, and Latin America where you may get shot or mugged, work harshly split shifts, and may arrive without work, a country that pays for your airfare and housing, pays a significantly higher salary, and has a support system in place for it's teachers like South Korea seemed like an easier transition.

I understand that there will be culture shock. And I didn't mean to suggest that the work will be a cake-walk. I was speaking comparatively.

[njs7t3]

Again, thanks to all replying. I guess the boards scared me away from Prague. It sounded like people were having a really difficult time finding enough work to support them, and getting the run around from their employers. But once again, it's par for the course. I'd be interested in looking into Prague again, but from what I understand, boots on the ground is an absolute necessity there, and I only have about $3K saved, half of which will go towards a plane ticket. That said, I'm pretty concerned about just packing up and moving somewhere where I may or may not be able to find work.

Missouri has just about the lowest cost of living in the U.S. I have an annuity from my mother's teacher's retirement (she passed away in 2004) that equals about $550/mo. Other than that I have NO income.

I understand that the first year will be difficult. But I can't go somewhere where it's impossible. The absolute worst thing I can imagine is having to come back to Missouri, tail between my legs, with no money.

But don't get me wrong, I'm excited! And I know that I can do it. I'm just overwhelmed trying to make destination choices and find good schools. It's hard not knowing exactly where you want to go, or rather, being open to so many locations. And I know I need to not be discouraged by some of the more pessimistic posts on the site, but it's hard not to when so many of them are horror stories.

[Sashadroogie]

[njs7t3]

I finished the pre-interview task with BKC-IH and am awaiting their reply. And I have a Skype interview scheduled with a Language Link branch in Yaroslavl. So Russia's still in the game! Actually in that respect they're the only one in the game...damn I need to get out more applications.

[Sashadroogie]

The Motherland will always provide and care for you. Just show her her due respect...

Hope the applications are going well for you. You'll be sipping vodka yet.

[naturegirl321]

OP, I sent you a PM. There are good jobs out there, it's harder if you have no work experience. Cost of living is a huge thing to remember. If you make 5K, but spend most of it, then you're better off making less but saving more.

There are decent jobs in China for newbies. Maybe Thailand as well? Some peopel say chains like EF or IH aren't that bad, it depends where they are and who's in charge.

[tttompatz]