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sdakota

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Post by sdakota »

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Last edited by sdakota on Sun Apr 24, 2016 2:21 pm, edited 1 time in total.
vandsmith
Posts: 348
Joined: Sat Oct 25, 2014 12:16 am

Re: Teaching Couple Questions

Post by vandsmith »

europe could be tricky as it seems to be a highly sought after area. i don't know much about it but that's just what it seems like.

other areas you might have success in include the middle east and southeast asia. she's got the experience, you've got a degree. and some previous experience so all is not lost. the only thing that might go against you a little is that you're not married (or are you?) couples seem to be more attractive to recruiters in my experience but depending on the location, you may have trouble if you're not married. of course i know a lot of people over here in the middle east who are couples/GF-BF and have got hired. depends on the school. long story short, it's definitely possible so you should try everything you can. there are some good schools in china from what i hear.

on search, schools will list whether or not they're willing to consider teachers without much experience in their profiles.

good luck

v.
Nomads
Posts: 152
Joined: Mon Nov 04, 2013 2:08 pm

Re: Teaching Couple Questions

Post by Nomads »

sdakota,

Your lack of experience is not a deal breaker, but schools will be more interested in candidates with experience, particularly overseas experience. Also, some schools cannot hire you due to visa regulations of the host countries. I would encourage you to stay patient and emphasize your flexibility You may need to wait until later in February before you start getting interviews. I would caution you against going with a school that offers her a position and tells you that they will/may find a position for you later. You could have visa issues because you are not married or wind up being a substitute teacher.

Good luck.
shadowjack
Posts: 2138
Joined: Sat Oct 06, 2012 9:49 am

Re: Teaching Couple Questions

Post by shadowjack »

Hi sdakota!

Let's look at this realistically.

1. your g/f has 2 years of elementary education experience and certified PK - 6.
2. You have 1 year of kindergarten experience as a non-certified teacher, and will be certified at what grades? 1 to 6? K to 6? You are also going for a 6-12 English/Socials.

Don't plan on getting into Europe unless it is (honestly) some place like Kosovo or Albania, where teachers do runners (leave mid-contract), or you hit the jackpot (very long odds, but it has been known to happen). You both have too little experience for an established school and I am not sure your 6-12 English/Socials will help you. You have no experience teaching those areas and will be competing with teachers who are not only certified in those areas, but have years of experience teaching them. Where it might come in handy is later on in your career if you make a move within a school to one of those positions and then parlay that into a job your next recruiting cycle.

Not to despair, though. Honestly, if you and your girlfriend remain primary based, you will be the meal ticket unless she has some great skills too. Why? Male teachers in elementary schools are a rare breed indeed. Having the ability to offer a male teacher in lower or upper elementary is seen as a bonus.

However, a drawback will be that the school will be hiring you as two singles in a relationship or as a couple with no legal status. Many schools have dealt with the couple who moves overseas to either live the dream or rescue their marriage - and it falls apart, leaving the school to pick up the pieces. Not saying it is going to happen, but it will be a concern to some schools.

My advice - target schools in SE Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Oh, by all means send those CVs to the European schools, but be realistic in that you are likely to not get a response. And be careful of 'private' schools - most are for-profit, and not necessarily great places to work at. Keep in mind that 99% of all international schools are 'private' and don't carry the connotations of Philips Exeter or Choate. Make sure you do your homework!

Good luck on your job hunt and keep us posted!

shad
sdakota

Re: Teaching Couple Questions

Post by sdakota »

Thanks, shadowjack. I will let you all know. Great post.
lyttled
Posts: 2
Joined: Fri Mar 13, 2015 9:57 pm

Re: Teaching Couple Questions

Post by lyttled »

China now requires five years teaching experience to issue a visa.
whoamI?
Posts: 51
Joined: Sun Feb 22, 2015 11:02 am

Re: Teaching Couple Questions

Post by whoamI? »

lyttled wrote:
> China now requires five years teaching experience to issue a visa.

Where did you get this information? Can you please cite it?

I don't think this is accurate, as I have friends who have gotten visas with 0 years teaching experience...
whoamI?
Posts: 51
Joined: Sun Feb 22, 2015 11:02 am

Re: Teaching Couple Questions

Post by whoamI? »

Ah, I just googled this myself.

I want to clarify: this new visa rule, if passed, and enforced successfully will only be taking place in Beijing. Also, how is it possible to enforce this rule for teachers who already have a visa? What will happen to teachers who are approved for a visa?


http://www.thebeijinger.com/blog/2014/0 ... d-teachers
shadowjack
Posts: 2138
Joined: Sat Oct 06, 2012 9:49 am

Re: Teaching Couple Questions

Post by shadowjack »

whoami - there are different kinds of visas to bring people into China. Just because your friends got visas with 0 years experience means nothing. Teachers with experience come in on a specialist visa. Your friends likely on a business or similar visa.

As to what will happen, I believe China has a policy of grandfathering people in. But since it is a single . government, it could ask for proof of experience and kick people out. I don't believe that would happen - they would just make everybody coming in after the law passes meet the requirements.

just my two halalas,

shad
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