Hello,

Keep in mind that a lot of language academies will only accept people from English speaking countries, like the US, South Africa, Canada, et al. This is enforced as a part of the visa process.

I worked in So. Korea for many years and I eventually got my CELTA, and it was arduous, but very well worth it.

My advice for anyone looking to travel the world and teach English is to get their CELTA. And, of course, most countries require that potential employees have a degree from a reputable college from an English speaking country, which, in many cases, will have to be authenticated.

Hope this helps.

Does anyone have any info about this school? It's in Yangon, Myanmar, and I see an opening for an ESL position. Unfortunately, it's not listed here, so I don't have much to go on.

Thanks!

Thanks so very much for all of the replies.

"Don't lose heart." To be honest, I was feeling a bit down after reading about my dismal prospects, especially after spending 20+ grand and lots of time & effort to get my teaching cert.

But, persistence, persistence, persistence I'm sure will pay off.

It seems that I need to get my foot in the door - get the min. 2 years experience - and then move on from there.

Ideally I would love to move to Central/South America (CSA), but that doesn't seem to be an option right now. Staying in country seems like the wisest move - the dependents issue being ameliorated. Market myself as a social studies/esl teacher and get experience under my belt. Then, CSA, here I come.

I'm also thinking that I should get my master's degree. I only have 3 classes left to get it because I've been taking classes with The College of New Jersey; they have a 2 pronged program - 1st is the teacher's cert & and the 2nd is the masters. I believe that will get me extra security & make me more marketable.

I see.

Your reasoning is clear and I don't sense any malice, just telling me my options and how it is.

Thanks very much, again!

Wow! This is quite disheartening but I greatly appreciate your feedback.

PsyGuy, you'd mentioned that I might have a chance if I go for a lower tiered school in social studies. Now that you know I have 3 dependents, do you still think that might be worth pursuing? I could market myself as a social studies/esl teacher...?

Any other suggestions? Thanks again for giving it to me straight.

My esl experience: I've been working at a Korean university for the past 11 years. I've taught mostly conversational English but I have taught reading, writing, and listening as well. I've also taught an American Culture class.

Before that I taught at a Korean academy - yes, "edutainment" as some put it.

Oh, I also have 3 dependents, which I'm realizing is a major drawback.

Hello there. I'm new to the international school scene but not new to teaching internationally. I'm based in S. Korea and have been teaching ESL for almost 20 years. I just got my certificate to teach social studies, secondary level. But, I believe I have a better shot at getting an ESL position.

Goal: To get an ESL gig at a reputable school in Central/South America. I speak Spanish & have my CELTA - ESL cert.

I'm now registered here & on T.I.E. - the International Educator. Planning to join Search Associates.

Can anyone give me any general advice about what my prospects look like for landing a job at a reputable school?

Any helpful hints or something I should be aware of?

I would greatly appreciate any feedback.

Thanks!