age limit for visas

[cecraj]

I am new to this game and have just finished my degree in a university in Victoria. I am over 45 and was wondering in anyone could tell me about age limits for visas to work overseas. Can someone also tell me what their experience was like and the level of English in Korea or Japan or Indonesia? Grateful

[gfell]

Welcome cecraj to our new ESL Forum.

Age limits are a touchy matter with many employers in Taiwan and Korea. They don't always mention age in their job ads due to unwanted negative publicity.

Taiwan schools do prefer younger teachers than older teachers, and it's sometimes difficult for teacher's over 45 to get an ESL job in Taiwan.

China is more open as they can't be as selective due to the lower wages they offer. Chinese schools realise they cannot always pick and choose their English teachers.

Japan is fine. The schools are willing to hire older teachers.

Not too sure what you mean by the level of English. In all countries, there will always be students with low levels and high levels of English.

One thing I have noted though, that if age isn't really on your side, then it would be best to apply to teach English to adult students or high-school students. I have found that few schools are willing to hire older teachers to teach children.

[Phil]

cecraj: Congrats on graduating. I don't think I could go back to Uni at your age. Must have been a challenge to keep motivated.

I teach in Taiwan now and Admin is correct - Taiwanese schools to prefer younger teachers. Applying for a visa to teach English in Taiwan is possible no matter what age. The only thing is you need a school to sponsor your ARC.