Newbie need advice plz

[campavansam]

hey everyone my first post so i just thought you could clear up a few queries i have about the whole teaching malarkey!

Start off telling you little bit about myself, I'm 22, never taught before, got a bachelors in music at Wolverhampton uni and I'm looking to teach abroad as a way of expanding my horizons,my CV and just to give me a chance to travel for an extended period whilst been able to sustain myself.Ive traveled most of SE Asia and also China,Japan and South Korea so i believe I'm well immersed in their culture and seeing as the bulk of the ESL market is there, would make sense for me to go somewhere familiar.


So basically i need to know...
1)is it worth getting a TEFL/TESOL cert in order to gain classroom experience?if so would you recommend a domestic course or a foreign one?or would that training be given to me by the school?
2)where would be recommended for a first timer to take a position?Ive got my heart set on Taiwan or china as i have a friend or already worked there (Taiwan) and had nothing but good things to say about her experience.
3)If there is a best time to begin the contract, when would that be?
4)Once you've waded through all the various job offers from different schools and companies, how do you decide which is best for you and who's is reputable or not?
5)What else can i do to prepare myself for a job in ESL?

Well i think thats it, if anyone could clear that lot up for me it would be much appreciated as i feel a bit overwhelmed by all the choices and information flying about!

Thanks again and sorry if I'm asking questions asked before i just haven't got time to go through every thread.

Sam

[exported_kiwi]

Hi Sam, firstly, welcome.
I'll tackle your questions, as best I can numerically as questions as asked.
#1;In China, yes, it's worth getting a formal ESL qualification before coming but they're not necessary. They don't necessarily open any more doors but they're handy to have especially if you're a newbie teacher. I guess a domestic one would be best as you're already there and you can pay in your own currency but others might disagree. I give my opinion merely as a practicality.
#2;China may be best for you to start because usually, everything's included in your package like visas, accomodation etc. It depends very much whether, or not, you work for a private training center or a public school. Training centers require more contact/office hours but pay more. Some provide accomodation, many just give you an allowance to help you pay for your own. Some provide assistance in finding accomodations and getting a visa etc. some don't.
#3; The best time to get contracts here in China was about a month ago but there are always jobs advertised. The public school semesters are usually Sept to Jan/Feb and then March to July or thereabouts. Public schools offer farm more holidays but usually much less pay for fewer hours in the classroom.
#4; a hard one, but try to find out more about the job offered before you sign on. Ask for previous teachers email if possible and ask them. Any place that asks you to pay a fee for placement is usually to be avoided as the schools pay the agent. If it's direct contact with the school, ask as many questions as possible and ask to see a copy of the contract before you sign it. A decent place will be negotiable far more than a palce nobody wants to work in.
#5; Prepare for an adventure, huge differences in living etc and prepare for constant scrutiny. i don't say this in a bad way but if you or I do something wrong, all foreigners in China are guilty of doing so, not just you or I. it's not so bad really, you've been here and know a little of what to expect. Just be careful where you work....smaller cities pay very low salaries but they can be fun to live in and the locals are usually really nice.

good luck and keep us up to date with how you're doing.
Kevin.

[Teaching Supply]

Hi Sam,

1. At your age with no experience it will be hard for you to get a job without one. It used to be that anyone who was white would get a job however standards have changed and now the absolute minimum requirement is a degree.
On that front my company could probably help you if you would be interested. We supply teachers who don't have TEFL's with them. The way it works is we first find you a job and then delay the starting date long enough so that you can complete the one week in-house course.

2. I am going to agree with Kevin on this one China is probably your best start because a standard package includes accommodation, medical insurance and international flights.

3. Jobs are available all year round however the best time to get a job is July.

4. Only you can decide what would best suit you.

5. I'll have to agree with Kevin on this again.

Good luck in your search. If you would be interested in obtaining a TEFL through us please drop me an email.

Sam Chapman
Teacher Recruitment Manager
Teaching Supply
sam.chapman@teachingsupply.co.uk