Dipping My Toes In The Water

[scottengering]

Hello there Everyone

My name is Scott and I am English. For some years the idea of teaching English as a foreign language has been nagging away at me, especially since the summer of 2004 when I lived in an appartment block in Dublin which was let out to students from Europe and Japan who had come to learn English in the city.

As the only native English speaker, I became known as good source of help and advice and it made me think that this wouldn't be such a bad way to develop my career.

I don't have a background in formal education (although I have some practical education experience) and at 45 I am not a spring chicken. However, I do have a BSC Hons degree in Geology and very diverse working experience, including running my own business and freelance work. In other words, I like to use my own initiative.

Unlike many who teach English abroad when much younger and return home to a different career, I am considering this as a complete lifestyle change. I don't think this is my mid-life crisis, I have just about exhausted my options in the UK as a self employed person, have few ties and really don't want to fall back onto a mundane treadmill in a job that won't keep me interested and passionate about what I do.

I have never been to Japan, but it interests me. I am past caring about a wild city centre nightlife (if I ever had one) and would probably feel happier with some hot springs and an extinct volcano on my doorstep and continue to develop my interests as a writer, photographer and artist.

However, I like to be realistic and perhaps there is someone out there who can objectively comment on my prospects? I don't feel my age and am as still keen on new experiences as ever I was but, here in the UK, time and attitudes seem to preclude new starts in life.

I have easy access to Sheffield Hallam University which seems to teach a good range of language teaching courses and is very flexible, in repsect of hours, attendance etc so there is plenty of scope to obtain at least a basic qualification.

Well, I hope that you all haven't fallen asleep. If anyone wants more information, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

Regards

Scott Engering

PS have a look at Glowing Edges Designs

[mycolumbus]

Hi Scott!

Good choice with Japan! If you like the serenity, rice fields, temples and shrines, then Japan is a great place to come. Before I came to Japan I thought it was full of concrete jungles.

If you need more nature around you, then I suggest teaching in Kobe or Hokkaido. Hokkaido gets a little cold at times but schools up there are desperate for English teachers. http://www.aacircle.com.au/forums/te...-hokkaido.html

45 is not that old yet. Sure, schools will like you to be younger, so I suggest applying from within Japan. You also have a Uni degree which is great. You may also want to consider a quick TEFL course to make you a bit more attractive. When you apply for jobs, tell the schools you are available within 3 weeks notice. Would you be able to pack-up and make the move by then? This would surely impress schools too.

Let me know if you have more questions.

[scottengering]

Thanks for that.....and so quickly too.

I have a house here in the UK, so I am not sure how soon I could pack up at the moment but at least that is information worth knowing at an early stage in planning.

One of the friends I met in Dublin is from Hiroshima prefecture and she is working in a school down that way so she could be in a position to help. At this stage I am looking at all options just to see if things are viable.

I am not desparate for a rural life though. I come from London originally and wouldn't want to be part of a big city again but do like to have a moderate sized place within easy reach.

Scott

[mycolumbus]

I firmly believe you can find a job within 1 month as soon as you start to look seriously. So start to tidy up things in the UK and get ready for such a move.

Hiroshima is also a nice area. Close to 1 of the 3 wonders of Japan - Miyajima! You can also see the site of the Atomic blast during WWII and visit the museum. Though, my favourite part of Japan is Kobe. Mountains on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other. It's also still a very thriving place.