Career Options

Teaching English across the Pacific

Do you want to travel? Do you want to make money? Would you like to do both of them at the same time? If so, you might consider becoming an ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher abroad.

JISUK KIM
[ 2007-12-10 ]

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Many Canadians have thought about becoming an ESL teacher overseas, but a lack of information can be one of many obstacles to successfully landing a position. How can I get a job abroad? How can I get visa? Is it easy to live abroad where people don't use English?

24 hours talked with several ESL teachers who went abroad to help you navigate your way overseas.

BEFORE YOU GO


Usually people get a job through a recruiter because it is the easiest and fastest way to get a job. "But, this isn't the best way as recruiters will put you with schools that pay them the most and not necessarily have the best reputation," said Kevin Drager, ESL teacher from JLS College, an English second language college in Vancouver.

He also recommends visiting Dave's ESL Cafe (www.eslcafe.com). Through that site you can find schools and get some information about average conditions, qualifications, etc.

ACCOMMODATION



Schools in Asian countries may help you find accommodation. In Korea, schools provide places to live. In Japan and Taiwan, schools provide some of the monthly housing fee, or 'key money,' which is a large amount of money that is customarily given to the landlord as rent.

GETTING A VISA


In Korea, you must get a working visa. In Japan, you can apply for a working visa or working holiday visa. To work legally in Taiwan, you must have a resident visa that specifically states you are permitted to accept employment.

BE OPEN-MINDED


"Nothing can truly prepare someone for toilet paper on restaurant tables and stepping off the sidewalk to let cars pass," said Drager. You can't prepare for cultural differences before going abroad. You'll never know what will happen until you arrive. "The only thing you can do is keep an open mind and have a good sense of humour", he added. Along with being open-minded, knowing the local culture will definitely help you live there. If you are anxious, you can prepare somewhat by reading some guidebooks or talking to someone who has already been there. But maybe there's no one around you who has taught overseas. Don't worry, you can easily find someone on the Internet.

LOCAL LANGUAGE


"Try to learn the language, firstly as a way to function better in the country and secondly as sign of respect for your host country," said Doug Heather, an ESL teacher from VEC. If you learn the local language, you can better enjoy staying there. He said he didn't need to use the local language, but at times it was useful, such as getting information about train schedules and how to get to certain places. "You need to learn at least the basics unless you want to eat at McDonald's everyday," said Drager.

AFTER YOU GO


"I learned how to be flexible in my attitudes towards new things and in my reaction to events. I also learned how to depend on myself," said Emily Goode, another ESL teacher. You can learn how to adapt to a new environment. You can also learn a lot of communication skills through understanding another culture - not only for personal experience but also for improving your career, or planning a new one.

"Of course I learned many teaching skills and gained a tremendous amount of confidence from the experience," said Drager.

PROS AND CONS


You can gain a great experience through learning about a new culture and experiencing new places. It provides a way to see your own culture in a new light.

"I thought I was open-minded but, I was actually quite closed to other cultures. Living in Korea really opened up my mind and perspectives about other cultures," said Drager.

Being an ESL teacher abroad gives you many chances to travel and make friends, not only from the new country but also people from other countries who are working with you. Also, you can save money as taxes are much lower in some countries.

The biggest disadvantage is probably missing your family and friends. "Not having real friends was very pathetic," Drager said.



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