Discussion Groups / ESL Teaching / May 2007

Just quickly as I'm actually posting from class as my students do a
test... I've never heard anything about B**litz being dodgy employers
as such, but like several of the larger chains they've traditonally
taught using their own patent methodology, which may or may not be any
good, but the experience of working for them won't give you much in
the way of transferable skills as a teacher.  The story used to be
that they had microphones in each teaching room so that the Director
of Studes could monitor that the teachers were sticking to the party
line.

Despite the fact that there's a very nice Turkish lady sitting about
ten feet from me, I'm not sure that Turkey would be high on my list of
countries for a slightly apprehensive first time overseas teacher,
though I've known lots of people who've taught there and loved it
(nearest I've been to Turkey is seeing it across the water from
various Greek islands).  I don't think you're any more likely to be
ripped off there than anywhere else, but if you've not worked outside
the US before, don't underestimate the difficulty and strain of
getting used to living and working in a culture where you don't speak
the language and don't know how things work.  I've been doing this
stuff for a long time but even I found it a bit of a struggle working
in Italy a year or so back with no Italian (at least, not when I
arrived) - and for me, Italy feels a lot more similar to my home
country that the USA does, despite the different language.  Worst
moment was getting to the supermarket checkout, checking all my goods
through... and realising my wallet was back at the flat and there
wasn't a word I could say to explain why I couldn't pay.

As a rule, the more qualified you are, the less likely you are to be
ripped off.  BUT... are you set on Europe?  If not, being a Language
Assistant in Japan is a very good bet, and although in the UK we're
now aware Japan is not as safe is people thought following the murder
of a young British teacher there a month or so back, you aren't going
to be ripped off by one of the big groups like Shane or Nova, and will
get useful experience.  Check out their websites, and TEFL.com is a
very useful resource for jobs and information.  Keep us informed!
DC

As you're American, why not try teaching ESL closer to home?

Lots of ESL jobs in Mexico.

You'd get some basic experience. Learn whether you
really like teaching, etc.

I'm Canadian. Taught ESL in Chihuahua and loved it.

Best part was I drove there and was able to use
my car there.