walkwithheroes: [The Princess Bride] (Want to Feel)
[personal profile] walkwithheroes
For years I've loved the idea of going overseas and becoming an ESL teacher. Now that I have a Bachelor's degree, I've been thinking about it a bit more. I've read blogs by people who have done it and watched youtube videos. It seems like a great way to save money, learn about new cultures, and see a bit of the world. The only thing is - most contracts are for a whole year and that's an awful long time to be away from family, friends, and the comforts of home. Plus: culture shock! But, it's still something that I'd love to do.


There is just one major issue: my parents. I'm 27, but I still live with them. And, they are VERY overprotective. They don't really think I could do anything. I mean, they've told me to my face that they don't think I can live on my own and that they worry I'll be killed if I live on my own; and that's just their reaction to my thoughts on moving twenty minutes away! I think it would make them feel better if I were to go with a family member or a close friend; but that's not possible.


I haven't told them about my wish to become an ESL teacher overseas, but I did post it on my Facebook and got a positive response. Friends and Ex-classmates seem to think I'm mature and strong enough to do it. But, I know for a fact that my parents and older sister would not like the idea at all. Sure, I could go without their blessing - but, I would have to come home to them.

But, let's be fair. I'm 27, and I know most schools don't want anyone older than 24. Plus, I have a physical disability. So, even if I do all the steps, there's still the chance that a school wouldn't want me. Usually schools look for people in April and September. So, it's too late for April and if I want September, I'd have to start getting stuff together in mid-March. Still time get things together and discuss it with my parents. If I have no job offers by late February, I think I'll try and go for it.

Anyone know anyone whose done the whole ESL thing overseas? I'm hearing the best places are South Korea, Taiwan, and other Asian countries. Wonder if that's true. Also - slightly scared about not knowing the language. You can only get so far with knowing how to say 'Hello' and a few phrases.

Date: 2012-01-16 04:42 am (UTC)
isana: Pretty pink flower (pink flower)
From: [personal profile] isana
I did JET (teaching English in Japanese public schools) for one year after college (I was 23, then), and from my experience, the year will fly by--before I knew it it was time to go. There will be times you are homesick, inevitably, but sooner or later it will pass (it helps if you talk it out with someone or find a way to distract yourself until it passes).

I don't know about other schools in Asia (the 24 cutoff is the first I heard, since at JET I was one of the youngest), but, if I may ask, what's your disability? That might cause an issue if you wound up in a rural area and not someplace suburban/urban. I don't know about Taiwan/South Korea much, although with Taiwan you may need a certificate. (also, sadly, if you don't look Asian, the chances of you getting hired as ESL skyrocket).

Re: language--I'd assume if you get picked up as a teacher, there will be others who know English and can help you out if you need something crucial. A lot of the JET kids who were there didn't know any Japanese when they came, but after the end of a year or two they were able to get around.

(working on your story--work's gotten crazy busy lately!)

Date: 2012-01-17 06:05 am (UTC)
isana: China and Taiwan from Hetalia (china and taiwan)
From: [personal profile] isana
I liked it a lot! There were some really hard times because my base school had a bad rep (that it lived up to), but it was a terrific experience overall. They do help you find a place, and they will provide insurance for you in Japan (I think it's mandatory for everyone, and I don't remember having to pay for it...)

Hmm. If you don't drive, that's probably a non-issue except for really really rural parts. Taiwan and Japan have great public transportation (Taipei's MRT makes it a snap to get around, and the bus system's terrific). Maybe look a little more into Taiwan on the certificate issue?

Yeah, usually you'll pick up enough to get around, even if you start out not knowing the language--it might be immersion that you need, just having to apply it. I know my Mandarin got a lot better after spending a summer in Taipei.

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