Where
might you fit best in TEFL overseas?
Finding your
Special TEFL Skills
Most people just grab the first TEFL job that comes
their way - I certainly did. No big deal. But, the
really smart people (I said I didn't do it, remember?)
analyze their previous job experience and try to find a
TEFL job related to that. This is assuming, of course,
that you enjoyed something you did in the past.
What you Know
Believe it or not, I have taught with, and taught (as a
teacher-trainer) petroleum engineers, accountants,
lawyers, nurses, ship's pilots, factory managers,
artists, designers, social workers, journalists, travel
agents, and many other people from very diverse
backgrounds. All these people had very specialized
skills that are needed in the TEFL world. They had
knowledge of specialized vocabulary, processes and
procedures that schools and businesses value. You too,
probably have such skills.
The
Best Way to Market Yourself
One
very nice way to upgrade where you might teach, is to go
and find a college, technical school or university that
teaches that special skill your work history has given
you. Wouldn't an engineering school prefer an engineer
to someone with no knowledge of their field? I know
nothing of design and mathematics! Wouldn't a nursing
school prefer a nurse or medical assistant who knows the
specialized vocabulary of the field and understands the
stresses and pressure their students are under?
Wouldn't a large international accounting firm prefer an
experienced accountant? If you can't find such a job at
first, don't forget to keep looking. They are out
there, usually pay better - and you will enjoy
yourself more.
Other Benefits
Other than the fact that teaching ESP (English for
Special Purposes) usually pays better than teaching
General English, you will also find people with whom you
share similar interests and knowledge. Where better to
find friends in your new country?
