ESL Jobs Forum

[Ana Maria Ivan]

Hi,

As you already know, almost every employer, looking for a possible English teacher, asks for a native English speaker, sometimes regardless of his/her academic qualification. In a way this is logical, but what about the non-native English teachers? Isn't it a bit discriminating? I mean, it could be a preconception to think that a non-native teacher is less prepared and does his/her job not as well as a native one does, couldn't it? Or...should a non-native teacher stick to doing his/her job inside his own country's borders and not aspire toward an international teaching experience?
I am Romanian, and have a Bachelor Degree in German and English Languages (3-years of study). I intend to get an ESL Diploma and to apply for a Master Study in English Literature. But...would those do me any good, or would those increase my chances to ...teach English? In both cases, I am still a non-native English speaker. Is my attempt really so futile? I started to look for a possible job in Japan, but...everyone is looking for native speakers only. In Europe also. Then, what other opportunities are there left for non-native speakers of English?
I would appreciate an answer especially from those who are in the same situation as I am.
Thank you!

[anthony stinne]

Hi
I am an English CELTA teacher in the eu country of Sweden, and believe me it is virtually impossible to get a job here as a non-swede. First they do not accept CELTA as coming from an official higher education authority. Second, your English degree has to be transcripted into every hour in each subject, how many points, etc. Third, you have to be able to pass Svenksa A and B language tests, and study Swedish pedagogy for at least 1 year before even having a chance of working as an English teacher in their state schools.
This is a hard task after working very hard for my CELTA before coming to live here, looking for a opportunity to extend my working life, as in UK it is becoming much harder to keep working when one gets older or becomes redundant.

I sympathize with you and cannot understand why CELTA is not recognized whether English or Romanian.

Anthony
Lappland, Sweden
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Just starting out to teach English again after a 2 year break studying Swedish. Passed CELTA in 2005 but only used it for a 3 month period in UK.