First, I have to say, it's hard.
Why? Because when you look at the first requirement of the job, you feel like you're nothing and you're not compatible for that position. Mostly, the first requirement is, native-speaker required then they add countries like Canada, American, British, Australian, New Zealand, South African with English as the first language. But how about me who come from Indonesia??
Then I tried to look at the second point. Well, if you are not native speaker, at least you are a holder of english spoken country's passport. Once again, Indonesia is not included. Maybe if the second thing said for the high corruption rate country' passport holder, then it may give me a little encourageness to apply.
Move again, number three. A degree. This is a yes for me. But then, they might delete my CV when they found out that I'm just a native speaker. Next, teaching experience, I will have some by the end of this year and it's about dealing with young learners too (hope it's a plus point).
But do those requirements stop me? ALMOST. But we'll see. Maybe some of the schools out there think that I'm good enough for them, then give me a chance for doing my best at their school then why not.
I'm pretty confidence about this because I have been learning English since I was 8 years old. But became an active speaker about a year ago when I had to answer questions for my thesis in English. Then I worked at EF, which force me to be able to speak up my writing skill in a conversation with native teachers taht we had. And then I'm in a relationship with a native teacher which allow me to become a really active english speaker. After EF, now I'm working at E.nopi which also demand me to speak in English anytime. Maybe soon, I'll forget how to speak in Bahasa as I forgot some words in Bahasa already.
For those who are near native-teachers, don't give up; because we may know English better than those native theirselves. It's just that we don't use it as often as them.
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I am in Indonesia right now. Will leave for China next month. I am taking online TEFL. I must say, the material was good and let us to think creatively. I like the ideas of how to teach structure and make it fun for the class of any ages.
I am working at local course so the salary isn't much, just about average how much the local paid. I hope they pay me much better in China when I'm there as a Near Native teacher.
hi astrid...how are you...nice to meet you....i can't believe my eyes when i found someone who stay at the same country and even same place with me no... i mean you and me we are Indonesia and stay at Gading serpong even your EF is near from my place, Kelapa Puan XIII Blok AG6 no. 12 Gadiing Serpong. I just need some answer if you don't mind to help me through this such question....i know this TEFL from Travel hemat.com (thank's to Mr. Agung Basuki who introduce me with this kind of English Method/course). May i know where you are now? What type of TEFL course did you take? And is it work for you...???How much they pay you???Thank you very much...
@Ibnu: r u indonesian too? well, i think to teach English in Indonesia, you can apply for international school. I heard they are well paid. But if you want to teach abroad, taking a TEFL would be a good choice. Some jobs in Indonesia as a teacher usually provide you with training, so don't be afraid that you haven't have any teaching experience. The job that I'm doing now is also my first teaching job. Happy hunting teaching job! You'll find it interesting!
Hi Astrid,
I hope this isn't impossible. I'm a local just like you, and I'm really enthusiastic to start teaching, here. The problem is, I haven't even started.. at all. I don't even have any degrees yet.
Do you have any suggestions/tips for me as for what should I do and where do I start?
Thanks,
Ibnu
'because we may know English better than those natives themselves' - that is so true sometimes! Plus, native English speakers have never had to learn English themselves, so they probably won't be able to emphathise with their students in the same way you can.
Glad you're feeling optimistic - as there are certainly opportunities out there for you - just keep at it and I'm sure you'll find some success soon!
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