Age is a Concern

HI Ian, I'm also Ian and a newbie at the tefl game, career changing from 22 years of teaching music. We haev some similarities but differences, as I am only a spring chicken at 48. Will be interested to follow your thread as so much of the tefl stuff is clearly aimed at 20-35 year-olds and it is not always easy to lick thru what is relevant. SO will check out mahalath's post which seems a good place to start. 

Fromn my reading so far, you'll will not necessarily have trouble gettign work or experienc e in Africa as they seem to desperate as to take unqualified teachers, in the West not so, but then we are supposed to have anti-discrimination laws to protect you from ageism. I would strongly recommend you acquaint yourself with the law in this regard in any countries/states you intend to apply for work in. As Briona, points out Asia has a tradition of respecting age and experience, more than the recent West, though I think China has immigration age limits, unless you have a Ph.D and are spnsored by a uni or college. All the best with it, let is all know how you go.

Regards Ian Bartle AUSTRALIA

http://www.onlinetefl.com/tefl-chalkboard/groups/183-Mature-aged-TEFLers might be able t help you out.

Hi there,

I think you've got more chance of working in Asia than in Europe to be honest. While I've never seen age limits on European jobs, neither have I come across any working over 60s at the beginning of their career. There are many older TEFLers but you'll find that most of them have been in the business for years.

Have a look at the following link (http://teflworldwiki.com/index.php/Age_Limits_in_TEFL_Teaching), which was last updated in August 2011, for an idea of what's possible.

Hope that helps.

Briona