Editor,
In reading the article Traveling Teachers (The Post, Feb. 26), I became greatly concerned with what can only be described as an optimistically naive approach to traveling and teaching abroad. The statement that a student with the combination of OU's certification and a strong letter of recommendation should secure a teaching position is not necessarily the celebrated truth. I am a 2003 graduate of OU with a B.A. in English, a minor certificate in French and a certificate to teach English as a foreign language, which I received in Prague, Czech Republic. With all these credentials, I should have secured a teaching position right quick in Europe, according to your article. But, unfortunately, the words should and will have two different meanings.
Although English is becoming the lingua franca
there are certain obstacles that impede Americans from working abroad. For instance, all countries affiliated with the European Union are looking to hire EU nationals; meaning they target their employment marketplace toward citizens of England (predominately), Scotland and Ireland. This is not to say that an American will not be hired, it is just extremely difficult, as schools do not want to hassle with work visas for teachers, when they can simply hire someone who does not require one. Furthermore, all other non-EU countries will hire Americans, no doubt, but have a job secured before you get there. Having the mistaken impression that you could spit and hit dozens of fabulous job opportunities from which to choose is terribly naive.
In addition, the statement that Noncertified students can find employment but the jobs pay less and have a more regimented teaching style is inane. The hundreds of certified, unemployed people who are champing at the bit to work abroad (especially in Europe), would unanimously disagree. There is no doubt that the more experience and credentials you possess, the more favorably you are looked upon by prospective employers. Uncertified teachers versus certified teachers? The cup runneth over for the latter.
I have taught English both in the Czech Republic and China. I have experience in two very different countries. My advice for those who want real, non-sugar coated words of wisdom is simple: Use your brain. If a school wants you to sign a contract with clauses that are disagreeable to you, negotiate them. If a school tells you that visas are merely options and you don't really need one anyway contact an embassy for the real answer. If a school treats you unfairly, unjustly, and threatens your basic human rights, get revenge (preferably after you've left the country). Remember, you are there out of your own free will, helping them. You are not their prisoner; you are not their slave.
This letter is in no way meant to be a diatribe against teaching abroad, but rather a realistic account of the non-lucrative and oftentimes Herculean task that teaching abroad really is. Teaching abroad is not about wearing new clothes, eating new foods or making new friends. It is about education, more so the education of oneself, than of others. So, if you return from teaching abroad only to discover that you have lost your identity
relish and revel in your cultural gain. At least you didn't lose your passport.
psykollama@hotmail.com
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