TEFL Age Bias
Posted by Kiva Richard - 09:48 on 21 June 2012
Mature TEFL students often ask if there is any age bias in the TEFL industry and if it will affect them when it comes to finding a TEFL Job. If you are 50+ and looking to start a career teaching English abroad what are your job prospects? Here’s a quick guide to what to expect if you are a mature student looking to teach English abroad.
Europe – a good stop for mature TEFL teachers
Generally speaking there is no upper age limit for teaching English in Europe, although like anywhere you go you may experience some individual schools with bias. The exception for teaching English in Europe is Summer Camps. These are often advertised as looking for young, lively and enthusiastic TEFL teachers who can engage in hands on and energetic activities. Within Europe freelance TEFL teaching is a common way for TEFL teachers to earn some extra money and there is no real age bias in this field. Europe is certainly an accessible destination for mature students looking to teach English abroad. In places like Spain there are large expat communities and if you are looking to retire abroad, TEFL is a great extra string to add to your bow.
South America
Most mature applicants find a generally positive response when searching for a TEFL Job in South America. Although there is sometimes a minimum age limit of 21, there is not often an upper age limit – good news for TEFL teachers. Many TEFL Jobs in South America are advertised online on our TEFL Jobs Centre but there are many positions available within South America that aren’t advertised online and require you to travel around the country to find work on spec. Meeting employers face to face should favour you, as making a good first impression can often outweigh any reservations a school has about hiring older teachers.
Asia – slight age bias
In Asia the opportunities for mature TEFL teachers to find work varies greatly depending which region or country you are in. For places like Japan there is an unofficial, but preferred maximum age limit of around 39. Likewise in China, there seems to be a preference for younger TEFL teachers and many schools refuse applicants over the age of 35. This does seem strange in a country where the demand for TEFL teachers far outstrips the supply. Remember that nearly every TEFL teacher and traveller has a different experience; whereas some people struggle to find work, others encounter little difficulty in sourcing a well-paying TEFL Job. In some counties such as Vietnam, knowledge is equated with age and older teachers are therefore greatly respect and well regarded within their teaching faculty.
It can’t be denied that there is some age discrimination in TEFL, like there is in almost any walk of society. It is not however so overwhelming that if you are a day older than 35 you can kiss your TEFL career goodbye. We have had many mature TEFL graduates who have set off to teach English abroad and had the time of their lives. As long as you have an official TEFL certificate the world is your oyster.
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“I am writing to let you know that I have been here, in Togliatti in Russia, for almost a year now! My visa has just been renewed for another year (annual renewal process) and I have been given a 3 year contract. All this is down to one simple fact - TEFL! After doing my weekend course in Edinburgh and the 50 hour Language and Grammar, I suddenly had opportunities that were closed to me in the past. Now I have so many interesting and exciting memories of my time here. Every day has been an adventure and has certainly kept me on my toes! The Togliatti Chamber of Commerce have invited me to speak at the opening of their new tourist initiative! I helped design the website for one of my students, and next thing I knew I had received an invitation to speak at their prestigious event. ” Colin, currently teaching in Russia
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