Teaching Jobs in Private Language Schools
Before and After School Programs Teaching English
These are the most common teaching opportunities worldwide.
Private language schools often open their doors around 2pm and run until about 8 or 9pm. In some cases these ESL schools will open for classes very early in the morning to cater to business clients or high school students who have loaded schedules. Kindergartens and pre-schools can often be included when speaking about these private language schools because they also include English instruction for the wee ones.
In Korea they are called Hogwans or Hakwons. In Taiwan they are called Bushibans or Buxibans. They are like Sylvan Learning Centres, Kaplan or Berlitz. Students range in age from pre-school to adults and schools vary in terms of size, organization and professionalism. These are the most common type of teaching job overseas and often require no previous experience. If you're looking to get your feet wet, private language schools are often where you will need to start.
Private language schools often have class sizes that range between 1 and 15 students. These schools provide text books, work books and teacher manuals so things are pretty cut and paste.
Teachers are able to supplement their lesson plans with esl activities and games but things are pretty well laid out for the novice or beginning teacher. Some pros might choose this option because you can earn more with overtime and you may have the opportunity to request holidays where with international schools, private schools or public schools, you follow their specific days for vacations and the expectations are equal to that of a public school teacher in your home country (read more work).
Experienced teachers who are looking to test their own materials should consider teaching jobs in private language schools. In these teaching situations you have a lot more autonomy (if you prove yourself). In structured environments where government curriculum is mandated your options for course development can be stiffled, limited, or next to non-existent. Here, all you need to do is get the green light from your director and if you've proven yourself and if you can demonstrate the value, you're sailing.
