Thanks for the replies. I understand that being a good teacher is not the same thing with being an expert in the subject. As I said, I would consider getting teacher training, and QTS, if I decide I want to do it seriously. I am currently looking into different options, and teaching is one of them. One of the main reasons I am not convinced it is the best choice is the preference for native speakers in most schools. As for history being a saturated field, it seems that this is only a disadvantage for secondary school teaching.

One important questions is, do you think that as a non-native English speaker, and a non-science/maths teacher, there is any point trying to get into international schools teaching?

Thanks, I was just reading about ways of getting qualified in another thread here (American or Brit Certification/Credential for non-citizens).

I am not entirely sure if I am looking for job openings the right way. So far I have looked at different websites with job vacancies and made a few applications but haven't found many suitable positions. How long does it take on average to hear back from a school (assuming they are considering hiring you)? I have heard of agencies being mentioned here, but these seem to be for people who already have QTS or equivalent.

I was thinking of trying to work somewhere in the ME or China, starting January, to get an idea of what it could be like, and possibly try to get into a PGCE next year, depending on how I feel about it. But it is hard to decide without knowing more on the matter, and it is not that easy to find information online.

Thanks. It is not that clear what they want in many cases. PGCE does not necessarily mean you also get QTS, but some schools seem to require a PGCE and others a QTS (though these may be the minority). I am also not sure if it is worth it for someone who is not a native English speaker, especially since I would not be a science teacher. But maybe that could be 'fixed' by getting a PGCE in primary training?

I think I read somewhere that online/distance degrees are rejected in the Middle East in most cases, otherwise it could be a good option for part-time.

Maybe, but that is not necessarily true, as you said yourself. I would consider getting a master's in education as well, if I decide I want to teach for the rest of my life, but for now I just want to know more about what options there are.

chilagringa wrote:
> If you are interested in teaching, why don't you get a degree it become
> properly certified in K-12 Ed? I'm sorry, but the idea that people can just
> show up and be teachers without the proper qualifications drives me nuts.

Actually, in many countries, degrees on the subject you want to teach are adequate qualification for secondary school teaching, and that is not unreasonable at all. What I want to know is if this is also true for a significant percentage of schools in the Middle East or not.

Hello,

I have been looking into teaching vacancies in the Middle East, and also China, Thailand, etc. It seems that many schools require a PGCE, or a degree specifically in education. I have a good UK master's degree in History, and I am wondering if there is any chance I can find a teaching job in the above areas. It seems unlikely, but it is hard to tell just by looking at ads. I am an EEA national, non-native English speaker. Any information would be appreciated.

I lived in Delhi for two years. 'Treated fine' is actually quite subjective. Yes, many people will probably consider you superior in a way, in many cases, and many may want to get to know you, hang out with you etc. However, it can be extremely unpleasant for a foreigner in the long run.

Expect people to stare at you creepily, if you are a woman or if you have a woman with you, tiresome negotiations every single time you want to take a rickshaw/taxi and be on the watch so that you are not cheated. If you see that you are being cheated, having to get into an unpleasant situation and lose you temper, or choose it's not too important and let it slide that time, both taxing in the long run. Unless you are in a modern mall or similar environment, people are at an overwhelming majority very rude. There is no concept of a queue when you go to buy something at a store, everyone pushes each other and tries to shove their hands over the counter. This applies to every aspect of life there, unless you are living tucked away in a high class residential area and never set foot outside without a personal car and driver.

It is not that bad for a while, but in my case it started getting on my nerves seriously after about a year.

Also, as far as I know and can tell, it makes little difference what part of India you are in. From what I have seen and heard, while in India, what I said above applies everywhere. The only exceptions are places like Darjeeling and Sikkim, where the majority of the natives are of quite different background and demeanor. But these are places to visit as a tourist.