Teaching English in the Philippines

If you would like to teach English in the Philippines, it is definitely recommended that you
research your options before moving there. Although most employees will wish to meet you in
person, you should still try to set up some interviews from your home country. Many foreigners
may find it difficult to obtain a position teaching English in the Philippines, as many Filipino
Nationals are highly qualified for the positions themselves. Your chances of obtaining a job
increase if you are an American citizen, and most of the jobs available are for larger companies,
language schools, and International Schools. At the international schools, you will most likely be
teaching Korean and Japanese students.
There are a few government or privately run schools in the Philippines that will hire foreigners or
native speakers. As mentioned before, job options include large international companies,
international schools (American, British, Korean, etc.), and language schools. Most of these
positions will be found in the big cities, especially Manila. If you are looking for a more rural
atmosphere, there are always volunteer positions available on the more remote islands and areas
throughout the Philippines. To obtain a paid position in the country, the minimum requirements
are a TEFL or equivalent certificate, and a University degree. Many positions will require a
specific area of University study.
TEFL Courses in Cebu
Sample Job Teaching English in the Philippines
Our company is now seeking an English Specialist who shall be responsible for the monitoring
and development of the English Language communications skills of Customer Service
Representatives and other staff. Responsibilities include conducting English language programs
for new hires; developing effective monitoring and training solutions to address performance
gaps and drive continuous quality improvement; and validating the effectiveness of the English
Communications program in coordination with other support groups. Qualifications include a
University degree, preferably in any of the following fields: Communications, English as a
Second Language, English Language and Literature, Speech Therapy; well experienced and
immersed in the US culture; experience in training English communications skills; related
experience in effective monitoring, coaching, and training; high organizational, planning and
delegating skills. Compensation and benefits include 30,000- 40,000 Philippine Pesos per month;
work permit; night differential; hazard pay; transportation allowance; meal allowance; medical
insurance; study assistance benefit; paid vacation and sick leaves; annual salary appraisals; 13th
month pay.
Teach English in The Philippines
Teaching Conditions, Living Conditions and Job Opportunities
The job opportunities in the Philippines for the average Western TESOL instructor, including
Americans and Canadians are fairly limited. The most interesting aspect of this claim is that it is
not a matter of some lack of need or pressure for the Filipino culture to learn the English
language. The fact remains that the Filipino culture has been heavily influenced by Western
culture for over one-hundred years. Switching hands between British and American hands more
than once over those hundred years has resulted i n the English language taking claim to one of
the countries two official languages, the other being Tagalog.
The children of the Philippines begin learning English in the first grade. It is not a once a week
side lesson with a small percentage of class time devoted to learning various English terms. It is
the main language taught, along with Tagalog, that the Filipino school children are immersed in
the language daily. This high priority for the teaching of the English language has been
implemented for over 10 years and has resulted in nearly two generations of educated
adolescents and young adults speaking fluent English.
Not to discourage or dismay the Philippine bound ESL/EFL teacher, there are teaching
opportunities. The simple fact is you just may not get paid for your services. There are plenty of
volunteer options available and there are many reasons why this could be a highly rewarding and
unforgettable experience for anyone. Globally the Philippines remains to be floating somewhere
between a "Second" world and a Third world country. The economic class distribution within the
country is incredibly out of whack, at least for the time being. As it were, there are many
opportunities for TESOL instruction to both young and old students in the poorer, sub-urban
areas. This occurrence is a great chance for any individual to gain very worthwhile teaching
experience while achieving an unparalleled sense of accomplishment for helping those less
fortunate.
Another factor to take into consideration is the very severe and unpredictable typhoons that
frequently assault the islands and leave utter devastation and death in their wake. This factor
alone has often left the country in a state of incredible despair and ruin throughout the countries
1,700 islands. The typhoons kill hundreds and leave thousands poor and destitute. The United
Nations has currently declared it in a state of international disaster relief status.
Unfortunately, there is a much more unpredictable and even more horrific reality that lies within
the dark recesses of the Philippine culture. Terrorist organizations have continued to utilize the
vast number of islands and its proximity to the Middle East to hide and plan there attacks on the
outside world. Recently, in October, 2006, there were two separate bombings by terrorist groups
in the Philippines that left over a hundred innocent people dead. Their attacks are deliberate and
often intent on damaging or destroying parts of some of the most populated metropolitan cities in
the Philippines.
The Philippines is truly one of the most visually beautiful places on the face of the planet. The
archipelago contains some of the most pristine, whitest sand beaches and clear blue water
known. However, there are many things to take into consideration if one is planning on traveling
to the Philippines, even for a short vacation. Both the United States and Australian governments
strongly discourage any type of travel, to any part of the Philippines. If someone wishes to
experience the incredible culture and diversity of the Filipino culture and its people by teaching
English, keep in mind there are many complex and potentially consequential things to take into
consideration.