International Educators aging on the circuit report it’s becoming increasingly difficult to land positions. Age-related visa limits, health insurance restrictions, schools that hire less experienced teachers to cut costs and a variety of other unforeseen obstacles are factors affecting aging international educators. Here’s the place to share experiences, advice, support and ask questions on being Overseas and Over-50. Also see our Visa/Age/Country Chart.
Please see the 2019 Update to this article:
Is Ageism Keeping You From Getting Hired?
ISR Discussion Boards 
In Hong Kong it is a similar situation. One of the biggest IS groups only offers contracts beyond 60 to existing staff in real extenuating circumstances.
There are reputable International Schools that offer contracts beyond 60 but these tend to be oversubscribed, from the point of view of the teachers, who already teach here.
Of course, HK isn’t the sort of place where one can just rock up, speak English, land a TEFL job and pay the rent. It’s definitely the realm of University qualified teachers who have IGCSE, A Level and IB experience and training.
Our only option at 60 here is to do “Supply” work which can put bread on the table but only where one’s spouse is the main breadwinner. Nevertheless, it would appear that once you reach 60, your days of lesson planning, delivery and marking are well and truly behind you.
Sadly, even with neigh on 30 years qualified experience, as soon as you get to 60, all that counts for nought.
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For teachers in China between 26 and 45 you get 15 points. If you are 60 or above you get zero points on the present work visa application table. Getting zero points makes it very difficult to be approved.
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The new visa changes in China that started in 2017 have made it very difficult for any teacher past 60 to get a new work visa. I know of teachers who have to leave, and I know of a teacher who was recently given a new work visa and he is 63 and lives in Beijing. He has taught in China for ten years and this seems to have helped him in points, although nothing was shown or explained to any of the teachers I know. This is as of early 2019. The rules constantly change and one only wonders what they will be next year or the year after. It’s a tough time for many now.
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I’m a 62 year old retired teacher. I’m interested in teaching esl in Spain, Italy or Portugal.
Anyone have information about age limits or job availability?
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I’m 60 and have been working in Shanghai, China. Unfortunately China has just dropped its retirement age to 60 and my school can not renew my visa. It’s been a shock, to so many options change overnight. I heard from a friend interviewing at my school that the principal asked, “Are you 54 or under?” They want to hire someone that they know has the potential to stay 5 years. So its a case of taking what the countries retirement / max visa age is, and subtracting 5. That’s being realistic. It you’re already in a job, then they will employ you each year. Also there are still many schools and countries around the world that say ‘no age limit’ on Search Associates database.
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Helen, what did you end up doing?
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I have not had any problem landing teaching positions overseas and I am 67 years old. Just back from teaching in Hamburg, previous to that, in Frankfurt. I have also been offered many other positions. I am a mathematics teacher. I also have IB experience (essential) and twenty or so years of teaching experience. To teach in Europe an EU passport is almost essential, although, saying that, I do not have one, and had no trouble with the school getting the necessary documentation. Age has never been an issue for me.
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Hi! I am desperately seeking a teaching position abroad but I am 61. Any help will be greatly appreciated! Thanks
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Lucky you studied Math!
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Hello Everyone,
I’m very interested in teaching English overseas. I’m 61 years young BS degree working on MS degree, but no teaching experience, have the desire to teach English as a foreign language. What I would like to know is a reputable online certification course that some have taken and can recommend?
Thanks
Brenda
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I can’t answer your question, but I’m piping up with a suggestion to check mandatory retirement age in countries you are interested in. In Asia, many places have a 55 or 60 age limit. With no experience, you will have a very hard time being hired. I have 18 years experience, including experience in China, and I think I could not get a job in many places.
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Another suggestion: Enrol in a 1-month TrinityCertTESOL / CELTA course in the country of your choice. You will gain a reputable certificate and a taste of teaching abroad.
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Everyone should just go WHERE they want, seek out an “institute” at first and learn more, both about the work and the country. I did it for 26 years in 9 different countries and was always employed. Lots of websites have advice, places to avoid, etc. Daveseslcafe WAS the ol #1. Go visit ESL classes in the US, too, as this is crucial. Beginners are SCARY to deal with, and they need you to know what to do with them! Good luck and have fun.
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Hello,
I am currently considering moving into the international teaching arena. I am 52 and feel this is possibly my window of opportunity. I have been teaching for 12 years in the British system in England in Primary Years. The only international experience I have had is that I was myself educated at Munich International School (in the 70s – so way way different from now) and we teach the IPC – International Primary Curriculum – at my school. I am registering with CIS. I am a single female and hold both British and US citizenship (oh and I’m blonde, curly haired, and blue-eyed – if that’s relevant!)
Could anyone please give me any helpful tips – positive as well as negative. I’m eager to find some new cheese in this maze!
Thank you.
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Hi, I got my second to last job at 56 (at an int’l school in India) and my most recent job at 59, (in the Philippines) so I say never too late at all!
From 60-65 it might be a different story, but at 52 you are still very marketable in most places. J
Go for it! It’s a blast.
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Thank you! Still got a whole lotta life to live!
What agency would you recommend?
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I used International School Services, and I just accepted a job in China. I will be 53 next month, and this will be my first international experience! The website is ISS.edu. Good luck!
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Avoid the Middle East with your coloring unless you love being harassed…or won’t mind coloring your hair. I had to in China cuz I got tired of being pointed at! PS Primary is not the same as Beginner EFL…go visit some classes to see how it’s different. FUN, but not the same. Enjoy…
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I agree with Kim, avoid the Middle East. I recommend China, having had 3 stints there (too old and sick now).
They usually state a preference for native speakers so you will have to stress your native-like command of English.
What an adventure you will have!
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We are in our late fifties. After 3 years at a school in China, our contracts were not renewed by an inept new director – who ironically is 52 with an Asian wife half his age. This year he only hired people in their 20s and 30s; he is egotistical and insecure and wants lots of ‘yes’ people and not experienced teachers who will question some of his irrational decisions. However, we got offered great jobs at three other schools and were very happy indeed to leave such a toxic environment.
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Definitely agism has set in I am 57 have had a highly successful career in my home country and internationally. Directors I’m coming across are now younger and less experienced and their ego and arrogance allows them to very vindictive and selfish when it comes to older members of staff. Schools that are desperate for staff lack quality employment processes, and I’ve found that your knowledge and experience stands for something only as long as you don’t want to create student improvement, as that runs counter to the directors main aim which is the get a sound reference from the schools owner at all costs, if that means setting staff against each other so he will look good at handling a situation he actually instigated so be it.
Young staff are cheap and knowledge and experience is not at all necessary these days, if you are young and can be manipulated then a school will keep you on.
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I just went to a job fair in Jan. 2015. In Asia and the middle east there is rampant unemployment among the young. This is why they are limiting educators to those under 60. They are trying to force their population into professional jobs. Not good for education but face facts, you can’t blame them for wanting to improve the work standard. The cheese has been moved. If South America has cheese, look into it. If you haven’t read Who Moved My Cheese. You should.
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Even though some of these posts are old, having read through almost all of them (back to 2011!) many of the comments match or complement my personal experience. Over the past 10 months I have literally spent weeks of my time applying for jobs with very little acknowledgement. Had I realised the ‘cheese had moved’, or the prejudice against older teachers, I would not have bothered with Europe (I am a dual Dutch-Australian, having just turned 58), Japan, Thailand and similar locations.
Unlike some of the posters, I am not interested in ‘teaching children at any cost’, including subsidising my overseas income with my pension while living in a place with low costs of living. And often there are rules about that too, you shouldn’t be earning an income when you are already drawing a pension – expect to pay that money back to your government on your return. Sorry, but after 26 years in the field I am a professional and want to be valued as such, not as some sort of wrinkled ‘volunteer’. A big attraction for me working overseas has been mentoring less experienced teachers in 21st century pedagogies and philosophies, and supporting my schools through critical evaluations and external reviews, where the standard of my English can benefit school’s presentation. To do less feels to me just ‘playing’ at education, and schools that want these sort of staff are quite right not to nibble at what I have to offer.
So what else can we ‘oldies’ do? I have been lucky to find work writing educational resources for various companies and recently found part time work lecturing, not an uncommon route for people like us. As I would like just one more ‘stint’ overseas, I am becoming far more selective about the schools and systems I’m approaching, but will do so realistically.
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PMU in Saudi Arabia will accept OLDER EFL teachers with BA + exper. It’s roughly 22 hrs/wk contact hours, low levels E but to young adults. Some training opportunities. Housing and travel provided, restricted social life for sure but reliable work and pay. It’s not government, so they can get around the semi-official limit of 60. They have admin and instructors over 70!
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What does PMU stand for please.
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PMU :: Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University
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PMU is Prince Mohammed bin Fahd University, founded by an American consortium. It’s private and English-medium, located very near Bahrain (cool!). Been here a long time…mimi
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I’m curious to learn how many of you have considered joining together and investing in a school. Over the years, I’ve seen listings for language schools. What’s to say that a group of us cannot get together and purchase a school and extend it to offer more than language learning as well as online learning?
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Excellent idea
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Aah, but sadly, it’s not so simple! Seriously, schools are not actually that cheap to start, then there are plenty of the seemingly petty (but important) regulations, insurance etc etc…80% of the budget should be salaries. What country would you do this is and with whom would you be competing? Whose toes will your enterprise step on? How will the not-for-business be sustained? Reflect on the growth of small private schools in Australia this century… and the ‘quality’ of education they offer….
How often do you read stories about schools that were great start ups but things turned turtle when maintenance/ sustainability issues reared their ugly heads. There is a reason utopia defiled is such a common theme in literature.
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I agree with the cheese analogy completely (having already read the book). You have to go to where there is a plentiful supply or you will not your fill! I recently left the UAE (aged 55) due to age and experience discrimination, among other things and returned to the UK. Here they are crying out for High School English teachers, as probably a load of them have shifted abroad…
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Hi Deborah, I work in the UAE and I can tell you for sure that the age limit for all ex-pat employees is 60. In the private sector, I believe that if the school makes a special appeal then this can be extended. but not for government schools. I have no idea why this age limit is in place, but I expect it is a legacy from the very questionable practice of hiring young, fit people from the sub-continent and ruthlessly forcing them to work ridiculous hours for ridiculously low pay. Furthermore, in the UAE (government school) you’d have to be prepared to sacrifice just about all educational ethics you might have. It’s just the way it is.
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Robby
Please expand…what do you mean , ‘sacrifice all educational
ethics.”
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I’m sure you know very well what I mean Vijay.
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You will be told who to pass, even if they failed. You will be told to fudge numbers. You will face rumours from students who don’t like you and admin will act as if they’re true! All rules are broken– just expect it.
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JB-You don’t need to go to a TEFL school. The teachers in my school in America took all of their courses, just three, on line, through a university. I took my three courses at the university, and now, I understand you can take a state certified test. Unfortunately, the stories you are hearing about ageism are all true. I taught in Austria when I was in my early 40’s. For the past couple of years (I’m 63 now) I tried to get on with schools abroad and was only offered two jobs. Both were from schools in China that had horrible reviews. I spent a small fortune on hiring fairs with no success. I found the job in Austria on my own, but I was younger then. I just retired in America from teaching, so I have my teacher retirement and social security. I just spent a few months in South America and LOVED it. I met a lot of American teachers there and I may go back to teach part time. You are right..the pay there is terrible, but it hardly costs anything to live there. There are masses of private English schools who will hire you with only an American college degree of some sort and the ability to speak native English. If you could work in America just until retirement and social security benefits kick in, you could live like a queen in South America and only teach part time if you choose to for extra spending money and to mesh with the community. I’m planning on moving there shortly.
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Brenda, which South American countries are you referring to?
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Cuenca, Ecuador. Also, Bariloche, Argentina. Google Teaching English in Bariloche. It’s like a little Switzerland. Good Luck.
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Seems like you have a wonderful life. I am seriously thinking of teaching overseas. I am a career changer from sales to teaching. I have a BA and wonder if I need the CELTA. I am over 55. So, I want to get going now, as I feel the time crunch, even though I look and act younger than that age. I am dreaming of getting out
and experiencing the world outside the the US.
Would you think someone has to have the CELTA to get a job?
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YES, either CELTA or TEFL. The former is British based (out of Cambridge Uni) and the latter is American. It depends which system you adhere to (spelling, grammar and word meaning are all variant). As well, the preference in the Middle East is toward the CELTA. Either way, don’t listen to advisors that say you can do this online. Many schools insist your course was taken in real time at a real bricks and mortar institution. Total course hours should be in the range of 120 hours/4 weeks, including practice teaching with real ESL students. Does not include after school homework – daily lesson plans and weekend essays. It’s a slog but worth it in terms of the number of opportunities you will have.
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Brenda, I just read your article, that inspired me and wondered if I might ask you some more questions.
I am an IT professional, who up until 2005 worked in that area. I then opened a music school and taught guitar, bass, and vocals for 7 years. I don’t have a degree, I am 61 years of age living in Canada and miserable. Could you suggest anything for me?
Could I live on a modest pension in South America?
Please let me know,
Jim
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You could live well on $1,000 a month in Cuenca, Ecuador. Jobs teaching English are often available with CEDEI, a very professionally run English school, but no benefits or housing. Pay is usually around $6 to $10 dollars an hour, but that’s a lot of money in Ecuador. There is also a private Canadian school. I loved Ecuador. Quito or Cuenca are your best towns there.
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Hi John- excuse my ignorance, but what is an NGO?
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Non-government Organization
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I have been in international schools teaching since 1970 (44 years). I just semi-retired in Washington state at the age of 67. Last year I finished up at a very good school in Singapore.
I could still go a few more years, but the grind of having 110+ lab reports, quizzes, tests, or home works to grade can be a bit grueling, boring, tedious, and not fulfilling. The actual teaching is great.
I have joined international supply teachers. They hire teachers like myself to teach in schools overseas as relief teachers a few months to a year. That is something you might also consider.
Rob
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Good Morning Rob. I am 63 years young and on my fourth year teaching in Korea. Would you please share with me how I find more information about being an international supply teacher? I would love to hear some of your experiences as a supply teacher.
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I would also like to hear more information about this international supply teachers. I am 55 years old and have been teaching overseas for 12 years, I am currently teaching in Bali, Indonesia.
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At what point (age) in your career did you feel the supply teacher gig was the way to go?
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I decided that 65 years of age was the time to be a supply teacher. BUT… if a teaching position came open in the sciences in Central america or Mexico, I’d want to experience that. It’s the one part of the world I’ve yet to teach.
Rob
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Non-Governmental Organization
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Jobs overseas are available, you just need to be vigilant, professional, energetic and willing to cross your comfort zone. Once you get established, a good teaching record and rapport with your students and colleagues, will bring you even more opportunities.
I am just taking a break from my overseas posts and am 66.
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Sorry, I forgot to mention that certain parts of China offer some of theist rewarding teaching opportunities and life experience one could ever wish for. Age for getting an
FCE ( Foreign Expert Certificates) are not granted beyond 65 though. That is for Primary or Secondary teachers. There is a little more leeway with Tertiary. A good tip would be to start a few years before turning 65 and if you are good, your Chinese hosts will make it possible for you to stay.
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This is such a waste of talent. People at 60 are often at the top of their game. Most all corporate CEOS are in their 50s, 60s and some in their 70s! I am 66, am an art historian, cultural preservationist, and museum specialist, so the Chinese are very interest in the body of knowledge I posess, so I am sidestepping all of this stuff. I am sponsored by a corporation and will probably go there to teach, and am developing a syllabus for a course in American-style philanthropy. My grandfather was a missionary in China and my father grew up there, I am concerned about the air quality. I hear that the Olympic buildings are already starting to crumble. And why someone would want to go to the Emirates or Saudi Arabia, is beyond me,
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Absolutely John, I totally agree with you and wish you all the best if you get to the Middle Kingdom. We had two wonderful years there and will return soon if possible.
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Hi I’m in Kuala Lumpur training Malaysian teachers to teach English for the British Council, I was 59 in September! ( :
Apparently the cut off point in Malaysia is 60 but apparently our contracts are being extended for another year …so watch this space!
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My wife and I just left Malaysia after nine years of teaching at an international school. We left because she had turned 65 and would no longer be eligible for a work visa, otherwise, we would still be there.
Not sure what you mean by 60….
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I agree with you wholeheartedly, because I just got my doctorate degree and have been in the educational arena for many years. I am 61 and feel better now than at any other stage in my life . I wish to work in a leadership position in The UAE. Please give me advice, because I am clueless . (Thank you)
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Deborah, I think you’ll find it very difficult to get work in the UAE. I have been here for 10 years and can see the changes taking place due to the policy of Emiratisation. There are still many westerners in education here but the ones in a leadership role are rapidly being phased out and replaced by Emiratis, who are almost always under qualified and mostly useless. The same process will impact on classroom teachers soon as more Emiratis fill the positions. In addition to this, there is a strict policy of retirement at 60. This is across the board in the country, not just applicable to education. Even people born here to non-Emirati parents have to leave the country at the end of their current contract when over 60, despite having lived here for their entire lives, unless of course they are wealthy enough to retire and live only on their savings. I believe that there is a certain amount of leeway given to private schools but not much. They have to prove that you are a key staff member and even then you will be given only 1 year contracts with the same visa process every year. I can only confirm these regulations are in existence in the Emirates of Abu Dhabi and Dubai, but I’d be surprised if things were different in the other 5.
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If you are a clueless PhD then the UAE is perfect for you! (apologies but true!)
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The information is coming from Teachers who have had all these experiences described. Believe me these factors have caught Teachers who would like to teach in the Middle East and other places. Many of these Teachers are highly qualified and have years of experience teaching in diverse places and classes but age is the factor that has put them on the unemployment lists.
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Oh,yes, 53 may as well be 23. Don’t drag your heels though because once you hit 60, you might as well be 80. I agree that Search Associates is the best.
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What is ‘Search Associates’? How does one register? I registered with Teach Away and was informed that we might not register anywhere else?
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Actually I found Search Associates very unhelpful,,,,,I met one of the associates in Spain to discuss a Reception Post and he more or less told me I had no chance (I am 60) and not to bother!
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Singapore does not have an age restriction and their schools are very forward thinking. Pay is decent, too.
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My understanding is that the law changed about two years ago and that one cannot get a work visa if you are over 50. If this is not the case please send me a way to verify that it might still be possible for me to get a job in Singapore. Thank you.
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At the beginning of this post there is an excellent link to all of that information. China will not and the best schools in Singapore are quite fussy. If you have excellent experience and a CV and are under 60 then Singapore would be interested as several by of my colleagues work there. One found his job as a Music Teacher through Search associates and others by applying to the schools.
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I have blonde hair, blue eyes Nd fair skin, but I couldn’t get hired there either. I’m glad it worked out that way now.
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Sorry meant who fight for a position??
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Has anyone taught in Turkey at age 65?
I have a doctorate and was interviewed today by a director of ESLI to teach English at Uskubar University in Istanbul.
Does anyone know much about ESLI? Or prejudice against older Ph.Ds in Istanbul? I think the Director wants to hire me but said his higher-ups like young, blonde, “very American-looking” candidates. If I do get an offer, I would feel terrible if I am the grandmother over there contrasted with younger teachers in their thirties!
Also, I have never taught abroad and am wary somewhat of adjusting there at this age, as I own my own home and would have to rent it out.
Lyn
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Lyn,
Count your blessings that at least he was honest with you! But, offer to help like crazy with all the special skills you have. Probly none of the cute younguns with BAs can start creative writing magazines, put on a play, revamp entire curricula, write EFL/ESP courses, do trainings, etc.
That said, you gotta be “up” on technolgy and dress and act as lively as you can muster. I’m 61…learned by chance that being seated while students wrote was deemed “lazy”–by them! geesh!
I also keep hair more blonde than gray/white and try to dress fashionably. Is it fair to be judged for this? No, but I want to keep the job! There are many good things about grandmothering. Younger ones might be afraid or jealous until you just encourage them and help them…
Good luck. It will be an adventure for sure!
Mimi in Saudi
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Mimi, try out South America. It’s a wonderful lifestyle and the private schools don’t care how old you are.
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Mimi in Saudi
Did they disclose to you if they can get you a visa because this is sometimes the stumbling block in countries and oftentimes it is promised but then after weeks of communicating one is advised it is not possible. So check this out as a first consideration and then if this is OK go ahead. There are thousands of us who write regularly on this site who are healthy, active and excellent educators for fight for a position because of age. Good Luck
Catherine
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Ah, that explains why I could never get a job in Turkey. I thought it was my age or qualifications, but as soon as I sent them a photo, I never heard back. I have dark hair and olive skin. Come to think of it, a colleague in another school had worked in Turkey and aside from being younger, he was tall and blonde but had the same qualifications. Lucky you are blonde!
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I spent a week giving ADEC all of the required information, copies of my passport, family information, everything, then never heard from them. When I finally contacted them, they said I was too old. They told me the age cut off was 59!!! Why didn’t they tell me that to begin with. They had my resume and could clearly see when I graduated from college. Now I worry that I have given out all of that information. South America is a MUCH better place to teach and live. Check it out. You won’t make the money that you can sometimes make in the Middle East, but you will live on 1/3 of what it costs to live in America or Europe, the people are warm and friendly, and your quality of life will be 100 times better than it would be in the Middle East. This is just my opinion.
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Any suggestions for which country in South America would be best place to teach. I’m 70!! But extremely active, former college professor and business owner looking for another chapter in life. I really do not want to apply for a zillion jobs all over the world. I plan to visit San Miguel, Mexico in another month, but would prefer South America. Would appreciate your thoughts and suggestions.
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Ecuador is a wonderful place to live, and also Argentina and Peru. Don’t let the salaries turn you off. Also, remember that there are private English language schools like CEDEI you could apply to.
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I am so glad I finally found an informative site for older teachers. I am in desperate need of advice. I will retire next year and then hope to teach English, preferably in Ecuador. I anticipate certification in Oxford TESOL in September. Will this certification along with my Bachelor’s. be enough to secure a teaching position. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
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Please do not get TESOL certification from Oxford. They are one of the many quickie firms that offer this certificate, and one of the certificates that are sometimes not accepted. If you can, please try to get a proper CELTA certificate. When I began teaching, it was not offered in the US. It is now, through a concern called “Teaching House” in some US cities. I also saw that it was offered in Ecuador. The cost for the program is the same wherever you take it. I will be teaching in Ecuador in September, and have gotten employment with just a bachelors and a TESOL certificate from another terrible quickie school, but if I had the choice I would definitely go for the proper CELTA. It will make your life-and work easier.
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Do you have any information about how the Teaching House Celta compares to the International House Celta?
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No, but it doesn’t matter. A “CELTA” is a CELTA. I just know that the one offered in New York was run by an organization called “Teaching House”, perhaps they changed their name? I’m not sure what city you are in. There may be some variation in how the course is taught, but as it is a standard certificate (Cambridge Equivalency etc.) the material covered should be the same. I would suggest that you do some research and contact the main organization (CELTA) in England and they can give you more details. I think they set the price, as it was almost the same in New York, and Riyadh where the program administrators of the school where I worked were going to offer it. Perhaps, the price is set by the Cambridge people. Also, I saw a group offering it in Ecuador, and the cost for the course was also around 2,000. Hope this helps.
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What is a proper CELTA? How does one know the difference?
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A “proper CELTA” is exactly that. A school like Oxford, e.g. will not (cannot) claim their certificate is a “CELTA”. They offer a TESOL or TEFL certificate. If in doubt, I suggest you contact the Cambridge Equivalency organization (I’ve forgotten the full title) in England. However, most organizations that offer a CELTA can only do so with the approval of the main organization in England. I suggest you google it. Also, a CELTA certificate takes at least 6 weeks full-time, whereas the other quickie certificates can take as little as a week-end online. Definitely not enough time for you to learn anything.
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Michelle, I just returned from Cuenca, Ecuador and had the opportunity to meet several English teachers there. They all taught for CEDEI and loved their jobs. I am a retired English teacher in America, and traveled to Cuenca to see if I wanted to move there. I am ESOL endorsed in America. The ESOL endorsement only requires three courses (which can be taken mostly on line). through most universities. The ESOL endorsement can be used for the TESOL or CELTA.
The pay at schools such as CEDEI is very low, but in Ecuador you can live well on it. I loved Cuenca. By the way, I met teachers who were in their late 60’s and early 70’s who had no problem finding teaching jobs, but some were tutoring on their own. One friend is making $15.00 an hour tutoring a young girl. She tutors her two hours a day, three days a week and the pay is in cash. Jobs like this are ideal if you are already receiving a retirement check from your home country.
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Nonsense! I am now in Cuenca and regretting it mightily, as it cost me a fortune. You CANNOT live in Cuenca on the salary that CEDEI pays! Then, there is the issue of health insurance. What the school offers is worthless. Not only do they refuse to pay for pre-existing health conditions, which after a certain age is just about everything, but the school offers little assistance and I’ve had to make two trips there. Ultimately, after 4 hours of pleading with them and trips to get more documentation, I wound up getting paid about $50 of an $89 bill. In addition, if you don’t have a pacemaker and knee replacement before you work there, you’ll need one after as there is no elevator and the classrooms are on the third floor of an old colonial building.
The school also offers little assistance in finding housing, and due to the influx of retirees the rents are close to US prices. Generally, it will cost you almost the same as the US to live here. Also, the vaunted weather is a bust. Think Canada in July, not San Diego. It’s cold and the sun rarely shines…and then there is the pollution.
Finally, the prep time for classes is extensive. Then there are the “split shifts” which force you to teach a morning class, then hang around or go back home for a few hours before your next class. All this for less than you would make as a grocery clerk in US,UK, etc. I’m leaving and suggest others skip this place.
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Been There- I’m sorry Cuenca didn’t work out for you. Everyone’s situation is different. If you are looking for a school in South America to completely take care of you, you would be better off going to Europe or the Middle East, and that will only probably happen if you are under 50. CEDEI is a good deal if you are already getting your retirement and/or your Social Security from America. It’s true that CEDEI doesn’t pay a lot, buts it’s a nice little supplement to use for spending money. I loved the weather there, but then again, that’s a personal preference. The days were cool and sunny, evenings dropped down to the 50’s and it rained for about 30 minutes or an hour each night. My friends rented very spacious homes from $350-$600.00. Utilities were dirt cheap. Maybe you would like Peru.
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Yes, I agree CEDEI is strictly for rich retirees and trust fund hippies, or new grads who can call up Mom and Dad for extra money. You will definitely NOT be able to afford an apartment that cost $400-600 on a salary of $200-325/mo. And I would still caution older teachers with health problems about working here, as the stairs in all of CEDEI locations are difficult for anyone but the very young. I was actually getting chest pains and shortness of breath and have to rest every flight-and I’m “only” 63. I got jobs in the Middle East when I was in my late ’50’s and in KSA when I was 60, so I think ruling out anyone over 50 for a job there is not accurate.
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I’m neither a rich retiree, nor a trust fund hippie…just a retired teacher who has worked hard and made sound decisions about preparing for these late years in life. I am not a liar. The situations I relate are situations I have observed personally. If you have health issues, you probably should wait until healthier and happier times before you make a move out of the United States.
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That is plenty for teaching in any area. I am teaching in China, have been here since I was 60 but now they are not renewing my contract because of the new age limit in Hunan which is 62. I have also been turned down at a few other universities in China but I am not ready to give up yet. I have an Oxford TESOL and it has never been an issue. It will not be an issue in south or central america as Oxford has many clients in the countries there including Ecuador. Good luck, if i can’t find a university here that will hire a 63 year old, I’l be joining you in Ecuador or maybe Chile
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Jo asks:
I have applied for a teaching post with ADEC about 2 months ago, but haven’t heard from them since. Should I contact them and inquire whether they received my application? Can anybody please explain to me what procedures I should follow, if any? Does anybody have their contact information? I registered with Teach Away, but cant find their contact details on their Website.
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Dear Jo,
I hope this is helpful but ADEC outsource all their positons to Teachaway (they have the contract) and it is TA that you should contact if you want to know what progress your application has made. It can take manyh months at this time of the year because the positon will not start until August. I agree that they should give you an answer and if your experience fits the description on their website then you have a very good chance. You have to remember that the recruiting team possibly send hundreds if not thousands of documents back to be processed to a main office. Teachaway in every country in on their website so take the matter up with the office you contacted in the first place and get an update. I also think a colleague who worked in a very high position with them told me that all applications have to go to ADEC for approval but not sure at what stage of the process so make some inquiries and hope you are successful.
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constantly i used to read smaller articles or reviews
that also clear their motive, and that is also happening with this piece
of writing which I am reading now.
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what exactly is your job I gather you are….Polish? Do you have a story to tell ?
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My word! What an eye opener. I would like to take a course on teaching English abroad. Currently, I’m a Brit living in the US ( now a citizen of both countries). However, I will be 70 years old and the future I envisioned looks a trifle dubious. I have no interest in China but really would love to hear any feedback re living conditions, accommodation etc on ANYWHERE that has accepted oldies as I have a mind to continue on with my plan. There are abbreviations used here that I’m not familiar with so clarification would be good. TEFL or Celta ( degree is in Interior Design). So, fellow adventurers, please feel free to mail me. I thank you you in advance and look forward. My contact address is sophiehhamilton@gmail.com
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I’mm 66 and been teaching in international schools since 1970. Still a full time teacher in Singapore.
JimSg
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Sophie, check out all schools, public and private in South America. They respect older teachers there and the lifestyle is wonderful, especially if you are in a mountainous area that is cool.
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Glad to see this. I’ve accepted a job in Ecuador and while it seems ideal in many respects, the salary is barely enough to cover expenses. The very nice interviewer even alluded to having other income (which I took to mean Social Security), so yes indeed I don’t think advancing age is going to be a problem. My last job was in KSA and despite the high salary, a horror in every other way. So, I decided if I couldn’t be rich, at least I’d be happy. Besides the money, my only other concern is the visa process (I’m going in on a Cultural exchange visa). The consulate doesn’t answer their phones and I picture having to trudge into Manhattan more than once in the dog days of summer. Anyone out there have any experience getting an Ecuadorian work/culture exchange visa?
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Hi Been There, I was reading some old posts and came across this post by you…I hope you are enjoying Ecuador. Might I ask where you are teaching? I just returned from a three week vacation in Cuenca and thoroughly enjoyed it. I went to see if I wanted to move there now that I have recently retired from teaching in the U.S. I’m 62 now and would not have had problems finding a teaching job in Cuenca. True, the money isn’t great for teachers there, but if one is receiving retirement and Social Security from the States, it’s more than enough for a great lifestyle in Ecuador. Most of the teachers I met there were in their late 60’s, early 70’s and teaching for CEDEI. I’m planning on returning to Cuenca, then Quito next year. Happy teaching.
Brenda
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Hi Brenda:
I will be will be teaching at CEDE in CuencaI. I am happy to see the positive comments about it and Cuenca. Despite needing to put in a few more years of working at a good salary, willing to change my plans for the right spot, and this sounds like it!
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Yes, go for it. There are thousands of Americans living, working, and retired there. Go to the California Kitchen to meet a lot of them. The owners are Californians and cool. They have fabulous American food and entertainment. Where will you be staying? I stayed at the Hostal Macondo and that was sufficient, but don’t take a room in the main old building. The newer rooms in the courtyard are better.Beakfast is included. Tell Jessie at the front desk that Brenda says Hi. I had to come back to Florida to stay with my mother who is 92 and not feeling well.
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I am 53 years old and have IB experience. I have applied to lots of International schools in Singapore but haven’t heard back from anyone, even the ones that emphasize “IB experience an advantage”. I can’t help but wonder if it’s the age or the race the factor!
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Hi. I’m American and have lived in Singapore for 25 years as a teacher, although I’ve left now and then to teach in other international schools in Asia and Middle East.. I’m currently 66 years of age and working full time at an international school in Singapore. I know that most of the schools the age limit is from 62 to 65. I am able to teach here because technically they hired me as part-time, but I work full days.
Here is my suggestion. Apply to TIE online, and get the latest openings, and some of them have been in Singapore. Go to the school web sites, and apply to schools only if they have openings in your fields.
BTW, I am hoping to enjoy life a little more next year. If I could just teach without the meetings and grading, I’d teach until I was 90.
Best of luck, and hope something turns up.
Regards
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Thanks for your reply. I have been going through TES and through the school websites for the relevant positions. It seems most of the school have HR (who are probably not educators) who are hiring. I can’t seem to go past them 🙂 Still, I will keep my chin up and hope for the best. Thanks again.
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Age is a big issue over in Asia. I’m in China teaching business English and business strategy along with it. Very eye opening. You really start understanding the age discrimination issues when you begin to understand their views on age.
I had one class of 9 professional, college educated women in their 20’s and 30’s. All wanted to be dead by the time they were 60 because at that age you are simply too much of a wreck for life to be worth living. Yow. Made me wonder if, at age 59, I should just fall on my sword or shuffle on.
Another business planning workshop comes to mind where adult students came up with the idea of clothing for “old” people who are retired. Their definition of old was 50 or older. They could not see the need to segment their market and saw no difference between people in their 50’s and 80’s. In their words: “they are all old.”
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That’s horrifying! I was 57 when I was in China and didn’t feel any problems. All I heard were stories of 70 year olds teaching, etc. Things have changed a great deal since then (2007). When you consider how hard the Chinese work (often 6-7 days/week with few holidays), it’s no wonder they are burnt out by the time they are 50! Another reason they may feel they are “simply too much of a wreck for life to be worth living” at age 60, could be their horrendous medical care. I had two encounters with it and consider myself lucky to have survived them. It put me off China regardless of age.
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Things have changed. Many provinces don’t even give visas for people, including teacher kind of people, who are over 55 and 60 is usually a no no. If you are of the older persuasion you usually have to go to less desirable places that are not flooded with younger people – the teacher of choice. Nothing is impossible but I’m being realistic.
I agree with you that Chinese seem to prematurely age – something that is common in developing countries. Most, especially the women, look warn out at 40 something. Too many hours working, not enough fun…maybe pollution, lack of exercise, and quite possibly the dreadful healthcare too.
That said, healthcare is improving. There are some top notch doctors in China but overall doctors don’t make much money so you will also find doctors:
A. proscribing the wrong medicine because that is what they get the kickbacks on
b. insisting on a bribe if you want a “good” operation
c. performing the wrong operation because that pays money.
I know people who have had one or more the above experiences.
There is also an appalling low level of hygiene in medical care. Chinese in general don’t believe in washing their hands with soap because they believe it leaves a harmful residue that is worse than the benefits (I’ve almost never seen a Chinese wash with soap and have been told about their belief in soaps harmful effects by Chinese and expats who have married locals).
Even in the dental hospital where I got my teeth worked on (great job by the way) there was no soap in the washroom. While doctors wore gloves those same gloves and the instruments were handled by nurses who don’t wash their hands with soap. When you think about the super bacteria that is resistant to current antibiotics, it becomes very scary.
Things are changing quickly in China for the better and worse. But it is hard for Chinese to change their beliefs because they tend to believe there is the Chinese way and the wrong way to do things. Their educational system is built on students regurgitating what teachers tell them and abusing students if they get anything “wrong” and that sure doesn’t help them think in new ways.
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Fascinating. Thanks for the info. Yes I was told they don’t use soap to wash their hands, but not why. When I had minor surgery, they made us void (empty our bladders) first, but there was of course no soap to wash our hands with afterwards and we went into surgery like that. Most likely the surgeon didn’t wash his hands either, nor did he have any idea of how to close a wound properly,not to mention that he took out the wrong thing and the whole surgery was unneccessary.
Surprised your dental work turned out well. I wound up loosing a tooth after foolishly agreeing to a most likely unnecessary root canal in a filthy dental office. Two countries and seven dentists later I gave up and had what was left of it pulled. The original cost of the root canal? $12. The cost of an implant? $3,000!
I wouldn’t worry about superbugs as they develop as a result of overuse of super antibiotics (Vancomycin, Methycilln) and I had an impossible time finding even basic penicillin in Luoyang, Henan province after my root canal became infected (surprise, surprise).
Again, thanks for sharing.
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Good news though. You can come on back to China! Now they have antibiotics!
Last year the government announced that 10% of all the cooking oil sold was made with a combination of real oil and sewage runoff. People were arrested.
This year the Chinese government has announced that (I’m not making this up) innovative entrepreneurs are making antibiotics with that same sewage runoff!
Glass half full: antibiotics are available
Glass half empty: well, before taking said antibiotics it might be best to find what drug is good for treating you from the effect of putting sewage runoff in your body.
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Hi, this may be too late for an answer since it is Nov. 2013, you may have left China but if not let me know. What part of China are you teaching in. I am about an hour from Shanghai. I would like to touch base with expats in this area. If you have any info please let me know. So far my experience has been positive here.
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Hi Sunny, I was in Wuxi. I’m now in Mexico. Glad to read your experience has been positive. I’m glad I spent the year in China. China was fascinating and living and working there was quite the learning experience. However, I’m also glad to be out of there. During the time I was in China, I saw real blue sky (as opposed to grayish blue) only twice for brief glimpses only. I’m happy to be acquainted with the color blue again when it is above me.
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I would suggset registering with Search Associates and wait for vacancies to arise at the last minute. Schools are far less particular as the end of the year approaches. They will contact you if you fit their needs. 53 is still young!!! I have been hired internationally 3 times since that age by good schools.Now 63 and working full time.
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Who is search associates? I am glad to hear that you are landing jobs!
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Hi, everyone. Though the children there can be very undisciplined and the school ambiance colourfully chaotic, try the Erasmus Schools in both Offenbach and Frankfurt Germany. They have hired teachers 60 years old and up.
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There are several positions in Kazakhstan and age doesn’t seem to be a problem. Go to the SeriousTeachers site.
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I live in Thomasville, Georgia. I’d love to talk with your friend to see how she is getting these positions. I have no dependents, so it would be easy to pick up and leave. Good luck to you.
Brenda
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I would go with choice 1. In this economy, I don’t think it would be wise to give up a paying job unless you have another teaching position lined up. I’m 62 with great credentials and references and I can’t even get any feedback from my letters of interest that I send out. I can retire in America in two months and wanted to move overseas again to teach. Have you checked to see if other administrators are over 60? I was interested in getting my administrator’s certificate, too, but what would the point be if I couldn’t get hired after 60?
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Hi Brenda,
Thanks for your reply. Where are you living right now? I have a friend who is 67 and who continues to get teaching jobs overseas. She has a TESOL degree and teaches elementary. I will take your suggestions.
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Hi all over 50s,
I am a 57 year old American woman currently teaching foreign language at an International School in Chennai, India. I am thinking about 3 options:
1.) Staying here one more year. to save money and to be in one place for 3 years. Going into Admin by taking summer courses at PTC. I’d get the certificate at age 59, then try to get into a school, as an ass’t principal anywhere before I am 60.
2.) Leaving at the end of the year and still trying for the above.
3.) Focussing on getting TESOL and teaching ESL and or teacher training in Mexico and S. America.
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I’m so aware of this. I can retire in America now and wanted to go back overseas, but can’t even get a response from anyone. It’s disheartening.
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This fact is the biggest problem of today’s old energetic and full of experienced person.The longivity of life has increased all over the world but the old age concept of denial of the work opportunity to old people still persists. Present generation should think about it as they also gray their hair over a period of time.
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To all who have tried in vain to get a job via Internet, maybe it’s time for Plan B. When I got my job in Austria, I didn’t use the Internet. Principals get so many applications that way that they just quit opening their mail if it seems to come from a candidate. I knew I wanted to work in a German speaking country, so I made 12 packages with my photo, resume, past recommendations, and my educational philosophy and sent them to my targeted schools in Austria, Germany and Switzerland. The Headmaster of a school in Austria called and hired me on the spot. It was a great year. I was in my 40’s then, but there were teachers in my school there who were in their 60’s. You might also take a vacation and go knock on a few doors. That has worked for a lot of people. Don’t give up.
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Times are very different now. Just in recent 3-5 years age limits have hit the international teacher market.
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Yes, as I posted recently, I see that KSA ( a place of last resort) is now asking for teachers under 55 which they never did before. Finally saw an ad for Turkey, which I have been wanting to teach in for a long time that did not require a degree in education per se, but they clearly state that 60 is their age limit and I am now 62! Am looking in S. America where the salaries are low, but they seem to be aware that retirees (i.e. people over 60-62 with retirement income) might be their ideal choice as younger people could not afford to work there.
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Is this a new age limit in KSA? I am 60 and have just had my contract renewed here in KSA
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I was wondering that myself when I saw that. It probably is the preference of the employer. If your contract has been renewed I wouldn’t worry about it. As far as I know, the labor law read that the official retirement was 60, unless with the consent of both parties, the person wanted to work longer. KSA used to publish a very lengthy explanation of their labor laws on Dave’s ESL Cafe. I quoted it as an example of increasing prejudice against older workers. On the other hand, I do know that Oman (a much more pleasant place to work) does have a strictly enforced age limit of 60.
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It sounds like a plan, but how did you find your target schools?
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Choose where you want to go…then, if it all works well, STAY! Although many countries won’t entertain a 65-year old new applicant, once you’re a proven person, you usually can stay! Middle East/Gulf countries pay the best. Good luck. Mimi in Saudi (and Bahrain, Yemen, Kuwait etc.)
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