age discrimination in TEFL in 2024

[tenneray]

Are there any countries where age discrimination is not a big problem? I am a 60-year-old who is teaching in the US but I miss overseas work. Most of my prior experience was in Saudi Arabia, but it doesn't hire teachers over 55, and I wouldn't want to go back there anyway. I'd want a good package and be able to save.
Thanks in advance for your thoughtful responses.

[robertflores]

Yes, there are Canada, Chile, Colombia, Spain, and Australia.

[eggshell]

A few countries that tend to be more age-friendly for TEFL are Western Europe and Latin America. Places like Spain and Italy generally don't have strict age limits. Chile and Colombia are also good options in Latin America - they value experience over age.

You may find public schools have limits but plenty of language academies would appreciate your skills. Eastern Europe could also work - the pay may be lower but the cost of living is as well.

[Eforst1986]

Soccer Skills World Cup

Are there any countries where age discrimination is not a big problem? I am a 60-year-old who is teaching in the US but I miss overseas work. Most of my prior experience was in Saudi Arabia, but it doesn't hire teachers over 55, and I wouldn't want to go back there anyway. I'd want a good package and be able to save.
Thanks in advance for your thoughtful responses.

Other countries that are known for their inclusive work environments and favorable policies towards older workers include Norway, Iceland, and Finland. These countries have implemented measures to support older individuals in the workforce, such as flexible retirement options, age-friendly workplaces, and initiatives to promote lifelong learning and skills development.

[Wendy1969]

Age should be irrelevant. As long as one is still young at heart, has the relevant English skills and is still healthy and energetic; and wish to still continue to have an active role in TEFL, one should continue to seek out full time or part time teaching opportunities with likeminded, professional TEFL related organisations. One should also be able to continue to be part of our worldwide TEFL community/social groups/TEFL/English related activities, even if one has retired from teaching English.

[mariahcarey]

China has a high demand for English teachers and a diverse range of teaching opportunities, including positions at public schools, private language institutes, and international schools. Age discrimination laws are in place, and many schools value experience and expertise over age. You can try.wordle

[Bethel86]

Several countries known for being more age-friendly for TEFL include Western Europe and Latin America. Countries like Spain and Italy typically don't impose strict age limits. In Latin America, Chile and Colombia are also favorable options as they prioritize experience over age. While public schools may have age restrictions, many language academies would value your skills. Eastern Europe could also be a viable option, although the pay might be lower, the cost of living is generally lower as well.

[Wendy1969]

Several countries known for being more age-friendly for TEFL include Western Europe and Latin America. Countries like Spain and Italy typically don't impose strict age limits. In Latin America, Chile and Colombia are also favorable options as they prioritize experience over age. While public schools may have age restrictions, many language academies would value your skills. Eastern Europe could also be a viable option, although the pay might be lower, the cost of living is generally lower as well.

There is definitely less discrimination against older people in most Western countries with still very strong Western culture.

[manysax]

Are there any countries where age discrimination is not a big problem? I am a 60-year-old who is teaching in the US but I miss overseas work. Most of my prior experience was in Saudi Arabia, but it doesn't hire teachers over 55, and I wouldn't want to go back there anyway. I'd want a good package and be able to save.
Thanks in advance for your thoughtful responses.

It really depends on the school, but I've noticed that older teachers are respected more in the Middle East than in Western Europe.

[manysax]

It really depends on the school, but I've noticed that older teachers are respected more in the Middle East than in Western Europe.

[John V55]

If you're nearing sixty in Thailand or China don't bother. Sixty is the unofficial age limit for teachers in these countries. Here in the west we tend to assume age doesn't matter and its dicriminatory, but in the east it does matter.

[Ariel1902]

Some countries, like Japan, South Korea, and certain parts of Europe (e.g., the Netherlands), may be more open to hiring older teachers, especially if you have valuable experience. It’s also worth exploring teaching opportunities in international schools or universities, which sometimes have more flexible age policies and offer competitive packages.

[John V55]

I found age discrimination was rife across Asia, no matter the level of the applicant’s education. It’s just a cultural thing.