This is nuts!
A few days ago I emailed several agencies asking whether it would be possible to get a short-term (summer) contract with them. These are agencies and language schools abroad. I included the information that I had an M.A. in English philology and that I have teaching experience, plus several certificates (CELTA). This is what I got from one agency (will keep the author anonymous):
(quote) The unfortunate reality of the ESL market is that the governments of most countries require that individuals applying for teaching visas are citizens of English speaking countries. These are defined as countries where English is the first language and they are limited to the following: Canada, America, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and the UK . This has absolutely NOTHING to do with your proficiency in the English language but is simply the government regulation.
There may be some opportunities for you in China . Unfortunately, at this time (company name) does not work with any schools there who are open to this and we suggest you apply directly to the schools. (end quote)
This just makes me feel 6 years of my life (spent gaining education and qualification) are just down the drain. Makes me want to change my job. Anybody knows where cleaners are needed?