PACIFIC OCEAN – A dwindling market for English language instruction overseas is forcing many unemployed English as a second language (ESL) teachers to seek work underseas, where new job opportunities are submerging.
“The overseas market was getting saturated,” said Alexa Tannen, an ESL teacher currently working in the Philippine Sea, where she teaches business English classes to a group of dolphins. “Down here there’s a lot more action.”
Yet teaching English underseas has its drawbacks. Many are finding it difficult to adapt because of the culture shock and language barriers inherent in dealing with aquatic life. As well, the lack of oxygen can dampen spirits.
“At first you feel overwhelmed by all the pressure, the darkness, and the fact that you’re always soaked. It’s also hard dealing with fish schools because it’s difficult to get students to sit still. They don’t understand that if everyone keeps floating around, then I’m not able to do my job.”
“Plus, you can’t rely on textbooks because the ink starts to run. A three hour lesson with soggy paper can be really draining.”
Work experts also warn that teaching underseas can be dangerous. One teacher was recently rushed to a hospital and treated for toxic shock after attempting to teach a jellyfish proper North American handshake etiquette.
Joanne Vincinaty is one of many teachers who made the shift to underwater teaching in order to make ends meet.
“Down here, English is still popular, but it’s hard to find a decent job if you haven’t already got underseas experience,” she said. “Plus, a lot of these big fish in the corporate sector are only interested in learning Mandarin because they think it’s more beneficial to their career.”
“Most teachers have to start with a sketchy swim-by-night private school, and they’re usually not very organized, so you end up teaching a watered-down curriculum, which isn’t very satisfying.”
Underseas schools are also notorious for paying less money than their overseas counterparts, and experienced teachers say that job-seekers should watch out for any contracts that don’t guarantee work conditions.
“If the school is asking you to buy your own submarine ticket and work flippers, then you should just forget about it,” said Martin Wittison, a teacher who feels he got hosed by an agency which hired him to work in the North Pacific Ocean.
“I spent months of my time and thousands of dollars getting all of the paperwork done, and when I finally got there, they cut down on my hours and put me up in this 20 gallon apartment near an oil platform. It was awful,” he continued. “There was barely room for a bed and some gravel. I tried to get out of my contract and the only way I was able to get back home was by making extra money on the side as a bartender at the local wet bar.”
Added Wittison: “Should have known the deal was fishy from the start.”
with files by Joel Buxton
