ride_natty_ride

Hey y'all ~

MORE questions about TEFL/TESL, but from a slightly different, more potentially-self-annihilating-perspective:

For the past several years i've been extremely interested in the idea of teaching english abroad. However, when i was 'slumming it' (as we called being 'houseless'), i got two (marijuana) possession charges (i'm lucky i escaped with just that! the cops there had a personal vendetta against the homeless). i know from a friend that teaching in asia (korea, thailand, etc.) is probably 'out' b/c of druggie charges - they're apparently very explicit about background checks. was wondering if anyone has any experience working in this field with drug charges (especially pot... there are numerous countries in central [more south, actually] america where pot is decriminalized, if not legal - perhaps they wouldn't look too poorly on this sort of thing? I have spoken to several lawyers from the state in which i was convicted and they say there is no possibility of getting it expunged or sealed.

However! I have a B.A. in English Language and Lit., as well as experience teaching young children for a number of years.

i dunno. it's just amazing to me that smoking a coupla joints has not only barred me from the work i LOOVVEE to do, but will also fuk up any and all chances i have to do working travel....

live FREE,

~ melissA

simply_angelic

Wow, I have no drug charges on my record, but all the best to you in your search. I say just apply everywhere. I mean, what's the worst they can do? Deny you the job? You're banking on that anyway, so what's the harm? Perhaps they won't be as sticky about the charges as you think. Or their background checks wont be as substantial. Either way it's worth a shot. You might find yourself surprised. Good luck!! And MAN am I glad to be Canadian

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~Laura
GO CANADA!!!!

If you walk backwards, you'll find out that you can go forward and people won't know if you're coming or going.

Dream as if you'll live forever. Live as if you'll die today.
-James Dean

Countries I've Visited: Austria, Botswana, Canada, Costa Rica, Democratic Republic of the Congo, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Italy. Malawi, Mexico, Portugal, Rwanda, South Africa, Spain, Taiwan, Tanzania, Uganda, USA, UK, Vatican City, Zambia

TERI

SA-- you need to actually DO drugs to get a drug charge, lol.

Melissa i wouldn't worry too much about it, it's only weed. you should be fine, and have a fun trip!

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never frown. even when you're sad, cause you never know who's falling in love with your smile.

urple\'> "Wanna feel the warm breeze, sleep under a palm tree, feel the rush of the ocean."
"...Get aboard a fast train, travel on a damn plane."
" Take a Risk, Take a chance, Make a change!"--- Break away. Kelly Clarkson (lol)

simply_angelic

Not with friends like you

__________________
~Laura
GO CANADA!!!!

If you walk backwards, you'll find out that you can go forward and people won't know if you're coming or going.

Dream as if you'll live forever. Live as if you'll die today.
-James Dean

Countries I've Visited: Austria, Botswana, Canada, Costa Rica, Democratic Republic of the Congo, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Italy. Malawi, Mexico, Portugal, Rwanda, South Africa, Spain, Taiwan, Tanzania, Uganda, USA, UK, Vatican City, Zambia

TERI

hahaha tu chez my friend, tu chez!!! lol

__________________
never frown. even when you're sad, cause you never know who's falling in love with your smile.

urple\'> "Wanna feel the warm breeze, sleep under a palm tree, feel the rush of the ocean."
"...Get aboard a fast train, travel on a damn plane."
" Take a Risk, Take a chance, Make a change!"--- Break away. Kelly Clarkson (lol)

ride_natty_ride

hehe much thanks, y'all... i am most likely just going to do as angelic says, and just start applying! sooo many things just got extremely messed up in my life because of these stupid-ass charges, and i've got this extreme paranoia bizness going on, believing that simply because this country has somewhat abnormal pot policies (compared to the rest of the world), i will be eternally doooomed. most likely not, though. your responses helped make light of the situation, fo' sho.

hope everyone had a lovely christmas/kwanzaa/holiday season!

~ melissA

MeTurk

I wouldn't think most countries would let you in with a drugs conviction, it's pretty serious (well they think it is). It's the reason all my travellings been restricted to Europe.
Even though many people wouldn't see weed as a dangerous drug and in Europe at least it's likely that a cop might let you go with a warning (allowing them to pocket what they took off you) on paper it's serious and if the computer says no there's little the person can do about it.

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"It's nice to have a nun around. Gives the place a bit of glamour." Fr Ted
Couchsurfer (:_irritainment_