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Teaching without a BA.

 
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nabob7



Joined: 07 Nov 2012
Posts: 1
Location: Petawawa

PostPosted: Thu Nov 08, 2012 5:20 pm    Post subject: Teaching without a BA. Reply with quote

I am currently looking for work in just about any area of the world and from what I can see most places require a BA or college. People have told me you can get a job without one but it seems very difficult, if anyone can point me in the area direction it would be greatly apperciated and yes I do have an ESL course.
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Teacher in Rome



Joined: 09 Jul 2003
Posts: 1286

PostPosted: Thu Nov 08, 2012 5:32 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I know teachers in Italy without a BA (but with a TEFL). Depending on where you end up, you could try running your own business - school or freelance. That way you're the boss, and after a while, the absence of a BA might well be trumped by your experience.

However, if you're looking for employment, you face a much greater struggle. As most places require a degree, you're immediately at a competitive disadvantage with everyone else who does have a degree. I'm sure others are going to pitch in with useful info on the countries where having a BA is necessary in order to get a working visa.
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spiral78



Joined: 05 Apr 2004
Posts: 11534
Location: On a Short Leash

PostPosted: Thu Nov 08, 2012 5:47 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

As TIR has (implicitly) pointed out, most European countries do not insist on a BA for a work visa.
If you have citizenship in an EU member country, and therefore have the right to work in the EU, the lack of a BA may be over-come-able. More on this below.
If you do not have citizenship in an EU member country, some parts of the EU are still a legal option. This would include Central/Eastern Europe, the 'new' EU member states, and Germany, where non-EU member citizens can still get work permits.

HOWEVER, it's likely to be tough.

Firstly, there are lots of teachers around in this region generally; the market is weighted so that reputable schools often have multiple qualified candidates for any open position. Most of them will have CELTA/equivalent PLUS BA and possibly some experience. Your CV won't be likely to end up on the top of the pile, given the competition.

Secondly, much/most of the work in this region is with adult professionals; most of whom are fairly highly-educated. You may not have the credibility in their eyes needed.

Finally, this is a region in which jobs aren't often found from abroad (the notable exceptions being teachers with specialist quals/local contacts, or for very rural schools). To find work here, you basically have to come over and plan to support yourself for a couple of months while you pound the pavements with your CV, doing face to face interviews. Up-front costs to consider.

Another item to take note of: you say you have an 'ESL course.' Unclear what that is....for this region, 100+ hours onsite and including supervised teaching practice with real students (not peer trainees) is the norm - most teachers on this job market have this level of cert. If yours is entirely online, it's another minus in your column.

Overall, I know teachers here without degrees, and it's not impossible, but would probably take a considerable commitment of time, energy, and finances on your part to find something, and regional restrictions on non-EU citizens may narrow your opportunities further.
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Tudor



Joined: 21 Aug 2009
Posts: 339

PostPosted: Thu Nov 08, 2012 6:49 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Quote:
econdly, much/most of the work in this region is with adult professionals; most of whom are fairly highly-educated. You may not have the credibility in their eyes needed.


I agree with your points Spiral, but how would the students know whether their teacher had a degree or not, discounting the possibility that all teachers are scrupulously honest?
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spiral78



Joined: 05 Apr 2004
Posts: 11534
Location: On a Short Leash

PostPosted: Thu Nov 08, 2012 6:59 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

They might never find out, of course! Just that in my experience, if one's working with adult students over a longer course, like a year or so, eventually such questions are often asked. I guess one could always lie....
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nomad soul



Joined: 31 Jan 2010
Posts: 11454
Location: The real world

PostPosted: Thu Nov 08, 2012 9:12 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Tudor wrote:
spiral78 wrote:
Secondly, much/most of the work in this region is with adult professionals; most of whom are fairly highly-educated. You may not have the credibility in their eyes needed.

I agree with your points Spiral, but how would the students know whether their teacher had a degree or not, discounting the possibility that all teachers are scrupulously honest?

spiral78 wrote:
They might never find out, of course! Just that in my experience, if one's working with adult students over a longer course, like a year or so, eventually such questions are often asked.

Plus, some employers publish their instructors' specific qualifications on the institute's website in order to attract students---it's a marketing strategy. In some way, this is similar to those facilities in Asia that intentionally post photos of their teachers to tout their "physical" qualifications.
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Glenski



Joined: 15 Jan 2003
Posts: 12844
Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

PostPosted: Thu Nov 08, 2012 10:23 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

No degree is needed in Japan depending on circumstances:

working holiday visa (limited timespan, usually 1 year)

regular work visa (only if you have 3 years of related work experience)

spousal visa (if you are married to a Japanese)

student visa (part time work only)

cultural activities visa (part time work only)

dependent visa (if your spouse is a non-Japanese with a visa to stay here)

intracompany transfer visa (limited time frame, you must work for that overseas branch for a year first)

internship/trainee visa (the pay covers only your rent and food)

What country(ies) interest you?
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tttompatz



Joined: 06 Mar 2010
Posts: 1951
Location: Talibon, Bohol, Philippines

PostPosted: Thu Nov 08, 2012 10:55 pm    Post subject: Re: Teaching without a BA. Reply with quote

nabob7 wrote:
I am currently looking for work in just about any area of the world and from what I can see most places require a BA or college. People have told me you can get a job without one but it seems very difficult, if anyone can point me in the area direction it would be greatly apperciated and yes I do have an ESL course.


It is do-able (illegally) in Thailand. Wages are low but there is work to be found for those without a degree. You'll need substantial start-up funds ($1500 for air tickets and $2000-3000 more for apartment setup expenses, living expenses until you get paid and border runs to keep your tourist visa valid).

The biggest problems are that you are unlikely to save enough to make a return home possible and a trip to the ER can kill you (literally) since they want money before treatment.

As of 2015 there won't be any legal work as teachers (with proper visas and permits) in the ASEAN block for those without a degree.

Central and south America are also options but again, you are looking at visa issues but there is work.

.
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Glenski



Joined: 15 Jan 2003
Posts: 12844
Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

PostPosted: Thu Nov 08, 2012 11:31 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Quote:
yes I do have an ESL course
What exactly does this mean?

You took a weekend certificate course somewhere?
You got a cert online?
You landed the CELTA?
You took a college course with the name ESL in it?
The course had some practicum in it?
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fladude



Joined: 02 Feb 2009
Posts: 432

PostPosted: Fri Nov 09, 2012 1:49 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I bet someone would hire you in China. I doubt it would be a great job, but it would probably pay the bills and you might be able to get an airplane ticket out of it.

As for Latin America.... I guess its possible, but not in Central America. The pay here would be so bad.....
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rioux



Joined: 26 Apr 2012
Posts: 880

PostPosted: Fri Nov 09, 2012 8:11 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

This one specifically says no degree necessary:

http://www.eslcafe.com/jobs/china/index.cgi?read=27154

Native speakers are wanted in Various cities Beijing,Taiyuan,Chongqing zhengzhou,Hefei,inner monglia NO degree Necessary ! Free TEFL certificate Get !

Posted By: GTlianmeng <[email protected]>
Date: Wednesday, 7 November 2012, at 1:42 p.m.

we give our teacher one week Paid traning show how to teach lessons and use our materials No degree necessary ,but need native speakers who are active

intrested in teaching young kids 3-10years old who are energetic and like kids that is important .
avillable location right now :

Beijing
changzhou
Nanjing,
chongqing
taiyuan,
Hefei
chengdu
Weifang
zhengzhou
Inner monglia (huhehaote)
6000RMB airtickets allowance
also air-port pick up
Benefits
(With 7000 RMB/Month-9000RRMB per month )
- 6000RMB Airfare allowance
- Visa
- medical insurance
-Free apartment or livling allowance
TEFL certificate (All Teachers receive their free TEFL at the end of the work contract )
if u are interested in it can send me your details informations

Email : [email protected]
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Tudor



Joined: 21 Aug 2009
Posts: 339

PostPosted: Fri Nov 09, 2012 1:25 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

nomad soul wrote:
Tudor wrote:
spiral78 wrote:
Secondly, much/most of the work in this region is with adult professionals; most of whom are fairly highly-educated. You may not have the credibility in their eyes needed.

I agree with your points Spiral, but how would the students know whether their teacher had a degree or not, discounting the possibility that all teachers are scrupulously honest?

spiral78 wrote:
They might never find out, of course! Just that in my experience, if one's working with adult students over a longer course, like a year or so, eventually such questions are often asked.

Plus, some employers publish their instructors' specific qualifications on the institute's website in order to attract students---it's a marketing strategy. In some way, this is similar to those facilities in Asia that intentionally post photos of their teachers to tout their "physical" qualifications.


Yeah, and a lanuage institute would never lie about their teachers (lack of) qualifications would they.....? Very Happy
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