Job Discussion Forums

plantagenet · Joined: 09 Nov 2009 Posts: 23

Also, does anyone know if any of the Middle Eastern countries are viable without a degree, like Turkey?

It's a strange question due to the political atmosphere, but is there a TEFL field in Iran? I've always been fascinated by traditional Iranian culture, but I imagine that even if there were a TEFL industry in Iran it'd be closed doors to an American like me.

Prof.Gringo · Posted: Wed Mar 20, 2013 3:18 am Post subject:

Nkengaola · Joined: 28 Nov 2011 Posts: 92 Location: Wanzhou, Chongqing

Nkengaola · Joined: 28 Nov 2011 Posts: 92 Location: Wanzhou, Chongqing

Denim-Maniac · Joined: 31 Jan 2012 Posts: 1238

^^^ like I said, they may be fine forever. Or they may not. This is China. A new official in the visa office and those 'intern' visas disappear overnight. (different case for the married person so that doesnt apply in this case or to the OP). Ive first hand experience of this, working for a long established school that had always employed people on F visas with local government approval. Just over a year later and new staff at the office and employment practices changed totally overnight.

OP - I still think its going to be difficult for you, and I have a real sense you want all the adventure and none of the hard work of the degree. 'If I dont like teaching its a waste of time'. No it isnt. Why cant you start a degree in Chinese studies now and have some academic credits before you leave? Nothing wasted there ... its a subject you are interested in.

Fact is, you are prepared to study a CELTA or TEFL course. Learn Chinese. Read books about how to teach, devote yourself to teaching practice etc. And all of those things are great ... but none of them are going to count for anything in terms of being legally qualified to work in China. Like I say ... a one year adventure, yeah ... but to expect to do it for a long term whilst avoiding the qualifications is not realistic IMHO.

Been there, done that. Started myself without a degree working in China. But as someone else mentioned, I did all the volunteer stuff first, enrolled on a degree course before I started my first paid job. Took almost 2 years off and came back home to continue a degree etc etc. I feel I managed to do it because I recognised the only way it could be acheived was through undergraduate study ... but it continually reads like you want to do it all without the study....or by delaying it, postponing it for as long as possible.

santi84 · Joined: 14 Mar 2008 Posts: 1317 Location: under da sea

Yes, it is possible to go to China. You may find a decent employer and love it, you may get completely ripped off financially and be treated like crap because you will be an illegal worker and have no recourse when it happens.

If you want to go, go. Just make sure to have a back up plan if things belly up.

You may have heard of a guy who went to China and spent his time "Amongst White Clouds" but that is really an exception to the rule. Be careful about romanticizing something that at the end of the day, is just a job with an employer and clients like any other.

Like I said, just go. The longer you waffle, the more you are in danger of romanticizing something and it may leave you utterly disappointed. It's a job.

plantagenet · Joined: 09 Nov 2009 Posts: 23

It seems there are a lot of presumptions or misunderstandings being made.

First, I am not desirous of going to China for adventure nor am I against working hard for a degree. I don't want to get a degree because of the cost factor, primarily, especially if I have to get student loans as would be the case now. Why should I pay outrageous amounts of money for an education I can get myself through reading books or the use of the internet on a particular subject? The only reason I'd want a degree is for the ability to use it as a means for a visa in a job field I am not even sure I would like. Of course I could test the waters and then earn a degree, but that isn't what I asked my question about.

Second, I am not romanticizing the notion of teaching, I brought up the person in the film Amongst White Clouds to point out an individual who went to China, learned Chinese for a year, and then spent over 3 years as a hermit in the Zhongnan mountains to point out how strange it is that people manage to accomplish such things considering the legal issues of visas. My bringing that up was anecdotal and had nothing to do with actually teaching.

Finally, perhaps I am ignorant of the overall situation of teaching abroad or my plans are unrealistic as it isn't something I've never done, that's why I asked on these forums.

Thanks for the help you've given me, I suppose all I can do is save the money and give it a go and see how it pans out. If I'm successful I'll log back onto these forums and let you guys know how it went.

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

It'll be really appreciated if you do return and tell us where you went and how it went.
You are of course by no means the only wanna-be without a degree, and others will definitely benefit from hearing how it goes for you, good, bad, and middling.

My two cents' worth: it used to be easier than it is now. At least here in Central Europe. Back when there was greater demand and fewer teachers, I knew a (small, but fair) number of teachers without degrees. Degrees are still not legally required here, but - especially for non-European citizens, it's become much tougher to compete. (Where are you from, plantagenet? your forum name might suggest Merry Olde, but your fear of student loans sounds like a North American:-))

Anyway, Central Europe is a legal option - possibly. Given proper timing, proper TEFL certification, and some raw good luck.

GambateBingBangBOOM · Joined: 04 Nov 2003 Posts: 2021 Location: Japan

Prof.Gringo · Posted: Sat Mar 23, 2013 6:38 am Post subject:

JN · Joined: 17 Jan 2008 Posts: 214

You mentioned teaching in Iran. Well, I can't comment on the market there for that, but last year I did meet an Iranian woman who teaches English there.

Prof.Gringo · Posted: Sat Mar 23, 2013 12:55 pm Post subject:

busby · Joined: 08 Mar 2013 Posts: 3 Location: Normandy

This is my first post, I am finding the forum a bit overwhelming. My question is basically the same.I don't have a degree.I have a TEFLA Certificate that I did at EF in Hastings ,UK.I also taught there, not for long, and I have also taught in primary schools here in Normandy, where I have lived for the past 20 years. Now that my children have grown I would like to return to teaching and travelling. Once again I have no degree just the TEFLA. I also speak fluent French and could teach that which I did privately in England. I enjoy cooking and have been running my own pub for the last 8 years. Are there openings in Catering Colleges?I don't mind singing and playing various games.I am not in a hurry and will have some money.I will be selling my house, don't worry I have another one already paid for. What would you suggest ? I am female, 46 with a husband who would follow but perhaps not all the time.Thank you everybody.