Job Discussion Forums

vnusmars · Joined: 16 Dec 2003 Posts: 3

I am interested in becoming a teacher and eventually administrator for an English school in a European country. I am particularly interested in Eastern Europe, including Hungary, Slovenia or Croatia.

I currently hold a B.A. and M.A. in Music, and was a university and community college instructor (specializing in distance learning methods) for 7 years. I now work in the automotive finance division of Volkswagen & Audi as a customer service manager.

I am thinking of enrolling in a program to increase my chances of obtaining a position overseas.

I had previously researched one of the "one month immersion" CELTA programs in Prague and came very close to enrolling before I obtained my position at VW.

Primarily, I am investigating either an M.A.-TESOL or International Studies + TEFL program at Portland State University.

Does this exponentially increase my odds of getting a decent post more than getting a one-month CELTA or other certification?

Thanks for your replies!

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

I would recommend getting a CELTA, teach somewhere and see if you like teaching EFL before enrolling in a Masters. You may not even like teaching EFL.

been_there · Joined: 28 Oct 2003 Posts: 284 Location: 127.0.0.1

If you want to be an administrator, a Master's or Doctorate will make things easier (unless you want to go be a DOS for English First) than a CELTA.

I would suggest an MA with a Language Program Administration emphasis. The Monterey Institute of Internatinal Studits in California as well as the School for International Training in Brattleboro, Vermont have these degrees that I know of for sure.

Bindair Dundat · Joined: 04 Feb 2003 Posts: 1123

ls650 · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 3484 Location: British Columbia

vnusmars · Joined: 16 Dec 2003 Posts: 3

FGT · Joined: 14 Sep 2003 Posts: 762 Location: Turkey

Do the CELTA first as it a) teaches you the jargon and, b) enables you to get a (better) TEFL post. After that (CELTA and a year or so teaching) you can consider your options and maybe do an MA etc. if necessary. You might find that once you are in this environment, you get management offers as a result of your previous experience. Or there are more specific, vocational courses that you may consider.

You don't mention whether or not you have previously worked and lived abroad, you may need to find out if it's for you.

Good on you for having a long term ambition but, in this profession, as in others, people in the front line (ie teachers) can be very unforgiving of a manager who hasn't been in their situation. Also, as has already been said, you may not like it, so invest in a (comparatively) cheap course, test the water, and then.....

Good luck, let us know what happens.

vnusmars · Joined: 16 Dec 2003 Posts: 3

Some of these responses triggered discussions with my wife, and she agreed with many of you that I should try it out first with a CELTA before taking such a huge step.
Also, nothing rang more true than the final words re: a teacher wants to be managed by another teacher and not a manager.

I think I'll go with Plan B, which is to get the language credits and maybe a certificate or BS in International Studies, then go into a CELTA in a few years when I'm ready to leave my current job.

Thanks again for all your great advice!

Bindair Dundat · Joined: 04 Feb 2003 Posts: 1123