Job Discussion Forums

timbits · Joined: 03 Jul 2003 Posts: 7

Any specific advice will be great. I'm new here so I've just begun to read lots of the messages on all boards.

Specifically...I'm getting my 'celta' this fall...my course will end September 19th.

I have about 2 years towards a BA degree and about 10 years experience teaching the piano.

I'm wondering about China, Russia and certain parts of Europe. Seems that some countries REQUIRE YOU TO HAVE A BA DEGREE whereas sometimes they ask for just a TESOL degree. Do these governments require the 3 year BA degree for a specific reason? Does having the degree or not having the degree mean a huge difference of pay?

Also, anyone know which Business-English course online is the best to take? Best regards, Tim

Lucy Snow · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 218 Location: US

Ok, since you mentioned a "3-year degree" I think it's safe to assume that you're not from the US. It would be helpful if we knew exactly where you're from--visa requirements are different for citizens of different countries.

"Certain parts of Europe"--what parts? Some countries are now in the EU and some are not. Some countries require a degree and some do not. It's difficult to answer your questions unless you're more specific.

lajzar · Joined: 09 Feb 2003 Posts: 647 Location: Saitama-ken, Japan

ok, keeping this as general as possible and still useful...

Where a country says they want *a* bachelors degree, that is usually to satisfy a visa requirement, and as such is non-negotiable. Where they ask for a degree in a specific subject, that is usually a company requirement, and is negotiable with appropriate eperience in lieu.

ymmv

timbits · Joined: 03 Jul 2003 Posts: 7

I'm Canadian...Looks like China, Korea, and Japan require visas...mostly. I'm also interested in Germany, France, Poland, Russia, the Ukraine and some of the other Russian Republics. Is there a list somewhere of which of these countries require degrees? Thanks.

PanamaTeacher · Joined: 26 Jun 2003 Posts: 278 Location: Panama

read this post on this page

A list... countries to teach with no degree:

Roger · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 9138

Timbits,

what can your students expect from you? Any profound knowledge on literature, arts? Can you explain grammar to your fellow-countrpeople? Are you a personable person? Rhetorical questions, yet...

I tell you there is hardly any opportunity for you in most parts of the European Union; the exceptions being the catholic South (with its byzantine ways that are akin to what we all know is happening in less-well developed countries). In Germany and Russia, you will need very good grammar skills! I do not know about "other Russian republics" as I do not know any plural of Russia; but in the former Soviet Union there are some countries now (including Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan) where the SOros Foundation is active, and you had best ask them whether you fit their teacher profile. Then there are the Baltic Republics, but I bet they prefer Brits there for obvious reasons (upcoming EU membership being one of them).

If grammar and literature are not your forte you can still dream and hope - the Asian Far East is beckoning.

Linda L. · Joined: 03 Jul 2003 Posts: 146

Go west man - go west. Go so far west that you wind up in the east. China calls!