Job Discussion Forums

[tstlouis]

I am currently in the pre-planning stage and was hoping to get some advice about some options I am considering.

First a little about myself- I am a 21 year old female from the U.S. I am currently in my second-ish year of college (I transferred to another university and lost credits along the way). In between my years at college I lived in Egypt for one year. As a result I'd say I can adapt to other cultures pretty easily. I'm currently pursuing a degree in International Business & Marketing. But... my heart just isn't in it. I would really like to teach. However, teachers are getting laid-off every year so it's pretty hard to get a job. Hence, I find myself at eslcafe.com

I wanted to get some advice about the following TESOL/CERTA paths I'm considering. Any other advice is more than welcome.

1- TESOL or CERTA? Is one preferred over the other?

2- What's your opinion on getting certified online and then getting classroom experience here in the US (i.e volunteering)? I know most reputable institutions abroad require 120 hr course with at least 6 hrs of observed teaching. Could volunteering be a valid replacement for the in-course observations?

3- If I were to get certified abroad, which country would be the best investment? Where am I more likely to find a job that would make it all worth it? (I know I may have to work at a few schools since I will be entry level- that's fine). I'd rather not go to Mexico. Nothing against it. Just been there, done that (and loved it). Right now I'm looking at Peru, Chile, and Colombia. My requirements for a country are a) Political Stability (one revolution was enough for me- I cannot take another country virtually shutting down on me ) b) Good Medical system c) I can't drive so a good transportation system is a must if I'll be traveling to lessons d) A biker friendly place would be nice

Also- I posted in the LA forum because I thought it would be my best bet with my (lack of) credentials and EU Citizenship. But if there are any other countries I should look at feel free to mention it. I speak Spanish. Fluently in the present tense, a little rough in the other tenses LOL. I also speak a little Farsi (Persian), Arabic, and French (I would say those language skills are O.K)

A huge THANKS for helping me!!

[naturegirl321]

YOu got a lot of answers on the general forum, so here's just a bit more info.

First, if you want to be a teacher-teacher, in a school, you'll need to get a teaching license. For the most part. Some places, like Search Associates take applicants without a license. YOu'll ahve to decide if you like teachin gkids though. Some do, some don't. HAving worked in an intl school, I'm MUCH happier at a uni.

Online certs are (usually) not as good as on-site ones. Even if they're coupled iwth volunteer experience. A cert has a teacher trainer who gives feedback, volunteering usually doesn't.

As for countries, good places to start are often those in Asia as far as money goes: Japan, Korea, Taiwan, China.

I lived in Peru for 6 very long years and would be more than happy to tell you everything you want to know about working there. Havea also sent you a PM.

DO you require a visa? Or are you willing to work under the table? It's hard to get a visa for Peru.

Political stablity? You know about Ollanta in Peru, right? Medical, sure, if you can afford private health care on $600 bucks a month. Biker friendly Peru? please, it's a nightmare. Traffic in India is better. Good transport system, nope, nothing doing. Google combis. Just to give you an idea, I would spend 3 to 4 hours a day in public transport and that's not becuase I had far to travel, it's because it's a complete disaster. Anyways, that's just me. Some people like Peru. Me? Leaving was the best decision I made.