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Is a bachelor in philosophy considered a relevant major?

 
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yb713



Joined: 15 Sep 2013
Posts: 36

PostPosted: Tue Sep 17, 2013 3:42 am    Post subject: Is a bachelor in philosophy considered a relevant major? Reply with quote

If I combine this with a 4 week Celta course, where am I qualified to work? Where am I most likely to land a job? English is my first language as i was born in America, however, I'm a Black and Arab male with an Arabic name. From what I've gathered, Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia are my best options as I may not have met the middle east's requirements (English MA?).
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nomad soul



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

PostPosted: Tue Sep 17, 2013 4:42 am    Post subject: Re: Is a bachelor in philosophy considered a relevant major? Reply with quote

yb713 wrote:
i was born in America, however, I'm a Black and Arab male with an Arabic name.

Which means you're American---you hold a US passport. That's all that matters in regard to nationality. However, you're right in that you don't qualify for even an entry-level spot in the Mid East, especially since you currently lack a TEFL cert and teaching experience (post-TEFL cert). So look at those Asian countries you've mentioned to see if you meet employers' qualifications. (And no, a BA in Philosophy isn't relevent to TEFL.)
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coledavis



Joined: 21 Jun 2003
Posts: 1838

PostPosted: Tue Sep 17, 2013 7:01 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Generally, unless you are planning to teach at universities, you do not need a degree in English language and/or literature. You just need a degree and a CELTA/Trinity for most TEFL jobs (and some employers will accept other TEFL qualifications). What I would say is that people who have taken a degree requiring written work are likely to find life easier than those who have spent most of their time doing technical work; i.e. philosophy is in the former category, mathematics in the latter. Other than that, philosophy is neither a problem nor a huge advantage (except it may inspire you to produce some interesting conversational work, as long as applied lightly).
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yb713



Joined: 15 Sep 2013
Posts: 36

PostPosted: Tue Sep 17, 2013 11:58 am    Post subject: Re: Is a bachelor in philosophy considered a relevant major? Reply with quote

nomad soul wrote:
yb713 wrote:
i was born in America, however, I'm a Black and Arab male with an Arabic name.

Which means you're American---you hold a US passport. That's all that matters in regard to nationality. However, you're right in that you don't qualify for even an entry-level spot in the Mid East, especially since you currently lack a TEFL cert and teaching experience (post-TEFL cert). So look at those Asian countries you've mentioned to see if you meet employers' qualifications. (And no, a BA in Philosophy isn't relevent to TEFL.)
the reason I thought it was important to mention that is because I often read that not being white and having a western sounding name can impact hiring to the point that people who are white but speak English as a second language or have low qualifications get chosen over people who are not white but speak English as a first language and have qualifications. This is because parents want someone who "looks the part".
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nomad soul



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

PostPosted: Tue Sep 17, 2013 1:37 pm    Post subject: Re: Is a bachelor in philosophy considered a relevant major? Reply with quote

Although I doubt that's the case with all employers in those countries, I suggest you post that specific concern on the general Asia discussion forum.
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yb713



Joined: 15 Sep 2013
Posts: 36

PostPosted: Tue Sep 17, 2013 1:42 pm    Post subject: Re: Is a bachelor in philosophy considered a relevant major? Reply with quote

nomad soul wrote:
Although I doubt that's the case with all employers in those countries, I suggest you post that specific concern on the general Asia discussion forum.
'Preciate it.
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