Job Discussion Forums

SwamiTommy · Joined: 04 Sep 2013 Posts: 4

I am 62 and recently retired from a career in software development . I just got a TEFL certificate from a local university, but I do not have a college degree. My only experience is volunteer work teaching refuges here in Atlanta. With these qualifications, in which countries will it be possible for me to get a teaching job, and in which countries will it be more difficult?

I am comfortably retired and money is not very important, although I would like to make enough to pay for my living expenses.

I am more interested in quality of life than salary. I would rather work part time than full time. I would rather teach adults than children. I am fascinated by Asia, but am open to other parts of the world.

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

You might consider Central/Eastern Europe (western European countries will be closed to you assuming you have only a US passport).
The reason I suggest this option is that there are no laws mandating a first degree - though most new teachers on the job market and most adult students do have one, so the lack is a disadvantage. That said, I know a number of teachers in the region on second-career status and they have earned the respect of schools and students with their professionalism. It is do-able here.
Logistics: jobs are not usually found from abroad, and the peak hiring period is right now, so you are behind the curve for 2013. You need an on-site cert of at least 120 hours which included supervised practice teaching with real students. If you are interested, I will be glad to provide more info.
Oh, and this region fits your 'high salary not necessary' category too:-)

SwamiTommy · Joined: 04 Sep 2013 Posts: 4

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

Google Schengen zone and EU hiring. Western European countries have an EU first hiring policy. Given the great numbers of qualified UK/Irish native speaker teachers out there, it is near impossible for an American or Canadian to get a work permit for a Western European country. The exceptions are for spouses of European citizens, those who can get citizenship in an EU member country through ancestry, some student visa options, and for Canadians in a few categories, working holiday visas.

SwamiTommy · Joined: 04 Sep 2013 Posts: 4

Thanks for the info.

Concerning the problem of my not having a college degree -

I thought my age would be more of an issue at this point. Is it an issue?

I come across well in interviews. When asked about my lack of a degree while working in the software industry, I usually said "Yes, I am a college drop out, just like Bill Gates"

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

In Europe age and looks are not much of an issue - unless one looks unprofessional. And as I noted earlier, there are no national laws that demand ELTs must have a degree. However, the general attitude toward uni degrees is very different than it is in the US. Here, countries subsidize secondary education and a much higher percentage of the population has a degree. The business professionals that most language teachers work with almost without exception have degrees. The Bill Gates argument doesn't come across as well here as in the US.

HLJHLJ · Joined: 06 Oct 2009 Posts: 1218 Location: Ecuador

Considering your age and lack of college degree, I would suggest you start by researching which countries would offer you a retirement visa. Then, narrow it down by which of those would also allow you to work part time. The options vary according to your nationality and guaranteed income, but you will probably find several options in Asia and Latin America.

That will get round the difficulties you will face getting a visa without a degree, especially if you only want to work part time.

coledavis · Joined: 21 Jun 2003 Posts: 1838

I do not agree with the comment about central or eastern Europe. Central is part of the EU, not good for Americans (employers will prefer somebody they don't have to get a visa for). Russia will insist on a degree as well as the TEFL qualification.

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

The Czech Republic, Poland, and Slovakia are still legally possible for non-EU passport holders, though it's true that a UK citizen is preferred. However, the market is large and non-EU citizens are still being hired in their hundreds. They are on my streets right now. It's not the free-for-all it was in the past, but it's still eminently do-able given good timing and a professional demeanor.

coledavis · Joined: 21 Jun 2003 Posts: 1838

Thanks. I am sorry I wasn't up to date with this.

Sashadroogie · Posted: Tue Sep 17, 2013 7:58 am Post subject:

coledavis · Joined: 21 Jun 2003 Posts: 1838

These consultant positions are either short-term, on business visas (not really legit as not the purpose of these visas), or if teaching regularly, not legal either. Up to the jobseeker, I suppose, but I'm not sure I'd want to be out in Russia for the first time and on thin ice. It's difficult enough in general, as you suggest.

Sashadroogie · Posted: Tue Sep 17, 2013 9:57 am Post subject:

Not so, as far as I know. I was an a consultant visa for a year, back when the requirements for teachers' visas were something like having full teacher qualifications at home. There was nothing illegal about my status.

coledavis · Joined: 21 Jun 2003 Posts: 1838

Full teaching qual at home - you're joking aren't you?

Sashadroogie · Posted: Tue Sep 17, 2013 11:12 am Post subject:

Some of the req's were a joke. What caught me out was having to have an English-related degree. The absence of which caused me to work under a 'consultant' visa. All since changed, again, and I am again a 'teacher'. : )