Job Discussion Forums

[rdarabos]

So like many people who are finally finishing up their degrees, I've become interested in doing something that doesn't even relate to my degree, that being teaching ESL.
I've been looking into teaching ESL for about a year. Though the qualifications are mentioned pretty much anywhere, I feel like its odd that the basic requirements are a bachelors in anything (though I've heard this may be changing). My wife and I are thinking of moving to a different country and teaching (perhaps S. Korea, but we're not for certain yet).

I currently have a BA (with a concentration in art and graphic design) and I am finishing my MFA. Is there any reason for me to get different or more education? I've considered a TESOL or CELTA, but mostly to help me merge into that environment a little more. My current only teaching experience is Teaching Assistantships in graduate school. I'm a little more shy and uneasy at first and to teach it would be a struggle when I start, but that's a struggle i'm interested in throwing myself into and fighting through.

My wife will have her bachelors in elementary education, with a masters certificate. She'll also have all the experience teaching through her school in order to graduate. She's also incredible at teaching, working with kids, etc.

So I'm really just curious about our qualifications. Is that enough? Will getting jobs be easy enough with them qualifications?

I'm also curious about placement. My wife and I would need to be placed close, we would still be sharing an apartment. We don't need to teach at the same school, but would definitely refuse to live across the country from each other. Is this taken into effect? Or is it more difficult to be placed in the same city?

Thanks for the help

[esl_prof]

It would be well worth your time to do a TEFL certificate (SIT, CELTA, and Trinity are the most well-known). While not all jobs require one, completion of a reputable certificate program will help you build your confidence in the classroom and introduce you to teaching methodologies appropriate for EFL students (which will be different than what you utilized as a TA in art and graphic design). Your wife could also do a TEFL certificate but, alternatively, she might be just as well (or better) served by completing coursework for an ESL endorsement to her elementary ed licensure, particularly if she's hoping to teach kids instead of adults.

If you're going to need some time to complete your education before going overseas, you might also consider getting some practical hands on experience via the following:

1) Volunteer to teach/tutor ESL at a local adult education program in your community. Typically, such programs will offer 6-12 hours of free training up front and require you to commit to two hours of tutoring per week.

OR

2) If your university (or another college or university in your community) has an intensive English program (IEP) for foreign students, check and see if they need native speakers to help with tutoring, serve as conversation partners, etc.

OR

3) In the absence of formal programs for ESL students, volunteer to tutor (sometimes these positions pay as well) in your college's Writing Center or a local GED program. Even helping native-speakers with basic writing and grammar skills will look good on your resume when you go overseas and will help you get a feel for explaining the basics of English grammar (though, not at the same depth that you'll ultimately need to explain to non-English speakers).

OR

4) Any combination of the above-mentioned options.

While none of these things are required, per say, to get a job, they'll help build your confidence in working with EFL students and, possibly, give you a slight edge over other entry-level applicants.

[rtm]

[rdarabos]

has anyone heard of or worked for a company called Aclipse?
they say they have opportunities in China and Korea. And that teachers can earn their ESL certifications while there.

[esl_prof]