Job Discussion Forums

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Gretch,

I was beginning to side with a few things you said, and then you wrote this:

shenyanggerry · Joined: 02 Nov 2003 Posts: 619 Location: Canada

GambateBingBangBOOM, you're compating grapes with grapefruit. A degree may be a requirement in Japan. Wages as well as cost of living is much higher than in third world countries.

I suspect that any country that pays $600 US per month to full time English teachers does not have the financial clout to demand a degree. I know this is true of China.

I teach at the university level with a BA. In much of the world, an MA or even a PhD is a requirement. Supply and demand. Educational institutions take the highest level of education that is available for the wages they pay - to start. Once you have experience, it's usually the main criterion. I know I'm a better teacher after my limited (two semesters) experience.

lily · Joined: 02 Aug 2004 Posts: 200

Hi Gretch,

My partner and I both teach at the same school in China, to students of the same level and ages.

We both did the same TESOL training course, but I also have a BA and she doesn't. For being a little more qualified than her I earn a little more than her each month.

Neither of us is better at the job than the other; and having a degree certainly doesn't make me a better teacher. The one reality you will have to face is that it's easier to find a job with reasonable pay if you have a degree. But there are still plenty of jobs for you without one.

My advice is this: don't worry too much and go and have some fun!

byebye