Job Discussion Forums

[Wezkat]

Hi all, I am a native English South African and I am currently a student at university, studying towards a National Diploma in IT. I'm interested in teaching English overseas, as I feel that teaching English is something that is better suited for me than working in the IT industry (I really can't see myself working as a programmer or anything in the IT field).

I am about to start my in-class 120 hour SIT TESOL course in January that is done through the university, so I don't think I'll have any problems in that regard. My biggest issue is that I am studying a 3-year diploma from a recognised university (Note: not community college/vocational college/country equivalent) instead of a Bachelors degree. This isn't a fly-by-night certificate or a short term programme, it is the same length as a degree in South Africa, without honours.

Now I understand that the vast majority of countries require a bachelor's degree, and those that don't should be looked at with caution due to these countries not issuing working visas to non-degree holders. I don't want to take this risk and face deportation. I've also been told that my diploma will not even count towards a degree in terms of a recognised qualification for eligibility, perhaps somebody could confirm this?

So my question is will my diploma at least count towards getting a working visa? If so, which countries do I stand a chance in? As far as I'm aware, South Korea, Japan and anywhere in Europe (my personal preference if I had a choice) are out of the equation, but I am open to teaching in any country provided it's an actual job, not volunteer work.

I hope this isn't too much to ask for in my first post

[nomad soul]

Why not just continue your studies toward a degree? It will open more doors for you. Otherwise, you're limited as to where you can teach. Anyway, non-EU countries are a possibility, as are South America and Mexico. Maybe Mongolia.

[Wezkat]

[spiral78]

You can get a legal working visa for the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, and most points East. Your qualifications and SIT Tesol will be fine (good job that you did the SIT; it's solid).

Pay in this area is enough to live on and enjoy where you are, but not to save up much or to pay off any debts back home. Jobs aren't found from abroad - you need to be here to interview in person. Most contracts are Sept/Oct through June, so ideal to come over at the end of August and use your 90 day tourist status to get employed with someone who will help you through the work visa process. Obviously, expect some up-front costs in the process.

Russia is somewhat different to the above; check out the Russia boards below for more info on this.

[Shelby]

As Spiral said Russia is different.

A degree is not a requirement for the visa (although some employers ask for it). Most schools will interview via Skype and hire from abroad.

Accommodation is usually provided and flight and visa costs refunded which greatly reduces start-up costs. In my case the flight and visa are refunded 50% on arrival and 50% at the end of the contract.

[suphanburi]

On the flip side of the coin... in countries where a degree is a requirement there is no such thing as "equivalent to".

Immigration and other government agencies want to see, "Bachelor of ____" on the parchment. If it is not there then there is no visa forthcoming and your work would be illegal (assuming you can find work).

Do the time to get the degree. It will open a LOT more doors for you in the long run (short term pain, long term gain).

The writing has been on the wall for a while now. It won't be much longer and the degree will universally be the minimum requirement for employment as a teacher (and most other professions as well) in most if not all countries (for legal work). The days of someone heading out with their diploma and a TEFL cert are waning fast.

.

[nomad soul]