Job Discussion Forums

clapdemcheeks · Joined: 28 Nov 2015 Posts: 16 Location: UK

I am conflicted in whether to teach abroad or stay in the UK and study for my PGCE.

I've been offered jobs in Thailand, which was one of the countries I specifically wanted to teach in when I did my CELTA, but now I've changed my mind and want to teach in the Middle East (mainly due to lifestyle reasons and other things). Unfortunately due to my lack of experience (I have 1 year and 9 months experience of teaching ESL in the UK), I am having some trouble getting past the application stage for teaching jobs in the Middle East. Also, many of the better paying jobs with better benefits and from reputable schools require licensed teachers.

Should I do my PGCE this year as it will open more doors to me in the future, comes with quite a large bursary, and secures my exit strategy if I'm ready to settle in the UK; or should I first teach abroad, get the experience and see if I enjoy teaching to do it as a full time career in the future?

Xie Lin · Joined: 21 Oct 2011 Posts: 731

While teaching ESL in your home country can be very different from teaching EFL abroad, your one year and nine months of experience should still give you a solid base for judging how well-suited you are to teaching, and how much you like it. Age and level of the students is another variable to consider--teaching a subject class in secondary school is very different from teaching a lower elementary class.

I'd recommend doing the PGCE. You listed very good reasons for doing so in your last paragraph.

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nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

kpjf · Joined: 18 Jan 2012 Posts: 385

As mentioned, to get a decent job in an international school you'll need to do the PGCE and then get a few years' home experience (employers want to see that you know your home country's curriculum pretty well). So, it's not just a case of do the PGCE for 10 months then leave the UK and get a job teaching that subject. Technically you need to do your NQT induction year anyway, which has to be done in the UK (with some exceptions here: http://www.cobis.org.uk/page.cfm?p=423 )

Also, as mentioned I think you should have a fair idea whether or not you like teaching so far not us. Though bear in mind it's one thing teaching motivated ESL learners to teens in UK secondary schools, especially in some challenging schools with shocking behaviour. On top of that, the PGCE is quite a tough and stressful year and not everyone finishes it. Also, 40% of newly qualified teachers in the UK quit within a year (too many hours, too much paperwork, stress, poor behaviour in the classroom etc), so it's something to consider.

What subject did you want to teach?

clapdemcheeks · Joined: 28 Nov 2015 Posts: 16 Location: UK

Thanks for all the swift replies!

I have a BSc in Biochemistry, planning to do a PGCE in Chemistry at secondary level. I have many friends who have done the same, some have gone abroad and have really good jobs, others found teaching difficult and went into different career paths after completing it, some dropped out after the first term.

I enjoyed teaching ESL in the UK. I did it on a voluntary basis and part time, whilst working full time. I prefered teaching more than my paid jobs. But that could be because the students were motivated, engaging and wanted to learn (taught to teens and adults). I've not taught abroad before and only been abroad once (very recently), so teaching abroad will be different from the teaching experience I currently have. The whole reason for doing a PGCE is so I can broaden my options in teaching abroad, but having never taught abroad before, is it better to experience this first and then decide, or to get the PGCE over and done with and then start applying?

kpjf · Joined: 18 Jan 2012 Posts: 385

My advice is to go and do 1 week's observation in a secondary school in your area and that will give you a feel for the classroom environment and what you're dealing with. Maybe even 2-3 days in a decent school and 2-3 in one that has a bad reputation.

PGCE providers in the UK generally try to place you in one decent school and one more challenging school for the experience. It can be pretty tiring (mentally) in some schools, so it's a good way to see if you think you could handle this kind of environment. It's not for everyone!

To get onto a decent PGCE actually, most universities require you to have done at least a few days' observation in a UK secondary school, so why not try it now? You'll have a better idea after having spent a few days in the classroom taking notes at the back (you'll need to take notes so you can talk about this in the PGCE interview) to see if it's for you or not.

The good thing about the PGCE is the theory you'll learn about education in general and all those hours in the classroom with observation by experienced teachers (though it can really depend on whether or not the regular teacher can be bothered giving you feedback to help you improve I guess!). So, it can be beneficial for TEFL in a way.

currentaffairs · Joined: 22 Aug 2012 Posts: 828

I would do the PGCE. My previous post got lost but kpjf said everything that I would say.. Chemistry is a good subject to train in because there is a shortage of teachers and you will also be in demand abroad. The PGCE is well regarded by all employers.

Regarding your application to get on a course, you had better get your skates on. Most of the interviews will have been done already (coming into March) and a lot of the courses will have a relatively small number of places (20-25).