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sourplumjam
Joined: 14 Jun 2016 Posts: 6
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Posted: Thu Jun 16, 2016 8:33 pm Post subject: Most practical route to international school work? |
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Hey all:
I'm an English teacher with roughly 5 years of experience in the field, having worked in Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia. Right now I've almost landed a job in the Republic of Georgia.
So I have a reasonable amount of experience in the field, but... I realize that in order to get top work environment, benefit, and salary, I need to get out of private language schools and into something a bit more reputable. I also realize that this is going to require higher education of some sort. I do have a CELTA and unrelated BA, but that's not going to get me out of the private language schools.
Anyway, the question is: what's the most practical way to go about doing this? I'm from the US, and because I spent 2 years in the Peace Corps I can obtain a masters in education from the University of Arizona through an RPCV program for $10k. This will come with a teaching cert. The program will take a calendar year.
Alternatively, I have a strong academic background and could easily make it into something a bit more highbrow. Through Peace Corps I could get a scholarship to Columbia Teacher's College, for instance, and I can't think of a reason why I wouldn't get in. However, this requires more $$$. Is prestige going to matter in the international employment game? Obviously, if I got into Harvard that would be recognized, but would Columbia? I don't see the sense in throwing an extra $50k at it or whatever it would be if the $10k degree from UA would get me the same end result.
Alternatively, I could theoretically study education in a country that offers free/low-cost education, like Germany. I have not looked into this, though, and I'm not sure how feasible it would be. Or even if they offer education degrees in English (I don't speak German). There's also the not-inconsiderable issue of how to support myself, as since I'm not an EU citizen my (over-the-table) working hours would be restricted.
I can also simply get a teaching cert in the US for about $5k, with no masters. I've seen a couple of programs that offer this; apparently they only take a summer to obtain.
Also, there's always the DELTA route, but I'm... hesitant on this because CELTA/DELTA is almost completely unknown in the US, and if I were going to put the time into a DELTA, I think I'd be better off getting an MA.
Obviously, I realize that there aren't any shortcuts and if I want to have good credentials, I need to put the time into obtaining the credentials. But what's the most expedient/cost effective way? |
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nomad soul

Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world
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Posted: Thu Jun 16, 2016 9:12 pm Post subject: |
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I suggest you start with a look at What do you look for in a BA or MA degree program? for others' comments about their own education choices.
You also need to narrow down your interests/career goals before focusing on what education path and university program to pursue. For instance, where do you want to teach in the next 5-10 years? Who do you want to teach (k-12 or adults)? What do you want to teach? Frankly, TESOL seems to be saturated with declining salaries. You'll get more traction (abroad and on US soil) with an MA in Early Childhood Ed or Elementary Ed and licensure. A focus on educational technology is a huge plus as well. |
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sourplumjam
Joined: 14 Jun 2016 Posts: 6
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Posted: Thu Jun 16, 2016 9:30 pm Post subject: |
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Thanks for the link.
I'd prefer to be teaching abroad somewhere in 5-10 years - location doesn't matter so much to me. For comfort, I already speak Russian and Japanese, but I'm pretty sure I could pick up most languages reasonably well. But I'm honestly more interested in working in a professional environment that is either run by an international organization of some sort/run by Westerners/run by somebody used to dealing with Westerners. Part of my desire to up my credentials is to get into something with a framework that I will operate better in. For instance, I know that a lot of issues I had with my Central Asian bosses are because I'm a woman and... suffice to say Kazakhstan is not the most egalitarian society. But if the place were run by somebody who was actually well-versed in dealing with Westerners... then it doesn't matter where it is. For my own comfort's sake I'd prefer to avoid Saudi, for instance, but most other places I can flex to.
And I was afraid of the Early Childhood/Elementary Ed answer. From my work in this particular field, I know that's where the money is, most of the time. I'd prefer adults or older teens, though - those always end up being my favorite classes. Children can get a bit trying. Though, again, if I were in an environment with better support structure than your average private language school, it very well may be a different ball game.
If I wasn't teaching TESOL, I'd probably be somewhere in the literature/history area. Sadly for my paycheck and job prospects, I'm not much of a math/science person. (Very sadly.) Though, technology I'm not half-bad in. I'll look into that.
Thanks again. |
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LarssonCrew
Joined: 06 Jun 2009 Posts: 1308
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Posted: Thu Jun 16, 2016 11:23 pm Post subject: |
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Damn $50,000!
I would like to teach business eventually, so I'm going with a PGCEi [3500 GDP - $5000] and then an online MBA [$7000 after scholarships] totally $12,000, and even though the PGCEi isn't recognised by top schools, if I have a business masters it should get my foot in the door. |
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rtm
Joined: 13 Apr 2007 Posts: 1003 Location: US
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Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2016 1:56 am Post subject: Re: Most practical route to international school work? |
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You mentioned that you'd rather avoid young children. Would you want to teach high school in the US? Would you want to teach in a university (in the US or abroad)? You mentioned wanting to teach for an international organization run by 'Westerners,' but you also mention teaching in the US.
What would the UA M.Ed. be in? Based on what you've said, the price is right, it's short, and you'll get K-12 licensure, which could open more doors down the road. But, if (for example) it's an M.Ed. in something like counseling, that's not going to help you get an ESL teaching job. Or are you interested in teaching something other than ESL?
TC is a good program (often ranked #1 school of ed in the US), but for TESOL/AL, it's not worth the price. The name value alone won't get you much in ESL teaching. When I did my MA, I had to choose between TC and a state school. I chose the state school and am glad that I did.
I'd not recommend the DELTA if you plan to teach in the US in the future. It won't be recognized by anyone other than private language schools. |
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suphanburi
Joined: 20 Mar 2014 Posts: 916
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Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2016 5:29 am Post subject: |
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Just jumping in here with my 2 cents...
Out of language centers....
Not kids....
not STEM
able to work in "international schools".
Kinda leaves a short list of options.
Teaching high school will require licensure and a major in your field of instruction. There isn't a high demand for US-based "social studies" or "history" classes outside of the US. English is always an option for work abroad - look at CIE, IB or AP certifications after licensure.
Teaching at the tertiary level (other than EFL in a uni-based language center) will require graduate level qualifications. There is a growing demand for instructors in the field of applied linguistics and TEFL/TEIL (teaching English as an International Language). These positions are teaching how to teach rather than teaching language itself.
There are also options for English majors with graduate qualifications to work in their respective field.
In both cases you will be looking at doing research, presenting and publishing on the international stage in addition to your "lecturing" work.
It might be best to figure out what YOU want to do BEFORE you throw $10-50k at it and end up in a place (position. time and geography) that you have no interest in being in.
Let your path (interests, objectives, goals and job requirements) determine the qualification you need rather than get some qualification and hope it goes down the right path.
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nomad soul

Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world
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Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2016 6:09 am Post subject: |
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sourplumjam wrote: |
I'd prefer to be teaching abroad somewhere in 5-10 years - location doesn't matter so much to me. For comfort, I already speak Russian and Japanese, but I'm pretty sure I could pick up most languages reasonably well. But I'm honestly more interested in working in a professional environment that is either run by an international organization of some sort/run by Westerners/run by somebody used to dealing with Westerners. Part of my desire to up my credentials is to get into something with a framework that I will operate better in.
....
And I was afraid of the Early Childhood/Elementary Ed answer. From my work in this particular field, I know that's where the money is, most of the time. I'd prefer adults or older teens, though - those always end up being my favorite classes. Children can get a bit trying. Though, again, if I were in an environment with better support structure than your average private language school, it very well may be a different ball game.
If I wasn't teaching TESOL, I'd probably be somewhere in the literature/history area. Sadly for my paycheck and job prospects, I'm not much of a math/science person. (Very sadly.) Though, technology I'm not half-bad in. I'll look into that. |
Definitely figure out what you really want to do because you started with a subject line about teaching in international schools but then stated that you prefer older teens/adults.
But... If working in an IB or American-curriculum international school is still your goal but you're so-so about teaching youngsters, seriously think about a Master's in Curriculum and Instruction (that includes an instructional design/educational technology component for the digital world). Or a somewhat related degree, a Master’s in Library and Informational Sciences (MLS) with k-12 library media licensure. (The role of librarian has greatly broadened through the years.) Or consider an MA in Speech-Language Pathology. All cool, yet very viable fields, especially when you tack on licensure.
You said location doesn't matter, but that could very well impact your future plans. For example, some governments will not accept qualifying degrees and teaching qualifications that included online coursework. Plus, the better employers worldwide tend to have a preference for specific degree majors and experience.
Be realistic about the TEFL market now and beyond. See Where will the wave head? In the US, university IEPs are cutting hours and/or letting teachers go due to a decline in enrollment. There's not much in the way of job security for adult ESL teachers in the States, and that's not likely to change. |
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Big Worm
Joined: 02 Jan 2011 Posts: 171
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Posted: Mon Jun 20, 2016 2:36 am Post subject: |
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LarssonCrew wrote: |
Damn $50,000!
I would like to teach business eventually, so I'm going with a PGCEi [3500 GDP - $5000] and then an online MBA [$7000 after scholarships] totally $12,000, and even though the PGCEi isn't recognised by top schools, if I have a business masters it should get my foot in the door. |
Im not sure why people seem to think this. Finished pgcei, got hired at a top international british school. No questions asked. Would schools prefer a traditional route with home country teaching experience? I mean, I guess. But to say a pgcei isnt recognized just isnt true. |
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nomad soul

Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world
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Posted: Mon Jun 20, 2016 3:09 am Post subject: |
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Big Worm wrote: |
Would schools prefer a traditional route with home country teaching experience? I mean, I guess. But to say a pgcei isnt recognized just isnt true. |
Not every employer or country accepts qualifying degrees and/or certs and licenses that entailed online coursework. In the lucrative Gulf, that equates to automatic denial of the work visa application. |
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Big Worm
Joined: 02 Jan 2011 Posts: 171
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Posted: Mon Jun 20, 2016 3:46 am Post subject: |
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Ok fair enough. I know the me govts dont accept online for visas. However, thats a govt thing and not a school think. Of course some schools won't either, but I was pleasantly surprised that my school had no problem with it. This is also a large well known group of schools with high selctivity.
What Im trying to say is that pgcei, for what it is, is accepted by a lot of good schools. Is your resume going to the top of the pile? Probably not. But it is a legit way to break into the international teaching circuit.
Edit, I should also say I had five years of ib subject teaching experience to go along with it. |
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nomad soul

Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world
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Posted: Tue Jun 21, 2016 5:28 pm Post subject: |
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Big Worm wrote: |
What Im trying to say is that pgcei, for what it is, is accepted by a lot of good schools. Is your resume going to the top of the pile? Probably not. But it is a legit way to break into the international teaching circuit. |
I believe you're in China? So yes, in certain countries, online certs and teaching qualifications are acceptable. That said, government immigration/work regs can and do change; what was allowable as valid a few years back may not hit the mark in the next several years to come. Some job seekers have found this out the hard way. |
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LarssonCrew
Joined: 06 Jun 2009 Posts: 1308
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Posted: Tue Jun 21, 2016 8:14 pm Post subject: |
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Even in China I know most of the 'top top' schools will do their research and perhaps ask your school in the UK/USA where you did your training or check on your last employer. So, for instance, the best schools in Shanghai [that pay upwards of $6000 a month] don't accept PGCEi |
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spiral78

Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash
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Posted: Tue Jun 21, 2016 10:27 pm Post subject: |
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This isn't considered worth much by people in the field, in my experience:
online MBA [$7000 after scholarships] |
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LarssonCrew
Joined: 06 Jun 2009 Posts: 1308
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Posted: Tue Jun 21, 2016 10:45 pm Post subject: |
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The MBA I'm getting is ranked as the 13th best in the world, along with already having worked as a barrister for 2 years, fluent in Chinese and Burmese. I've already got offers from some 'big' companies once my MBA is complete. It's also who you know, not what you know. For instance I was offered a job in Novartis because I did some legal translation for the 'big boss' in China. I stayed in contact with her and she has said her companies own recruiting means an MBA is necessary.
Yes, online MBAs are not as good, but I'm not dropping $70,000+ for an on campus, PLUS the most important part of the MBA is the 'networking' part, allowing you to mingle with rich people and with big bosses. I have, however, already done that. |
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spiral78

Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash
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Posted: Wed Jun 22, 2016 12:10 am Post subject: |
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Yes, if you've got contacts your online MBA may be an asset - but not necessarily true in a generalizable sense. I'd say that general EFL teachers wanting to upgrade are unlikely in most cases to find this approach useful. |
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