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ALewis07
Joined: 17 Aug 2013
Posts: 1
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 Posted: Thu Oct 06, 2016 3:00 am Post subject: Question involving CELTA |
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Hello, I'm actually quite new to this forum, though I may have posted like once in the past.
My question is that is it still possible to obtain employment with just the CELTA? I have an associate's degree, but am having some trouble getting to the bachelor's (financially related).
I'm going to have bust my behind just to afford the CELTA, but I'm not sure how long it will take me to get a bachelors, due to the criminal prices of education in America. I'm already paying loans, which is proving to very difficult when you consider all other responsibilities.
I don't mind finishing college in another country (Germany's sounding real nice right now, actually). This would actually be ideal for me, but I really have no idea what's a realistic option nowadays.
I want to at least get a START on my TEFL career. I then can figure out what options are realistic for what I want to do afterwards involving my career...I'm just not exactly sure what I can do right now....
From someone outside looking in..... |
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spiral78
Joined: 05 Apr 2004
Posts: 11534
Location: On a Short Leash
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| Posted: Thu Oct 06, 2016 4:47 am Post subject: |
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| I don't mind finishing college in another country (Germany's sounding real nice right now, actually). This would actually be ideal for me, but I really have no idea what's a realistic option nowadays. |
Education is free in Germany, but getting enough work in the country to support yourself while you study as a US citizen with just a CELTA would be a serious challenge. Think flat-share or rental of a single room and living on ramen noodles for the duration....and working all hours!
There is also the fact that much of higher education in Germany is conducted in German. There are all-English medium programs, but more limited in availability.
In other words, this might possibly be do-able, but you would need a quite serious level of dedication. |
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nomad soul
Joined: 31 Jan 2010
Posts: 11454
Location: The real world
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| Posted: Thu Oct 06, 2016 5:17 am Post subject: |
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| ALewis07 wrote: |
My question is that is it still possible to obtain employment with just the CELTA? I have an associate's degree, but am having some trouble getting to the bachelor's (financially related).
I'm going to have bust my behind just to afford the CELTA, but I'm not sure how long it will take me to get a bachelors, due to the criminal prices of education in America. I'm already paying loans, which is proving to very difficult when you consider all other responsibilities.
....
I really have no idea what's a realistic option nowadays.
I want to at least get a START on my TEFL career. I then can figure out what options are realistic for what I want to do afterwards involving my career...I'm just not exactly sure what I can do right now... |
Countries that require foreigners hold a minimum BA for employment generally make it mandatory that their own citizens possess a degree for certain occupations, including TEFL.
Without a BA, you're limited to parts of Eastern Europe (non-EU), parts of South America, Mexico, Central America, and possibly Cambodia. Wages will be lukewarm with zero to few benefits, so don't count on building your savings if you have financial obligations in the US. TEFL salaries in many countries have been stagnant or declining.
Additionally, if you're struggling financially right now to afford a CELTA, be aware you will need start up costs to work abroad. That typically includes the costs for visas, airfare, ground transportation, lodging, food, etc., until you land a job and can get paid. On top of that, an emergency fund is a smart idea.
Some food for thought.
Last edited by nomad soul on Thu Oct 06, 2016 5:50 am; edited 1 time in total |
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suphanburi
Joined: 20 Mar 2014
Posts: 916
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| Posted: Thu Oct 06, 2016 5:42 am Post subject: Re: Question involving CELTA |
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| ALewis07 wrote: |
| My question is that is it still possible to obtain employment with just the CELTA? I have an associate's degree, but am having some trouble getting to the bachelor's (financially related). |
As pointed out above, legal work (proper visa and/or permits) as a teacher (TEFL or other) is almost non-existent without a minimum education to the bachelor degree level (visa issue, not employer issue). The CELTA (or other TEFL certificate course) is often NOT a requirement (especially in east Asia) but the degree is.
Those countries where you will be able to legally work without a degree usually have wages in the range of US$400-800/month with no benefits.
Additionally, you can expect to need to front about US $3500-5000 in additional start-up costs (airfare, visa/border runs, housing, living expenses until you get work and get paid, etc).
If you have loans to pay off and do not have a degree then TEFL is NOT a viable option.
If you had a degree you would at least be able to work in places like Korea where there are no start-up expenses (jobs include airfare, housing, medical) and the ability to pay down your loans.
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Alien abductee
Joined: 08 Jun 2014
Posts: 527
Location: Kuala Lumpur
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| Posted: Thu Oct 06, 2016 6:15 am Post subject: Re: Question involving CELTA |
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| ALewis07 wrote: |
Hello, I'm actually quite new to this forum, though I may have posted like once in the past.
My question is that is it still possible to obtain employment with just the CELTA? I have an associate's degree, but am having some trouble getting to the bachelor's (financially related).
I'm going to have bust my behind just to afford the CELTA, but I'm not sure how long it will take me to get a bachelors, due to the criminal prices of education in America. I'm already paying loans, which is proving to very difficult when you consider all other responsibilities.
I don't mind finishing college in another country (Germany's sounding real nice right now, actually). This would actually be ideal for me, but I really have no idea what's a realistic option nowadays.
I want to at least get a START on my TEFL career. I then can figure out what options are realistic for what I want to do afterwards involving my career...I'm just not exactly sure what I can do right now.... |
Listen to the older more experienced folks who posted above. They've highlighted some things to think about. |
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Hod
Joined: 28 Apr 2003
Posts: 1613
Location: Home
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| Posted: Thu Oct 06, 2016 7:18 pm Post subject: Re: Question involving CELTA |
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| Alien abductee wrote: |
| Listen to the older more experienced folks who posted above. They've highlighted some things to think about. |
They certainly have, some of them anyway. On the other hand, none of us are getting out of here alive. Say ALewis07 needs a decade or more to finish his degree and pay off loans, he may well miss that TEFL boat altogether when 2.2 kids and mortgage come along and end up another of those people who wanted to do something but kept on finding excuses.
I don't see what harm a year of backpacker-type teaching could do now. You'll at least get experience and, very importantly, find out if TEFL is for you. If not, you'll have given it a try, be a better person and might not even need that degree. The CELTA has its knockers, but it serves a purpose. It's also fairly challenging and 10% or so of candidates fail. If the course fee is an issue, all the more reason to have a go at teaching first.
The usual boring stuff applies about having enough money to start off with for return travel, a few months of living expenses and medical insurance. Apart from that, just do it within the next six months before common sense and excuses kick in.
Finally, bear in mind a lot of people in TEFL get where they are via marriage and the associated visa rights. Take their advice with a shovel full of salt. Better to be a genuine person and do your own thing. |
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suphanburi
Joined: 20 Mar 2014
Posts: 916
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| Posted: Thu Oct 06, 2016 9:30 pm Post subject: |
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At the risk of sounding like a spoilsport the TEFL game is NOT what it was 20 or even 10 years ago.
Back then a high school diploma, TEFL certificate and a couple of hundred dollars + airfare would get you going.
NOW, with visa restrictions being what they are and the risks of working illegally as a "teacher" it may not be worth it. Without a degree you are at the bottom end of the barrel and typically are at risk of being exploited because as an illegal migrant worker you have no "rights" when your boss forgets to pay you (assuming you even want to work for an employer who would hire illegal workers).
As an American, how do you feel about illegal immigrant workers in your country?
The reason for asking is you would probably b | | |
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