Job Discussion Forums

[DZNZ]

Wow � am I glad I found this forum!

I am a Technical Writer (Business English) with 8 years professional experience. Additionally, I hold a BA in English. Although Technical Writers can make great pay (upwards of 70 grand a year), it is an incredibly frustrating and oftentimes wholly fruitless career. I will not �get into it� here�so let me sum it up by saying the politics of the job far outweigh the end product.

I have always wanted to teach, but when I graduated college the appeal of being able to make money far outweighed my original (innocent?) desire. Now that I have come to my senses, I want to go back to what I originally wanted to do.

So, let me get to the point . . .

I am thinking of obtaining my TESL Certificate from Bridge-Linguatec. I am also planning�in order to fulfill my own sense of accomplishment�to pick up the following online classes from the University of Phoenix: Methods for English as a Second Language and Methods for Teaching Elementary Language Arts.

My first question is, do the pros here think I will be marketable? With 8 years experience as a Business Writer, a BA in English, TEFL Certificate, and additional classes?

Also, is Bridge-Linguatec a reputable school? Has anyone else obtained a certificate there?

Thanks in advance for your input. I did notice that sometimes posts are not answered, but let me assure you that although I am a newbie, I plan to be around for a awhile.

Thanks!
DZNZ

[Stephen Jones]

I've never heard of Bridge Linguatec. The only short courses that have any currency are the RSA or Trinity CELTA and DELTA.

I always thought the main problem facing tech writers at present was outsourcing. If you're leaving a $70,000 a year job, then pass on my CV please :)

You will get a job teachng but don't expect to start too high. You should manage to pull in $20,000 to $25,000 in Taiwan or Korea, though probably not in your first year.

Bear in mind that those salaries are the maximum you are going to get outside of Hong Kong or Japan (which are expensive) or the Gulf, which has its own problems.

After a couple of years you should be able to walk in to a top-paying job in the Gulf, but bear in mind that top-paying in TEFL means $35,000 - $45,000. As the starting salary for a graduate in CS in the States is now close on $50,000 (and that in a field with massive unemployment) it is clear that you won't get rich.

[Celeste]

No worries, you will be able to get a job teaching EFL even without any qualifications. Before you quit your job, however, it would be a good idea to get your feet wet in this business. I too have never heard of Bridge Linguatec. Mr. Jones is completely correct in steering you towards the CELTA ( Cambridge English Language Teaching of Adults) certificate. It is the most recognized one around. Before you quit your job entirely, you might try taking a leave of absence for a year and working in a conversation school abroad. If this is impossible, try and do some part time ESL/EFL work at a local school that caters to international students. If you think that you would like to teach young kids, try and get involved in some afterschool programs at a local community center to see if you really enjoy working with large groups of children. (I teach elementary school here in Japan, and I have seen many people who are unsuited to the job burn out quickly)

[Ludwig]

The firm, that no one claims to have heard of, was started in 1983 by Raphael Alberola, former President of Berlitz.

[Glenski]

DZNZ,

You are marketable, but it depends on what kind of teaching you are interested in (conversation school, kindergarten, high school, international school, university, etc.), and what country you go to. Can you fill us in on these two details?

Your experience as a business writer is pretty meaningless for most teaching jobs in Japan (where I live). At least it isn't a job at McDonalds.

Also, your certificates in TESL are not even necessary for some of the positions above.

[DZNZ]

Thanks to everyone for their input!

Glenski: you are correct, I should of defined which type of teaching. . .

I am thinking of K-12. Does this seem feasible?

Thanks again,

DZNZ

[DZNZ]

[Stephen Jones]

If the lplace has anything to do with Berlitz it will be unmitigated crap. May their postillions be caught by ligntning!

As for the OP, if he's thinking of teaching in a proper school abroad then he ought to get teacher certifictation and spend a couple of years teaching in his own country.

[DZNZ]

As for the OP, if he's thinking of teaching in a proper school abroad then he ought to get teacher certifictation and spend a couple of years teaching in his own country.[/quote]

I'm sorry, I am right here -- feel free to address me directly.

[Lanza-Armonia]

Well with all those quals and a white face (?), you could get a job near-everywhere in Asia (yay o' nay? guys?).

Tuff places include Japan and good places in Indo-Ozzie region but with stuff like what you've got, go bud!!!! Get your head out of the slow-sand!

LA

PS, 70K a year (US$ I assume?), what's the bee-atching?

[DZNZ]

[dmb]

LA, How many beers would 70K get you where you are now?

[Roger]

Made 70 grand in the past as "technical writer";
buys a BERLITZ TEFL cert,
and comes to Taiwan to date?

What does he need a TEFL cert for?

[Boy Wonder]

Maybe it turns the Taiwanese chicks on to see that TEFL cert of teaching credibility bandied round the bar room table!
Could be it turns their legs to jelly and parts of their nether regions quiver....uncontrollably/lustful glances/crumpled piles of clothes on the bedroom floor/tel numbers exchanged in the morning...bla bla bla.....!

[Ludwig]