Job Discussion Forums

rhinogirl · Joined: 06 Oct 2004 Posts: 7

I am planning to take the CELTA, but unfortunately I do not have a degree...
All job postings seem to require a degree.Am I wasting my time and money by taking the CELTA? Should I forget it and choose another career???I have experience of teaching and I love it but am feeling a little despondent..
Can I succeed without a degree???

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Which country are you planning on going to?
In Japan, you will need a bachelor's degree to get a work visa.
You don't need it to get a working holiday visa, spouse visa, or dependent visa, and you can work PT or FT on all of those.

Certification really doesn't help you get a job in most cases, but it helps the inexperienced in learning how to do the job.

Twisting in the Wind · Joined: 20 Oct 2003 Posts: 571 Location: Purgatory

Hi,

I started in ESL with no degree. I had teaching experience and ability, but hadn't gotten that piece of paper. I finished my degree while teaching ESL through a special program in an American university.

I would hope that you would someday want to finish your degree and not keep this as your permanent estate.
More doors will open with a degree than without it. Is there any way you can finish your degree before you go because that way you won't have to worry at all about a degree or lack thereof.

laura1d · Joined: 13 Jan 2005 Posts: 108 Location: Spain

Hi,

I have a TEFL Certificate and no degree.

I have worked in China (there is no problem there if you don't have a degree) and I now live and work in Thailand.

As one of the guys above said, Japan and Korea are definately off limits.

It would be cool if you could get a degree - it is a handicap. If you are like me though, not much money to pay for the study you can still find work.

I plan to take a degree but it is a matter of saving like hell for a while longer!

Good luck - it is possible,
Laura