Job Discussion Forums

[timmyjames1976]

Ok, i read read a good amount of these boards and have done someother research, yet I am still unsure of where and what I can do with my level of education as far as teaching English is concerned. I am from the USA and have a B.A. in Philosophy. Is that enough for most schools?

[Guy Courchesne]

It's not enough for Latin America. Some will argue that you can walk into some language schools without experience or any kind of training, and indeed you can. However, such language schools usually don't last very long as their students quickly realize that their teacher has no idea what they are doing.

Anything from CELTA,TESOL, or TEFL and on up to a degree in Education, to TESOL, to linguistics is much recommended.

[Sekhmet]

It's technically not enough for Egypt either, although some places will hire with next to nothing. Other places in the Middle East are considerably more demanding. It is generally required to have a BA and a TEFL cert of some kind, and some schools also want a significant amount of experience.
Can't really tell you about anywhere else specifically, but the general consensus is a TEFL cert is definitely desirable, and essential if you want to progress. It's worth doing it!

[timmyjames1976]

Thank you for the info

[Glenski]

A bachelor's degree in any subject is enough for teaching in certain types of situations in Japan. Conversation schools and the JET programme, for example. Neither one requires any teaching experience or background.

That's not to say that you are automatically guaranteed a job with just your degree in hand. Employers are also looking for people who appear not to be the types who develop culture shock, and who can adapt to foreign surroundings, as well as fit a general profile of enthusiasm to teach their students (kids, teens, or adults).

[timmyjames1976]

Thank you for the help. I have some experience with children (3 summers as a camp counselor). I also am traveling for 2 months this summer. I know it's not an amazing amount of experience, but I hope it is enough to grab a little attention. I should have specified earlier that I was looking in Japan. I am curious about other areas as well. Again, thank you all for your help.

[Marcethebest]

Timmy,
If you happen to come to my country, Argentina, you will get a job even without a degree (at least if you are just thinking of spending a couple of months). My husband is american and he is not a teacher, though he got now the permanent residence and is going now for his DNI, he has 6 groups of conversation classes. He doesn�t have more because he feels he is shy to be in front of many students, and each time he has to face a new group of students he feels scared to death Of course now he is feeling much more self confident, but what I am saying is that he has conversation classes of teenagers and adults without having a teaching degree..., BUT he doesn�t have to teach Grammar, etc, it�s just talking and letting students know some american slang, and letting students see if they can be understood by a native english speaker.
I hope I could be of any help, if you need anything just drop me a line or send me an email.
Good luck and have a nice week!!

[Marcethebest]

Timmy,
If you happen to come to my country, Argentina, you will get a job even without a degree (at least if you are just thinking of spending a couple of months). My husband is american and he is not a teacher, though he got now the permanent residence and is going now for his DNI, he has 6 groups of conversation classes. He doesn�t have more because he feels he is shy to be in front of many students, and each time he has to face a new group of students he feels scared to death Of course now he is feeling much more self confident, but what I am saying is that he has conversation classes of teenagers and adults without having a teaching degree..., BUT he doesn�t have to teach Grammar, etc, it�s just talking and letting students know some american slang, and letting students see if they can be understood by a native english speaker.
I hope I could be of any help, if you need anything just drop me a line or send me an email.
Good luck and have a nice week!!

[Marcethebest]

Timmy,
If you happen to come to my country, Argentina, you will get a job even without a degree (at least if you are just thinking of spending a couple of months). My husband is american and he is not a teacher, though he got now the permanent residence and is going now for his DNI, he has 6 groups of conversation classes. He doesn�t have more because he feels he is shy to be in front of many students, and each time he has to face a new group of students he feels scared to death Of course now he is feeling much more self confident, but what I am saying is that he has conversation classes of teenagers and adults without having a teaching degree..., BUT he doesn�t have to teach Grammar, etc, it�s just talking and letting students know some american slang, and letting students see if they can be understood by a native english speaker.
I hope I could be of any help, if you need anything just drop me a line or send me an email.
Good luck and have a nice week!!