Job Discussion Forums

mbthomas · Joined: 09 Mar 2005 Posts: 6

Hi,
I'm debating teaching ESL and would like to ask for some advice/opinions.
I recently graduated from UT-Austin with a degree in English. Currently, I'm working for the government as a technical writer. However, I plan on leaving near the end of May for Europe to travel and relax. Which brings me to my reason for posting.
After the trip, I plan on working for another year before going to graduate school (for a number of reasons). I think teaching ESL will provide me with some great opportunities. I'll get experience teaching (which is a profession I'm interested in), spend some time living in a foreign country, and increase my comprehension in a foreign language (hopefully Spanish).
One of the main issues I'm debating is becoming TESL-certified. I know it would really help, however, if I only plan on doing this a year, it doesn't seem cost-effective. So, my question is, are there jobs available for non-certified (but otherwise qualified) teachers. Also, since I'm most fluent in Spanish, which Spanish-speaking countries tend to be in high demand of ESL teachers? (I'm thinking/I'd prefer Chile or Argentina.)
Any other advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks a bunch.

moonraven · Joined: 24 Mar 2004 Posts: 3094

Certification isn't necessary, but teaching experience is something employers are looking for here in Latin America. You might want to consider volunteering to get that experience....

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

You first mentioned Europe in your post, then moved on to S. America. To teach in Europe, you'd need certification in most cases.

Roger · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 9138

As regards Europe, you will need to take teaching seriously and not think it can be done while touring foreign countries. You have to commit yourself to a school, and for a whole term. European teachers mostly are civil servants.
ALso, you will increase your chances decisevely if you have communication skills in a second tongue. European English teachers often are multilingual. Part of the expectations on a teacher is that he or she has first-hand insight on the acquisition of a second tongue. Theory is not enough.

distiller · Joined: 31 May 2004 Posts: 249

I think in your case the only work in Europe you'll likely find is in Eastern Europe and there isn't exactly a lot of Spanish out there, although it is a great place to get you place your feet wet. If you can spare two years the PeaceCorps is also a good option as well.

mbthomas · Joined: 09 Mar 2005 Posts: 6

Sorry for the confusion. The Europe information is irrelevant. I was just setting up my story a little. I would like to teach in a Spanish-speaking country.
So, say I wanted to search for a job in South America, where would be some good places to look? This site is obviously a good resource, but most of the job postings require certification.
I appreciate the replies.

moonraven · Joined: 24 Mar 2004 Posts: 3094

Why not spend 6 months to a year traveling around Latin America to see if it's really where you would like to be?

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Wed Mar 16, 2005 9:52 pm Post subject:

Even if it�s just for a year, I think you may find getting certified to be worth it. It makes a big difference in your earnings in most places, and also in the quality of the schools you'll be working in. Working in the wrong school can make a big (negative) difference in your quality of life.

Justin

Deconstructor · Joined: 30 Dec 2003 Posts: 775 Location: Montreal

I agree with Roger; you'd better take teaching very seriously if you are going to teach in Europe. The students there are not as blind, clueless, there-to-drool-over-Western-faces as those in Far East. I taught in Germany for 6 months and I had groups of very intelligent students who could tell a good teacher from a clueless one. They won't let you get away with it.