Job Discussion Forums

[Tabish]

Thanks CMP. When I took the TESOL course, our director told us that jobs were i abundance in Spain and Brazil. So when I took the course, I didn't think that I would have to be in a position where I have to settle for a job. I'm quite disillusioned by the whole affair. UAE was discussed as being a haven in terms of work and quality of life. If i can get into a teaching program here in NYC, then they city will pay for me to get my MA which i will do in TESOL. It seems the harder I try to leave the city, the further i am set back. This is a good site, straight forward and easy to navigate through: eslemployment.com
I have left many an application with them but no cigar as of yet.

[veiledsentiments]

Unfortunately those Certificate joints lie constantly to the people that take their programs. Of course, if they told the truth, no one would waste the time and money.

Personally, I think the most are a scam... unless you are one of those that just wants to play around with teaching English for a couple of years while traveling the world until going home to get a real job...

But this isn't really relevent for the Gulf... perhaps for North Africa or the Levant. The Gulf is too expensive...

VS

[cmp45]

Veildsentiments are correct. If you are serious about teaching ESL the best bet is to take at least a 1 year TESOL through a legitimate University or go the whole hog and get a degree in TESOL, linguistics or an Education degree.
I took a one year TESOL certificate course through University of Concordia in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. It was a very good program. It was the minimum acceptable. I also was in need of finding a suitable program that was short enough so I could get back into the work force ASAP. One year I think is the minimum training you should have, anything less just will not be taken seriously.

The short training courses just aren't recognized by most serious institutions; remember what your long term goals are as well; to get a good teaching job you need the qualifications. Or continue working for the" franchised language sweat shops" You don't want to do that! Trust me when I say there are much better situations out there waiting for you.

I think most employers want to see that you have taken the time to study ESL properly. Most worthy institutions expect teachers to have a strong education background along with experience. You can not compete in the job market without it.

You may be better off in the long run to take the time and get a masters degree now. It certainly does help. Just make sure it is with a legitimate school. Enjoy the experience of studying. I suspect you are young, you will have lots of time to work abroad and travel and if it is what you desire; then in time it will happen.

Take a big breath and actualize where you are and where you will be in..1 year, 2 years, 3 years etc. Setting goals and then do what you need to do to accomplish them..day by day, month by month year by year.

Unless you have any other specific questions I think I have worked your thread / post to death!

Just a few more days and I will be flying out of Riyadh direct flight to NewYork then up to Canada. Wish I had time to spend a few days in New York. It's been ages since I got to hang out in the Big Apple!
Great memories.