Job Discussion Forums

[chucky1223]

I would appreciate any advice from people who have been in the Peace Corps and have taught English abroad. I am a 23 year old university student and plan on graduating in a year with a BA in English and possibly Political Science. I am an American and Bahamian dual citizen who has already traveled abroad for months at a time and has plenty of exposure to different cultures. I have decided that I would like to take a few years after I graduate to teach abroad. My dilemma at this point is that I am unsure of the pros and cons of either joining the Peace Corps or purusing the CELTA. I am not sure what sort of career I would like to pursue eventually, but am exploring opportunities in corporate training, teaching at a secondary level, public relations, human resources, or consulting. I know that if I apply to the Peace Corps, I will apply to teach English, not build houses or work on research, etc. I am very interested in immersing myself and experiencing the culture of another country, not simply living as an American abroad. Any suggestions? Also, is the Peace Corps viewed as significantly better experience on a resume? Any and all advice will be useful, thanks!

[tedkarma]

Two vastly different programs and ideas here.

CELTA is a four week training program for teaching English. In your first six weeks of Peace Corps training - you will get TEFL training that to me - would be far superior to the CELTA. That done, now in the PC, you've got two years to go. CELTA - four weeks and done.

As a former PCV (Botswana 89-91), I would give immense value to someone who had done the full two years of PC. I would already know that you know how to live and adapt in another culture - that you don't bail out at the first sign of trouble - that you can work through the problems involved in international living, that you are not going to whine and tantrum over simple problems. In fact, you will know how to solve most problems on your own - or may not even view them as problems.

I think the PC provides you with a good base to seek international work - not just TEFL work - though TEFL is where I ended up. I joined in '89 and haven't really been back since. I was 37 at the time and it truly changed my life. A change I wanted, was seeking, and yet, didn't really know how to go about making.

I think it would be rare to meet another PC person who would not move you to the front of the hiring line - for just about any overseas position. I've met quite a few former PC folks in numerous countries - and they are typically successful at what they are doing, adaptive, and happy where they are.

Understand that your two years in the PC can be very difficult. I absolutely HATED my first year - loved the second one. Kind of a boot camp in real life.

CELTA - not a bad option if you just want to do a course - and go out and start making money on the TEFL circuit. What you learn after that about culture and adaptation is up to you. But - your CELTA and TEFL experience will pretty much keep you in that occupational area. There are some who have broken out of that career path - but not many. (just my opinion).