Job Discussion Forums

[helldog]

This is my first post. I just activated my account today. I just graduated from UNLV in the spring and am quite eager to begin TESL. I'm a bit stressed since there is so much info out there and everybody seems to have different opinions. I'm going to skip any of the certifications, since I don't have $3000 to blow on a CERTA course or Trinity, and any other certificate involving less than 120 hours of training seems to be a waste of time, as they are not recognized. So, I am going to save money that I don't have, but at the same time I'm a bit confused as to the way to get a job on my own. I would appreciate any suggestions. It seems that Korea is a good bet, but the only reason I'm swinging that way is because they offer airfare and accomodations. If I felt comfortable with finding my own place, I would probably give Taiwan or some other location a shot. Any suggestions here? It seems a lot safer to have my accomadations arranged for me. Next, I was wondering if I should go through a recruiter or if I should find my own job. Last, I hoped I could get some advice on how to build my resume. I graduated with a B.A. in film and my resume isn't going to have very much education angled support. I'm not that bad at bullshitting, so I could make the little experience I've had sound like a lot? Is this a good idea?
This is probably my biggest stress right now; a lack of educational experience, but others have told me that the curriculum is usually pretty solid and I won't have much problem with it. I would appreciate any feedback. Thanks.

[Super Mario]

An honest post that lets us know where you're coming from.
PR China jobs generally offer housing and airfare: re-imbursed at the end of the contract though, not up front.
You'd certainly get a job, as you're a degreed native speaker. My main concern is that you admit to knowing little about delivering an education program, English language in this case, but don't want to spend up front on a CELTA et al. Unless you're an absolute natural or join a company type set up where materials and methodology are supplied, indeed specified, you will find yourself very much in a sink or swim scenario. Your employer and students, not unreasonably, will expect that you know what you're doing. Pleading ignorance won't help.

So, what are the options?
One is an organisation, like EF [and I am not endorsing this group, but only using it as an eg], that hires the young and inexperienced and gives them teaching materials and a routine. Web International is another you may want to look at.
Another could be a kindergarten job. These are becoming more common in the wealthier cities. You expose them to English, teach them games and songs, etc. You've always got a Chinese teacher in the room. Rocket science it aint.
You'd get murdered in Middle [High] School. Big classes of surly, disinterested students. University may not be much better.

Of course, biting the bullet, doing at least a CELTA [how about a PGC in TESOL?] and getting some theory and practice behind you is an even better option, though you don't sound receptive.
Looking specifically for a job that involves small class oral English only would be wise.

On the resume, keep it simple. Chinese recruiters just want the basics. If you've done anything of a teaching nature - voluntary tutoring for eg - include it, but don't pad. You've got a degree, a passport, a photo that shows you're a cleancut young person. Race can be an issue with some employers, but you can't, and don't want to, change that.

Good luck whichever way you go.

[Gregor]

Get certified. You can do this much cheaper than $3000, though it's not going to be WAY cheap. It's worth it.
The jobs you'll get without a TEFL cert. - at least until you have some experience - will SUCK OUT LOUD.
EF and similar organizations won't take you. Some of the individual EF schools might, but EF head office won't endorse those teachers.
Get the certificate.

[ls650]

[Glenski]

[denise]

Excellent advice so far--the only thing I can add is a comment regarding housing. That alone should not dictate where you end up. Even schools that don't provide or pay for it should be willing to help you look, so you won`t end up on the streets! You may have to stay in a hostel for a week or so, but even then ideally the school should be able to recommend a decent one.

d

[Guy Courchesne]

[bjwellgo8]