Job Discussion Forums

[skynectar]

Hello all, My situation is this: I have tutored ESL at a local community center for almost a year, and I love it.
I am planning on going to Thailand to get my CELTA and volunteer in Nepal for an extended period of time.
In the grand scheme of things I have noticed that not having my Bachelor's Degree will (from what I see) make it impossible to find employment anywhere.
My question is this, for someone who is not looking to make TESL a career (at least I don't think so) does it make sense to even get my CELTA? Will this be a big waste of money?
I love the idea of having the certificate, but without a Bachelor's degree I'm afraid my experience could get me by.

Thanks in advance for the imput.

sky

[Cdaniels]

The Department of State continues to urge American citizens to defer non-essential travel to Nepal. http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_927.html
"U.S. citizens who travel to or reside in Nepal despite this Travel Warning should factor the potential for violence into their plans, avoid public demonstrations and maintain low profiles while in Nepal. U.S. citizens are urged to register with the Consular Section of the Embassy by accessing the Department of State�s travel registration site at https://travelregistration.state.gov or by personal appearance at the Consular Section."
I think a Thailand CELTA would be great for teaching in Thailand. Why do you want to volunteer in Nepal?

[Gordon]

Yikes, if we listened to the Dept of State, we'd miss many of the fun places in the world.
It doesn't matter where you get the CELTA, they are standardized, that is what makes them reputable. If I was you and was only planning to teach for a year, I don't think I would spend that much money on a TEFL certificate.
If you want to volunteer, you don't need anything. In fact, there are countries that don't require a degree either. Many people in China don't and the same in Thailand, I believe, and other countries as well.

[ls650]

[Cdaniels]

From the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/Nepal
"We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to Nepal at this time due to the ongoing nationwide violent armed insurrection against the Nepalese government by Maoist insurgents."
There is an US advisory for teaching in Korea, and several countries in the Middle East and Africa... But not for many counrties. At any rate, for going to Nepal, I think probably a TEFL cert is a waste of time and money. Emergency Survival Training is probably better! I don't know about the situation around Everest- it might be safer, but then mountain climbing training might be better praperation.
Even if you dismiss the warnings, I would certainly register with the Consulate as advised

[Gordon]

Governments issue warnings often due to insurance purposes. I am not saying that the warning isn't necessary, but you have to really dig a little deeper to see if the warning is justified or not.

[ls650]

[Cdaniels]

[Gordon]

I think what is more important to know is where in these countries it is safe or not. The Philippines certainly is dangerous in southern Mindanao, but travellers don't usually go there anyways. 95% of the country is safe.

[Gordon]

I think what is more important to know is where in these countries it is safe or not. The Philippines certainly is dangerous in southern Mindanao, but travellers don't usually go there anyways. 95% of the country is safe.