Job Discussion Forums

Sonja23 · Joined: 19 Feb 2006 Posts: 15

Hello all,

My boyfriend and I will be graduating from university this July, and are set to start our overseas journeys *beep* career in January 2007. As such, we will both have a BA, but no other teaching qualifications (CELTA, etc). We have decided to start out in Japan with one of the big language schools (NOVA is our preferred choice at the moment, it seems to be the most 'couple friendly' from what I've read), as they do not require anything other than being native in English and a degree. After we have been in Japan for awhile, we (tentatively) plan to move on to other countries and teach. My question is... what requirements will there be for teaching in other countries? Are there any countries which specifically require a certificate of some sort, or will teaching experience (which we would have gained by then) be sufficient?

Thanks alot for any help!

Cdaniels · Posted: Fri Mar 03, 2006 12:54 am Post subject: slow down, cowpoke!

Short answer, not many. Of course in English speaking countries you may need an MA. Long answer- Just concentrate on teaching in one place (Japan) first. Both of you may decide not to stay in the field, or what's worse, one of you might hate it and the other love it.
Rolling Eyes

Its good to have enthusiasm. Good luck to you both!

tedkarma · Posted: Sat Mar 04, 2006 11:39 pm Post subject:

It's a great plan. Your BA will do you to get started. But, as mentioned on other threads here, you might find that some training will significantly increase your effectiveness and your job satisfaction - which might affect your desire to continue in this field.

TEFL Certifications are not often required as much as preferred. And does get you a leg up in the selection process sometimes.

These plans you have - Do it! My wife and I have taught in Korea, Thailand, Saudi Arabia and Taiwan - and what a wonderful learning experience it has been.

But . . . this life is not for everyone - do get your feet wet before planning tooooo far ahead. (But we planned as far ahead as you have - so ignore my advice!)

IF - you decide to stay in TEFL as a career - run, don't walk, to a relevant graduate degree as fast as you can. It will increase your job choices significantly - and get you much more comfortable jobs - not always with a lot more pay - but often with MUCH more paid time off and fewer teaching hours.

stillnosheep · Joined: 01 Mar 2004 Posts: 2068 Location: eslcafe

Try, if possible, to avoid Nova.

Aeon will place couples in the same town if asked - altho' both will have to pay 42 000 yen for a subsidised aprtment each.

Try Geos, Berlitz or ECC before Nova, if they are prepared to place you together.

sheeba · Joined: 17 Jun 2004 Posts: 1123

Do a CELTA if you can . Was a great experience for me and sets a standard for you to begin your teaching .

Good luck with your adventures.

Sonja23 · Joined: 19 Feb 2006 Posts: 15

First of all, thank you all for your advice and support, I really appreciate it!

We've actually looked into getting a TEFL-certificate, but over here in the UK it's so expensive, around 1000pounds for a 4-week course. There is no way that we will be able to afford it while simultaneously saving to start a life off overseas. Are weekend TEFL-courses of any use?

Well, we're starting to be hesitant about NOVA now. The reason why it was a first choice was that it was explicitly stated that couples are accepted - a lot of other organisations were ambiguous on that point. If you know of any other language schools (hopefully smaller ones, which allow for a teacher to be creative and plan his/her own lessons to a satisfactory extent) I would really appreciate recommendations. I've looked at Margaret Institute of Language (www.miljapan.com) and even sent off an email to them enquiring if they accept applicants from the UK, but alas that was a week ago and I have yet to get a response.

Do you know of any other (affordable) ways to get teaching experience?

Once again, thanks for any help!

lozwich · Joined: 25 May 2003 Posts: 1536

I know someone who worked at Nova, and then did a TEFL course a couple of years later when she had saved some money.

What do people think of that approach?

tedkarma · Posted: Mon Mar 06, 2006 1:28 pm Post subject:

Why not start out somewhat skilled? It's good for your students - it's good for you. If you at least have some training - some idea of what do to - at least your students get what they paid for.

acwilliams · Posted: Tue Mar 07, 2006 6:43 am Post subject:

Sonja, you asked 'Are weekend TEFL courses of any use?' My personal opinion is 'No'. I'm responsible for recruitment in my school - applicants with online-only or weekend TEFL training are a big turn-off. This is because such courses lack sufficient teaching practice.

If you do a TEFL course at all, look for an externally moderated TEFL or TESOL certificate course. RSA or Trinity are the certificates to go for if you're in the UK.

Yes, course fees in the UK are high. It's cheaper to do a course abroad, ideally in the country or city you plan to work in. RSA validate many courses around the world.

JZer · Joined: 16 Jan 2005 Posts: 3898 Location: Pittsburgh

Sonja23, You might look into working at a summer camp this summer. It would give you a chance to get a feel for the classroom before comitting to something longer. It would also give you something to put on your resume. You could trying teaching in Korea this summer. You will earn 1000 pounds which will pay for your plane ticket and you get free room and board. You might also want to try out China if you can afford the plane ticket on your own. The summer camp salary in China is between $500-800 U.S.