Job Discussion Forums

Philleasfogg · Joined: 24 Jul 2006 Posts: 11 Location: near Manchester, UK

Hey Guys,

after a few months lurking on the board harvesting info Im finally writing my very first post.

For 5-6 years I've been working for a pharmaceutical company near Manchester (quite posibly the rainiest city in the UK). I've finally had enough and fancy a more challenging job in a warmer climate.

The plan is to get my CELTA in Feb on a 17 week part-time course while staying in my job and saving some cash. Then I plan to come to Vietnam for a year to gain some experience, save some money and have a break from the U.K. before returning home to study for a degree in Applied Linguistics or something similar. Would consider a "masters" also. Hopefully these qualifications would set me up for a career in EFL.

Finally the questions...

I realise at the tender age of 22 and with no relevant qualifications (apart from the CELTA) I would be at a disadvantage finding work, do you think this plan is plausible?

My CELTA will finish in June, when would be the best time after that to come over and hunt for a job?

Also with my background what hourly rate should I expect? I know this has been covered many times, but I'd like to know at todays prices.

Sorry for the epic post, hope I've given enough info for you to help.

Thanks in advance

philleasfogg Smile

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

philleas,
I used to work for a major pharmaceutical company in the USA, and at the ripe old "tender" age of 41, I got certification and came to Japan to teach. Been here for quite a few years now. So it can be done.

Teaching ESL means teaching English in your home country (a native English speaking land), but teaching in Vietnam would be EFL. There are a few differences. Can't help you with details on Vietnam jobs, but I would like to point out that you probably won't need a higher degree in linguistics to teach EFL. Here in Japan any degree will do just to get the work visa. The only reason a higher level degree (and one specifically related to EFL) is needed is for university work or for international schools.

Philleasfogg · Joined: 24 Jul 2006 Posts: 11 Location: near Manchester, UK

Glenski,

Thanks for the reply. Not quite got the hang of all the abbreviations yet Laughing

Good to hear it's possible escape the big Pharms. Wink

I think I will leave the higher degree, maybe take it up again one day if I feel the financial need to work in the Universities/International Schools.

Thanks for the advice

denise · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 3419 Location: finally home-ish

I agree that an advanced degree isn't necessary, but if you want to make a career out of EFL, it will help you. It simply opens more doors. Without it, sure, you can globe-hop and get similar jobs (private language schools, usually), in countries around the globe, but if you want any sort of career advancement, the more qualifications, the better.

Of course, it is possible to get promoted, luck into uni jobs, etc., with a first degree and experience, but an MA or a DELTA will really cut down on your need for luck to get those jobs.

Many places do at least require a first degree.

d

Philleasfogg · Joined: 24 Jul 2006 Posts: 11 Location: near Manchester, UK

Thanks for the reply Denise Smile

Yeah, I think I'll leave the advanced degree for the time being.
Maybe reconsider the idea one day.

Have been reading more on Vietnam and it certainly seems to divide opinion. Seems there are more bad reports than good. Now I'm not sure if I should start my TEFLing elsewhere (could always go there when I'm more experienced at living in different cultures).

Think I'll look for a country that would provide a more comfortable introduction to living abroad (If such a country exists???) Does anyone have any ideas? Im quite a resilliant person, I'm not a moaner and I don't get stressed easily but I think I should make it easy for myself (initially anyway!).

The only criteria I have are a warm climate (lived for too long in the damp and cold, need to thaw out) and somewhere where I can make ends meet (basically break even after bills, food and a little travelling if time allows). Being able to save some money would be a bonus but is not essential.

Cheers

Phil

tedkarma · Posted: Wed Jul 26, 2006 10:30 pm Post subject:

I agree with Denise - but would recommend, if you want TEFL as a career, that you do get a graduate degree (not DELTA) as soon as you can. But figure out if you want this as a career first.

While you won't always make much more money, you will have many more options and MUCH more vacation time and better daily schedules - thus avoiding burn out and enjoying life much more.

In the last fifteen years I have typically worked a four day week - 12-20 contact hours (but with overtime getting to the twenty) and anywhere from ten to twenty weeks PAID vacation time. Without the grad degree we are talking a couple weeks vacation per year, five-day weeks, and up to 30 contact hours. HUGE difference in the long run.

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

thrifty · Joined: 25 Apr 2006 Posts: 1665 Location: chip van

Sorry to break up the party but you are not going to do a Master's in the UK with no first degree. Also you would need several years teaching experience.

Philleasfogg · Joined: 24 Jul 2006 Posts: 11 Location: near Manchester, UK

Oh, sorry if I did not explain myself adequately. I was intending to do a degree then maybe a masters afterwards. Think when I said "would consider a masters also" I didn't clarify I meant after the initial 3-year degree.

Sorry for any confusion Embarassed

(Didn't realise I would need the teaching experience though!)

tedkarma · Posted: Thu Jul 27, 2006 7:04 am Post subject:

Not every graduate degree requires that you have "teaching experience". But - nonetheless - it is a good idea anyway.

Philleasfogg · Joined: 24 Jul 2006 Posts: 11 Location: near Manchester, UK

Jzer,

thanks for the advice, I will definitely investigate Spain further Smile

*****

tedkarma,

would you advise getting the degree first or getting the CELTA, doing a year in Spain (or other country?) and then returning to the U.K. for the graduate degree?

The way I see it I could do with the years experience and it would also help me decide if TEFL is the career for me. I really want to get out of here and see the world, 3-4 years for the degree sounds like a long time.

I definitely would prefer the first option but I really respect the opinions of you experienced TEFLers and if the general consensus is that I should get the degree first I'll take you guys' advice.

Thanks for answering so many questions guys and gals Cool

Philleasfogg · Joined: 24 Jul 2006 Posts: 11 Location: near Manchester, UK

Just to clarify,

In the U.K. we have a degree (3 years usually, just your standard degree)
and the post-graduate qualifications (e.g. Masters degree, phd, etc.)

denise and thrifty mentioned first degrees, thats just a normal degree right not a degree where you score a first?

tedkarma talked about graduate degrees, normal degree also?

Sorry just thought I better make sure I'm singing from the same hymn sheet. Rolling Eyes

thrifty · Joined: 25 Apr 2006 Posts: 1665 Location: chip van

tedkarma · Posted: Thu Jul 27, 2006 1:49 pm Post subject:

Philleasfogg · Joined: 24 Jul 2006 Posts: 11 Location: near Manchester, UK

Thanks for all the advice everyone, I'm much closer to taking the plunge now.

Think I'll go for the CELTA in Manchester in February. It's the closest course I can find (that's well recognised) and means I can stay in my present job and save, save, save Exclamation

Then I may be coming to a school near you Twisted Evil

Happy TEFLing

Phil