Job Discussion Forums

[The Noodles]

Hi people

I've been an ESL teacher for three years and am thinking about coming back to the UK to start a PGCE in September. The overall aim is to teach for international schools abroad. I s this the right way to go about it or is there another course i should take?

[saint57]

Although, I know of one person with an MA TESOL who works at a good international school, PGCEs and B.Eds account for the overwhelming majority of teacher at international schools.

Whatever subject you teach, you'll need some post-certificate experience to get hired. However, some schools might be in a pinch and hire you straight out of school.

If you were thinking about a university job, I' say MA TESOL. I really believe that for internationl schools, a PGCE or B.Ed is the way to go.

I'd say go for it. From what I've seen, competition isn't as tight as everyone likes to make you believe.

[The_Hanged_Man]

Currently, I'm teaching at an international school in Kuwait and you seem to be on the right track. Generally international schools look for certification plus 2 years of experince. Yes, with some schools you may be able to get around this, but schools that make a practice of hiring uncertified and inexperienced teacher are places to avoid.

Also, like Saint said its not nearly as hard to break into as some people say once you have the basic qualifications. If you are certified in a high demand field (high school math/science for example) it is actually relatively easy to land your first job. On the other hand elementary positions are much more competitive due to the surplus of teachers.

[The Noodles]

Well thanks for your advice. In all honesty, i don't think i could handle maths or science as they really were my weakest subjects.

I was thinking more along the lines of geography or history, maybe IT. As for the MA in esl teaching, i thought about this, but then realized that a PGCE would be a better option as I can always take a DELTA which is the equivalent of the MA but only 3 months.

I have had so many plans over the last year checking my options. there was Korea both North and south. Still thinking about the south, but i don't know if i'll be making any progress.

With a PGCE i feel that it will be a natural progression 1 year as a newbie, 1 year as a freelancer this year as a director of studies and now the next step. One thing i do know is that i don't wanna go back to a management job. or at least not yet.

Also a PGCE means i'll always be able to get a job back home.

Just need to know if International schools accept a PGCE or if there's a special course i would need to take.

[saint57]

[guangho]

Is there a site which lists vacancies at schools worldwide, especially administrative vacancies?

[saint57]

joyjobs.com always has a bunch. You have to pay for a year membership. It's about $25.

[lozwich]

[Gordon]