Job Discussion Forums

[cwil82]

Hello,

I hope you can help! I recently passed my CELTA and also have a degree in Business Studies. I have the opportunity to take a PGCE in Business Studies in October and wasn't sure if that would help me at all in the world of TEFL perhaps to teach Business English?

I really want to move abroad and thought maybe this qualification could help, is this a realistic perception?

Also, I know this is unrelated to this question, but do you know where you could teach english for a minimum of 6 months? (To get a bit of experience before I start the PGCE). As most of the jobs I have seen have been about a year long.

Thanks, looking forward to hear your thoughts!

C

[lolwhites]

It's always worth having a PGCE - teachers in the state system can earn up to 28000 GBP outside of London without taking on any extra duties. Whether or not it's recognised abroad will depend on where you want to work, and whether the DOS who interviews you has heard of the job.

As for your second question, why not just sign a 12 month contract and leave after 6 months? So long as you give reasonable notice, the school should have no problem replacing you. Your contract will say how much notice you are required to give - one school I worked at only asked for one week! Flexible labour markets cut both ways, you know.

[poof]

There are some short term contracts in Europe on tefl.com. Also, I saw an ad in the TES last weekend for a PGCE qualified teacher who could also teach business ESL - maybe this was in Germany. Not quite sure, but check it out.

However, having surveyed the job market of late, wondering myself whether I should try a PGCE, it seems it would be more profitable to stay in the UK and use the PGCE for what it was meant for - ie, being a mainstream school teacher, than trying to take it abroad.

[BELS]

PGCE ? I suggest you go for it. Its a step forwar for a teaching job and any other future career.Highly respected. Why not try International schools and teach the British national curriculim. I am sure the income would be much higher than TEFL