Job Discussion Forums

StephenNZ · Joined: 13 Jul 2007 Posts: 10 Location: New Zealand

Interesting advice and knowledge available here, maybe someone might like to offer some advice on my situation...

I am a 55yr old (youthful of mind and body) male planning a new career in ESL. Ultimately I would like to end up in Sth America, after spending a month there last year... 28 night of Tango.. heaven...

I have been in sales & marketing for the last 30 or so years.. and have spent many years as a sales trainer/manager. I have also had considerable experience as a seminar presenter dealing with time management and sales skills.. I also designed, marketed, and conducted my own 12 module sales program... usually delivered weekly in 2 hr sessions.

I have also written a 90,000 word novel - actually a manuscript I guess seeing as it is still gathering dust under my bed.

I am planning to take a 4 week intensive TESOL or CELTA course either in China or Thailand.

So, to my questions:

1) Do I take the CELTA or do I do maybe one of the 2 week TEFL courses and then take one of the Business teaching modules.
Mainly because I have no idea how I would enjoy teaching children - even though I love kids, & have a couple of grown up ones of my own - so was thinking maybe I would be better following the business path.

I am also also NOT interested in working 40 hour weeks and having been either self employed or in my own businesses for too many years, I am not sure I could cope with the bureaucracy of a School or University. I was kind of hoping that a language school would provide me a bit more autonomy.

2) Will my age (given I am a newbie) be an issue?? In China, Thailand, or more importantly Sth America.

I have a heap of other questions, but perhaps these will do for now. Your comments would be greatly appreciated.

william wallace · Joined: 14 May 2003 Posts: 2869 Location: in between

No problem in China, and I did see a few older fellows in Thailand, though not to the degree that China has. I'd go for the CELTA, if going for anything-If you want to do one, might as well do a good one.

StephenNZ · Joined: 13 Jul 2007 Posts: 10 Location: New Zealand

Thanks for the reply.. and BTW I forgot to mention that I have no degree..
Is there any chance that if I get the CELTA, and combined with my past experience - assuming I can do the job - that I may be able to get positions in some of those countries that INSIST on a degree???

james s · Joined: 07 Feb 2007 Posts: 676 Location: Raincity

william wallace · Joined: 14 May 2003 Posts: 2869 Location: in between

Yeah James,I should have mentioned that. CELTA in Thailand !
Cheers