Job Discussion Forums

[bjorn]

Right, I've been reading through the forums and I'm getting more than worried about the online TEFL degree I'm working on. The situation is as follows:
I signed up for the I-to-I online course a few weeks ago, went to their 20-hr weekend and I'm currently working on the rest of their 100 hour program. I've read less than positive comments regarding the company and their program, varying from "there is no sufficient teaching component (practice)" to "it's not worth the paper it's printed on".
To top this off I am not a native speaker (I'm Dutch), and although you probably couldn't tell by the accent (apparently I sound like a northerner), I'm sure every non-native says this about himself. As a result I'd imagine most employers would be hesitant to hire me.

Now on the upside, I do hold a masters in history and I do have my teachers qualifications (in history), although it's been years and years since I actually taught. At this point I'm not too fussed about how much I'll be earning as I'm just keen to work abroad for a bit. I am however not jumping at the thought of teaching in China or the Middle East (they'd want highly experienced CELTA people anyway), nor do I think I'll get into Japan or Korea with all the visa restrictions I've been reading about (wouldn't be too keen anyway). I'd love to work in the Pacific (well, who wouldn't, so no hope there) or Sub-Saharan Africa. The latter however isn't teaming with (well-)paid opportunities, and at this stage I'd settle for a volunteer type job where I'll at least get a stipend to get me by. Assuming that fails I've been looking at Central-America, where I-to-I seems to have a few placements (Need to find out how much they would charge though, I have been reading up on the no-no's of paid placement).

Well, I'm sure there was a question in there somewhere . Would it be possible to get a job with a dodgy online TEFL (like I-to-I), BUT my masters/teachers degree backing me up, in anything other than the most dismal of countries/workplaces where they'll have anyone due to high demand?
Any comments regarding the various points I've raised would be highly appreciated. Feel free to grill me on my grammar as well .

[anninhk]

If you want a volunteer type job I suggest you look at VSO. When I was one about 10 years ago they were allied with the Dutch volunteer service and posted a lot of people from Holland to places you seem to want to go.

[bjorn]

Thanks for that. I had a look at VSO but they need rather specific qualifications for their programs as well as a 2 year commitment. I do believe wholeheartedly in volunteering, and in all fairness I get something out of it as well, ie experience, but two years is a bit too long for me at this point.

[Jetgirly]

Would you object to teaching History or Social Studies for a year at an international school? That might be something to consider. Check www.tes.co.uk for job postings.

[Insubordination]

My Colombian friend got a job teaching kids in Korea without difficulty. She's very pretty which probably didn't hurt but her English is really bad. Even she had a good laugh when she got the job.

I wouldn't give up altogether. I reckon a Scandinavian/Dutch person would have options in some parts of the world. I'd try Sth/Central America and work on a tourist visa.

[philbags]

You said you were'nt jumping at the thought of China, but China does have a few things in it's favour where you're concerned. At least some of the schools in china favour masters degrees over CELTA. I'm fairy certain it wouldnt be an issue with schools that are desperate - and many are. The place i was working at last year was taking on a fair mix nationalities; eastern Europeans, Hongkongese, philippinos and it was a fairly prestigious school.Basically, if your English is good, the chinese probably wouldnt notice your accent and , sadly, like many asian countries, its largely a question of colour. Southern China is also tropical, so if youre looking for the sun, it could be good for you .
You certainly wont get rich, but you'll get the classroom practice.
PM me if you want me to recommend a school.
P.B.

[bjorn]

Thanks for the input guys, and I'll take it all on board. It certainly seems there should be ample chance to find work if I only can get my foot in the door. Perhaps I'm being too picky with my choices at this stage, I just can't see myself settle down in China for a year at this point. However, thanks for the offer PB and I'll be sure to send you a message if my other plans fail.
Interesting link Jetgirl, I hadn't come across it yet. I feel I'd do a good job teaching my subject (history) as it's something I've got actual experience in (vs. TEFL which is all new for me). Some of these schools certainly seem to be in interesting places (Africa!) so I'll be sure to send some cv's around.