Job Discussion Forums

TTtonymont · Joined: 16 Mar 2008 Posts: 2 Location: Lubbock, TX

...and i needed at least one post to pm or email

I'm 22 and will graduate from Texas Tech University in December with a B.S. in Biology. For four years now, I've been planning on applying to dental school (my brother is a 3rd year dental student) and hopefully join him as a family practice someday. But, I just decided a couple months ago that dentistry might not be for me. With this, I thought a huge weight would be lifted. But in fact, it's even worse now, considering I have no idea what it is I'd like to do- especially with that biology degree and chem minor. I've always wanted to travel to SE Asia, and I figured this might be my chance. I've been browsing around the esl cafe for a couple of months now soaking in all the information I can. I've been talking to friends that have taught in China, Mexico, and Costa Rica, and asking my Thai friend alot about his home country. So, with that, there was my intro! Thanks for all your great insight and help through this site.

Tony

Anda · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 2199 Location: Jiangsu Province

If I were you I would look at doing a one year Education degree and getting teacher registration in your home state. You can then look at working for international schools around the world.

With the world economy slowing a lot of us in this English teaching game could be out in the street as demand drops.

If you want to give English teaching a go then good money can be make in South Korea. Places like Thailand just pay a living wage. China your qualifications are low for the big money so once again a living wage with a fair amount of interest is available.

Japan isn't what it used to be and currently many institutes have closed.

Teatime of Soul · Joined: 12 Apr 2007 Posts: 905

Anda is correct. Getting and maintaining a state teaching certificate is money in the bank. You'll earn twice or more than your peers unqualified to teach in International schools.

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

I'd recommend doing a one-month TEFL course and then getting a job before going back for another degree--just to see if you like teaching enough to pursue it further. While there are many of us that make it a career, there are plenty of people who just do it for a year or two while trying to figure out what they want to do with their lives.

d