Job Discussion Forums

[onthemove]

About the course - many courses are accepted in various places and I had a great experience with mine, which was TESOL, and I've been offered jobs in several locations. I simply said that CELTA opens the MOST doors, meaning that CELTA is accepted everywhere, and other courses are accepted in some places. What that percentage is, I'm not sure, but if I was NOT a native speaker and wanted the best chances, I would go that way. Some schools won't look at non-CELTA applicants, others only want native speakers (who usually, though not always, get paid more and/or have better benefits), so already several schools and regions are closed to you. I would remove as many obstacles to being hired as possible. That's why I said you should get CELTA.

I taught a lot in Eastern Europe, and if you're interested in that region, I'm sure you could get a job there as a Dutch citizen. Depending on the country, they'll accept a variety of courses, but that's mostly for native speakers. I taught with a German guy who was treated as a native speaker (got an apartment etc.), but he had CELTA. I think many schools would accept you with any kind of course, but the 'better' schools will require CELTA or extensive experience - in that region. I really can't say for others. Eastern Europe is very corrupt - I don't say that to be mean, it's just the culture there. Be careful with contracts and what you agree to. Also be aware that most contracts are not enforceable, so are basically worth nothing and you are relying on the word of the director of the school.

[naturegirl321]

ONe thing that has to be said about this whole native teacher thing. There are lots of countries in Europe, HOlland and Germany come to mind, where the people there speak English very very well. Not only do they speak it, but they know the grammar, which may give them a one up on people like me who are simply native speakers.

[spiral78]

Naturegirl, my students are (roughly) 40% Dutch and German, with 2% of 'other' thrown in.

They need English lessons at the university level, from years 1-6. They range in age from 19 to 65. I live in Holland, right on the German border. I know something about how well the local people speak English

You should not make such general blanket statements about 'Dutch and German people speaking English very very well.' It's far from accurate.

I am very willing to agree that there are many Dutch and German nationals who DO speak English well, and know the grammar better than many native speakers. But it is NOT a national trend.

[Nogmaals]

Indeed, while it's true that alot of people from Holland/Germany speak English of course the levels vary incredibly. Not to mention the accents get so horribly bad sometimes it makes me grind my teeth. Sometimes I think if I hear one more 'sank you'...

But compared to other European countries English is incredibly widespread. It's not uncommon to see English commercials for products from abroad on television without any sort of subtitles.

Anyway. Thanks for all the advice. Perhaps CELTA is something to consider for in the future, but for now it's the TEFL course in Sevilla, Spain in March. I'm betting my money on TEFL + hopefully a year's experience in China being as good a start as any, at least.