Job Discussion Forums

[marjorita63]

I have a two year Broadcast Journalism diploma from BCIT, Burnaby, Canada. I have worked in the broadcast industry for 17 years and now I am considering pursing a long-time dream of teaching English in Mexico or Spain. I realize I don't have a BA. Could my diploma be considered equivalent given that obviously I need to have a decent command of English to have done my work. Is it worth getting authorized? Before I consider teaching, I would do a 4 week intensive TESOL course in the city I decide to look for work. What are my chances? What if any value does my diploma have? Thanks for your help and advice.

[Guy Courchesne]

What kind of work are looking into? Teaching straight EFL, to adults or perhaps children? In that case, the TESOL certificate is all you will need for both immigration (in most cases, but perhaps not all) and an employer.

If you're looking at work at the primary, secondary, or post-secondary level, then the BJ diploma may not be enough. If you're job hunting before coming down, it would be a good idea to run this by the employer. You'll often find that the school lawyer - for schools large enough to have a lawyer - will handle the immigration paperwork and might be able to answer the question. In the end, the TESOL (or TEFL or CELTA) certificate done locally will usually suffice for immigration purposes. For hiring purposes, that depends on the job.

If you are coming down to take a course and then seek work, probably best to bring anything and everything you have for diplomas...you never know.