Job Discussion Forums

ArseneV · Joined: 15 Mar 2009 Posts: 4 Location: Australia

Hi everyone, I need some advice and critique on my current plans.

I completed the Foundation TESOL qualification two years ago in Australia. In the end I did not go overseas to teach so have not used it.

I am planning to fly over to China in June and complete a CELTA certificate at Language Link in Beijing. Once completed, I will immeadiately search for work, if I have not secured a job already.
I will probably stay for 6 months, head home briefly, then come back again. I would like to see my self staying for a long time.

I am really motivated to teach. I have no Bachelors degree. I have travelled extensively around Asia. I studied Chinese for 7 years in high school, which I hope to continue over there (strong motivation). And I have some experience with volunteer work in India.

I guess my questions are, will the CELTA course be sufficient?
Has anyone heard anything or completed a course at Language Link Beijing.
Or can anyone recommend a better place to complete the CELTA certificate?
And how are my chances with getting a job?
I am thinking of heading to SiChuan province.

Thanks!

alter ego · Joined: 24 Mar 2009 Posts: 209

You don't need a university degree to teach in China. There are lots of teachers in the big city where I live who teach without them. The CELTA might be overkill, depending on how long you plan to earn a living teaching EFL. But both, or either, would probably help you get better jobs, which generally require such qualifications. Language Link has a decent rep as a CELTA course provider in Vietnam, not sure about China.

ArseneV · Joined: 15 Mar 2009 Posts: 4 Location: Australia

Thanks for the reply alter ego.

I am planning on being in China for a while and having a chance at some decent jobs so that's why i'll be doing the CELTA.

Mister Al · Joined: 28 Jun 2004 Posts: 840 Location: In there

alter ego wrote:

ArseneV · Joined: 15 Mar 2009 Posts: 4 Location: Australia

Follow up - I'm still working towards heading to China but i'm starting to have some doubts with Language Link Beijing.

Does anyone have any experience with them?
I was told that a trainer named Heath Jeffrey will be taking the course and another man who's name I wasn't told.
Anyone familliar with Heath Jeffrey? I found a comment written by him on this site http://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/talk/questions/teacher-observation.

Thanks again.

Lipps · Joined: 19 Jun 2009 Posts: 45

theincredibleegg · Joined: 01 Jul 2008 Posts: 224

It's possible to work in China without at BA. I know atleast one person who does it. However, the connections + the bribes your employer will need to pull a foreign expert certificate, puts you at the bottom of the barrell.

slayer6719 · Posted: Wed Jul 29, 2009 12:04 am Post subject:

Its possible to work in China without a BA. Of the 5 foreign teachers at my school 3 dont have one. 1 hasnt even done a basic TESOL course. But having said that i wish you good luck in getting a position. I,m sure you,ll find a job somewhere, but setting your sights on Beijing might be a little hopeful Very Happy

ArseneV · Joined: 15 Mar 2009 Posts: 4 Location: Australia

Thanks for the reply guys.
From all the reading, research and chatting to others i'm still going to give it a go in China even without the BA. I'll have had some good experience in India prior to going over there. I know a few people who have completed the CELTA, have had no BA and still have managed to find a job in Spain.

Also, I won't be planning on getting a job in Beijing, not for me.

However, my follow up was about finding out more information about Language Link Beijing. Anyone know anything?!