Job Discussion Forums

[Aaron_M_L]

Hi I'm new. I've been looking into different opportunities for my working gap year between Secondary School and University. One of the things I've been looking into is obviously ESL teaching.

So here's my situation: I am currently a Canadian, I'd be able to take TESOL with a company called Oxford Seminars over July. I only want to take it if I can secure a job before hand so I know I won't be throwing away the 1000$ for the course. But is it possible for someone with just a high school degree to achieve this? If so how would you recommend I go about it? I also speak French, does this help me at all?

I'm willing to work anywhere really. I'm posting this in the China board as from what I've read this is where I'd have the best chance.

Thank you all
-Aaron

[roadwalker]

Aaron, I think you read some bad advice. It is possible to work in China without a degree but only in the least secure circumstances. Officially, you aren't qualified: China requires a Bachelor's degree and two years teaching experience. Unofficially, there appear to be jobs to be had for the unqualified. You probably won't have legal status which may or may not come back to bite you in the rear. YOU are responsible for your status, no matter what a recruiter or school owner or manager tells you. Also your young age doesn't help you. China respects age.

Try looking into the Dave's General Asia forum.

[thessy]

When it comes to TESOL certification there are basically two types - those that include actual in-class teaching experience, and those that don't.

When it comes to ESL employers requiring/requesting the certification, there are basically two types - those that care about whether you have a reputable TESOL certification with in-class teaching experience, and those that don't and just want to see a piece of paper with the letters 'TESOL' and your name on it somewhere.

Now I haven't actually taken the Oxford Seminar's course so I'm not an expert on it, but I did look into it a good bit. It falls into the category of not including any actual teaching experience (at least last I seen). Unless the uninformed employer is wooed by seeing the 'Oxford' name on your TESOL, you're probably better off (and I may get flamed for this) spending $200 on an online course than spending $1000 the Oxford Seminar course.

The other option would be taking one of the jobs that allow you to earn an on-the-job TESOL while teaching at their location, but as mentioned, you have a lot of strikes going against you, so you need to be careful.

[The Ever-changing Cleric]