Job Discussion Forums

[sjc]

I discovered my passion for teaching children after volunteering in Nepal, however I don't have a degree, only a college diploma.

If I take a TESOL course, what countries accept teachers without a degree?

I have approximately 125 hours experience teaching children in Nepal.

Has the recession had a big impact on the number of teaching jobs available?

I will appreciate advice on this. Thank you!

sjc

[Glenski]

This question comes up once a month. Help us to help you. Where are you interested in teaching?

What is your nationality and age? These might help with a working holiday visa.

[dragon777]

Teaching in China should be a possiblity with this qualification and experience.

[sjc]

Thank you for your replies.

I am a 45 year old Canadian. My background is as an executive assistant. I also have experience in various art mediums.

I don't know where I would like to teach, once I determine what countries I may be qualified to teach in (once I complete a TESOL course) I can research those countries to narrow down where I will like to teach.

Are there other countries besides China?

Thank you!

sjc

[spiral78]

Central/Eastern European countries generally do not require a BA and do issue work permits to non-EU citizens (Western Europe is essentially not feasible for North Americans at the newbie level).

Downside is that start up costs for this region are relatively high. Employers do not pay for travel to the region, housing is usually your responsibility and can amount to as much as 40-50% of your net salary, and jobs are not normally found from abroad, meaning that you have to foot the up-front costs to come over and seek a job.

If you want to consider this region, also consider getting a cert here, in the country where you want to start. There are lots of advantages:
Training in-country offers you a great chance to get your feet wet in the country/culture while you still have a support system � they usually arrange for your housing during the course, airport pickup, and local orientation. Your practice teaching students will really be representative of those you�ll be working with when you start. You can be sure that your certification will be recognized by local employers, and a training centre can give you invaluable contacts and advice regarding reputable local employers.

[spiral78]

OOps - I should clarify that most of the work in this region focuses on teaching adult businesspeople, not children...

[dialogger]

As this is a new career for the OP he/she should regard the first job as the start of a CV-build.
I don't have a degree but a business college cert and an ESL one as well.
Age is an issue for me and it took a bit longer to get placed this year, but I did - mainly because of prev experience and good feedback from former employers.
I would go with China as a start point, as has been suggested and who knows where this will take you.
It's a bit late for the new academic year but there should be gigs around for Feb start.
Also be conservative in choice of employer in China ie try state universities and colleges first up. I have found Serious Teachers the best site so far. Takes a little effort to register but from there it's very easy. PM me if you like.

[LITTLE PEACHES]

Sorry to be the discouraging one, but Japan you cannot get your working visa for teaching english without your degree to my understanding. I may be incorrect, but they demanded both my school and immigration a copy of my degree.

[Glenski]

[LITTLE PEACHES]

Thanks for the correction..i appreiciate it, I wasn't sure! I really do appreciate it!

[naturegirl321]

CHina, Indonesia, myabe Thailand, Peru, other parts of Latin America

[Kootvela]

[spiral78]

Summer camps haven't caught on in the entire region. They're not widely available in many Central European counties, where teachers are scrambling for any possible summer position...

[Chancellor]