Job Discussion Forums

[Hadit]

Thanks Spanglish, that was quite informative.

It seems the bizarre nature of ESL that different regions prefer different credentials. The Middle East prefers a Masters, but in Latin America a teaching certificate is best it seems. I will have to consider my long term goals, as I am not certified. I did look into various alternative tracks to teaching here in America, which link I will post for those interested:

http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=74091

From your math it seems ESL teachers with certification can do pretty well in Colombia, and probably other places. Btw, Colombia looks like it would be quite fun, as do many SA countries. Although it may not transfer into big US dollars, its seems the comparative quality of life would be pretty good.

[marg252]

[Atlan Training]

Hi marg252

Most of Ecuador is very safe. There are security problems in Guayaquil that have become more serious lately but with common sense precautions, the risk is minimal. We have many single women here as CELTA trainees, as teachers, and as teacher trainers, and they are all going about their lives without problems so far!

[dialogal]

OK, hello all...

I just finished my CELTA at Southern Cross and can definitely recommend it highly... J�em (Atlan Training) in particular is phenominal...

Spanglish... thanks for that post, it was very informative... would you happen to know the names of some tier 2 colegios?

Thanks...

[just_a_mirage]

Requirements are definately not set in stone here. My personal experience here in Guayaquil is that I am currently working in a bilingual high school, an English Institute and a university. My credentials are: B.S. in Arts and Media, a substitute teaching certificate from the states, and a TEFL, and advanced TEFL obtained from a university here in Guayaquil. I have had all of these jobs since before I obtained the TEFL, so a certificate is not essential to obtain work here, and to be honest, I saw no major increase in pay when I got it. The university jobs are great, and both of the unis where I have worked were much more interested in my degree than anything else. The problem with unis is that work can be sporadic. The number of classes I get depends on how many students enroll in any particular semester. I depend much more on my income from the Institute and the High School. The good thing about the Institute is that they offer many continuing education classes, with help with tuition. You also get huge discounts on tuition if you decide to get a masters which is a big plus as well. They also provide bonuses for higher education, language level, attendance, etc.
So it is possible to obtain work here, and while you work, obtain your TEFL, CELTA or SIT.

[evolving81]

OK this may be a dumb question...but why would a teaching certificate (CELTA, DELTA, etc.) be better than having an MA? I'm finishing up my MA in Applied Linguistics: TESOL and I'd rather not have to go get a teaching cert to get a decent job. I mean I've spent two years, many many hours observing & teaching at an English Language Institute at my university, developing curriculum/tests/materials, etc. To be honest, I'm not even sure what someone does when getting a CELTA or DELTA, I know some are online and some are in class, etc.

Thanks for any info.

Mitch

[Atlan Training]

@ evolving81
Hi Mitch. I feel your pain I got an MA TESOL with 60 assessed hours of teaching, etc that makes a DELTA look like kindergarten but I had a helluva time getting a job! I finally persuaded someone to hire me if I consented to do their in-house cert. Crazy! But now I'm a CELTA and DELTA trainer and I understand the system. It's because a lot of MA TESOLs have no teaching practice. "Universities" of varying quality just put things together to make some money. With Cambridge, Trinity, and SIT certifications, employers know exactly what they're getting. It's the recognition, the security that come with them that makes the difference. You can only do the theoretical part of the DELTA online by the way, CELTA is all live. I think you just need to document your masters and you should be fine without having to do an international cert. Good luck!

[norwalkesl]

[evolving81]

Thanks for the reply. We actually have to do two internships. One semester focused on observing and some teaching and one semester of teaching an entire course. If all else fails I guess I can always go to Saudi Arabia.