Job Discussion Forums

[scot47]

"Do a Cert with us and you can get a job anywhere".

This is the sort of misleading advertising that leads the gullible to believe that they can find a job in the Faroe Islands or the Philipines, in India or in Sweden.

There is an economc phenomenon known as the "Job Market" - in EFL as in other fields. You cannot just get a job anywhere you want - even with amazing qualifications.

Anyway we can continue to expect these posts : "But why can't I go and work in the Congo ?"

[spiral78]

Hey, guys, would you agree that a cert issued without any requirement for observed teaching practice is a bit dodgy????

[shmooj]

[ebritton]

I appreciate the questions about training providers - that's such an important area for a 'newbie' like me to consider.

I'm leaning toward Global TESOL College for some specific and individual reasons - they won't apply to everyone. I have a Masters degree in educational design and administration and 17 years in the business at various levels. An 'observed teaching practicum' isn't going to necessarily add value in my particular case - been there done that - although I'll probably exercise the option in any case. If an individual doesn't already have a background in teaching, then a practicum will be critical.

Also, I've examined the curriculum from Global and it's first class - practical and marketable stuff. I'm looking for specialities and they have them. They have a large global network and seem to have the street smarts as far as I can tell. The 'professional diploma' is 600 hours.

I have looked at the 4 week CELTA course, and, while I appreciate that it is widely recognized in some areas, I didn't feel it addresses the gaps in my personal profile as well as Global. There is also the piece the CELTA is British and Global is Canadian, so, again in my case, the Global system is more familiar.

[Gordon]

[spiral78]

I posted here initially because I am an accredited classroom teacher in the US, but found ELS/TEFL a whole new kettle of fish, so to speak.....and from my perspective six years post-TEFL cert, I am still grateful for the teaching practicum. I'm currently pursuing a MA in the field; and my personal belief is that this is NOT the same as teaching general subjects to native speakers in your/their native language. Methodologies, classroom culture, and the experience in general vary quite a bit.....
Curious whether others on the forum who are experienced in the subject agree or not, and why??!!

[Roger]

What I am missing in your query is a pointer to your motivation for looking for a job overseas.
If you have never lived abroad before it might be a bit challenging at first. Also, with four or five dependants it's a bit dicey! Especially in countries such as China or Taiwan!
Home schooling - can your wife quarantee the results she would get if your kids attended a school back home? It's tough, you know!

I am more cautious although I have been in China for many years and personally, I do think more mature types fit in here.
BUt your kids are not grown up yet, and they might feel a big strain from this uprooting! From my own childhood experience I would add my insight that children need stability and permanency, especially with friends and relatives.

[Ben Round de Bloc]