Job Discussion Forums

[Juche]

I have a B.S. degree in a scientific field (rather than a B.A. in a humanities field like english, which is what it seems many ESL teachers have) and am curious about doing ESL. Does it matter if you have a B.S. in a scientific field rather than a B.A. in a humanities field?

I've got a contract position lined up as a laboratory technician, but it is just a contract and I will not get placed permanently. So I am wondering about becoming an ESL teacher for a few years when that is over.

As far as accreditation, I am under the impression that Trinity, CELTA & DELTA are the main/only accepted accreditations for these positions, and anything online really doesn't count.

However when I looked into it, I really couldn't find training programs in those 3 programs near where I live, they were several thousand dollars and far away (so living expenses would go up too). I can afford to pay for the training, but have heard that some people get placed with just a bachelors degree so don't know if it is 100% necessary or not.

I guess I feel like I'd rather try to do a contract as an ESL teacher with just my B.S. degree, and if I like doing it (teaching ESL) then do certification like Trinity, CELTA or DELTA to open more doors. That way I don't end up spending thousands on a certificate for something I don't want to do for very long.

Another issue is I think I'd prefer to teach in southeast asia or latin America. I think I'd like latin american culture and SE Asian culture (despite the differences), so places like Taiwan, Costa Rica, Thailand, S. Korea, Nicaragua, etc. would be placed I'd like to visit and see. I am under the impression that in countries in central america or the country of Taiwan simply having a bachelors is enough to get a job. It probably won't be as good as what you can get with CELTA or Trinity accreditation, but I am under the impression you can get something.

Also, does age matter? I started college late and will be in my early 30s (32-ish) when I am ready to travel overseas for this. It seems most ESL teachers are early/mid 20s. Does my age make a difference?

What about prescription medications? I have a few prescriptions for things like hypertension (nothing I take is scheduled, ie no narcotics or anything), am I able to have those prescriptions filled in host countries via the mail or do I need to see a doctor there to do that?

Thanks

[Ursula]

[Glenski]

[denise]

If you get certification, you should look for an introductory TEFL course (CELTA, Trinity, etc.). DELTA isn't an introduction--it's a more advanced qualification.

No, we're not all in our 20s. A lot of us start young, though. Since you'll be entering as a newbie (and one with... sorry... minimal qualifications), you will be eligible for the same types of jobs as the 20-somethings, so you could end up being the elder at your place of work.

d

[naturegirl321]

But being "older" means that they might take you more seriously and you could move up faster. The thing about Latin America is that while Mexico will get you a visa, many other places expect you to border hop or already have a visa. I know that in Peru, they won't get you a visa, flight, or housing. In Uruguay, I believe that you can get your own visa. IN Ecuador, don't even think about overstaying because they're cracking down on visas.

[Isla Guapa]

[naturegirl321]

[JLL]

[Glenski]

JLL,
Your experience is not the norm in Japan for getting prescriptions. In fact, I'd say it was darned rare!