Job Discussion Forums

[General Disarray]

After much reading of other peoples post and searching on the internet to gathar information. There really is no better way to get information I find than to ask people who have been there and done the job.

My situation;

1) Graduated a year ago with a Bsc degree in Pure Mathematics
2) No TEFL/CELTA/TESOL qualification at any level
3) Teaching experience limited to helping out at local Sea Cadet unit where I have taken classes of up to 8 children
4) British nationality
5) 22 years of age nearly

Questions;

1) For first job realistically due to financial and experience reasons I believe I will be limited to Asia. Japan would have been my preferred country but I understand there has been an increase of teachers there while a decrease of jobs due to a recent bankrupt of big schools? Which leaves me to S. Korea and China would I be correct in assuming.

2) Looking at this, I don't think I can outright at the moment afford a CELTA qualification, it will at the very least leave me pushing my budget to the very edge. I have been looking at doing a CertTESOL which at last I have found a local place which offers the qualification. The place is given to me direct from the trinity college website, so I can be confident that I'll be getting the real deal with it? I don't want to really be forking out for a bogus course/scam. The amount of courses advertised on the internet is an amazing amount.

I have recently browsed through the posts and seen a respected poster post about The Boland School. What would be peoples opinions on moving to the country you would like to teach in and carry out the course there? It does look as I have left it too late for this year for that particular school though.

3) I have worries that I have left this too late in the year, by that I mean that all academic years by the looks of thing begin in September. What would you rate my chances of getting a job say in mid October/November time?

4) Last small minor point, I enjoyed Maths at university level, the problem is that most jobs that lead off from it seem to be mind-blowingly boring. What is the chance of being able to go to a school and teach Maths, I do understand that not being able to speak the native language will be a problem with that.

Thanks in advance for any help, much appreciated.

[tttompatz]

Japan will be a tough road on a low budget since you will need 2000+ pounds to see you through to your first pay in addition to your airfare.

Korea is an option for those with entry level qualifications and are on a shoestring getting started. More information is available on the Korean boards (separate registration required). Schools there will often prepay your airfare and housing is usually supplied so your only expenses are visa costs and food for your first month.

China is also an option with salaries in the 6000+ rmb range being pretty common as a starting point. Housing is usually supplied so you only need to worry about coming up with your airfare and visa costs. If you are prudent you can save enough over a year or so to get yourself moved and started in a country with more savings potential or improve your qualifications.

In all 3 of the above cases you do not need any TESOL/TEFL certification for a work visa or to obtain employment BUT it would be in your best interests to get something so you don't get shoved into a classroom cold on your first day.

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[Glenski]

[General Disarray]

[TeresaLopez]

[/quote]

The latter is why I'd take the courses, I'd feel as if I was letting down the students who were paying for me to teach them more than anything else.[/quote]

Just believing this already puts you head and shoulders above half the newbies wanting the teach English! Have you considered Mexico at all? There are international schools here where you could teach Math in English, and some will pay your airfare. Pay can be quite good, and you wouldn't need a lot of $$$ (sorry don't know how to make a pound sign) to see you through till the first check.

[nickpellatt]

Trinity courses are legit, and if you have been recommended something from their own website Im sure you dont have anything to worry about. I completed my Trinity about two years ago and recommend it highly. I did mine at St Giles in Eastbourne BTW.

Public schools jobs may have a certain hiring season, private language centres do not....I started my last job late December last year so there are places that hire all year round.

I dont think you would have much chance in China with teaching math to be honest....thats just an opinion and not based on any facts and figures though....and it would be a waste of time to spend the money on a Trinity course too. I dont think it would help much if you were teaching math.

[General Disarray]