Job Discussion Forums

[nick1977]

Hi, I have been delaying the idea of taking the plunge, and now I feel the time is right. I have a degree and have been working as a support worker helping the severely disabled obtain college and university education for quite some time. I'm thinking about teaching as a long term thing, I don't as yet have a teaching qualification, I'm looking into a CELTA course doing the four week 120 hour. I initially thought about Vietnam but after reading what's happening over there as regards to work permits and visas, it's put me off. I would like some advice on where to start? Do I finish the course, get on a plane and just go for it? What's worrying me at the moment is if it doesn't work out I have to come back, and that's the one thing I don't want to do.

[Glenski]

If you are serious about doing this long-term, get the CELTA first. Meanwhile, decide which country(ies) interest you, and gather information about the types of teaching there, what the market it like there, what the work conditions are like, and what immigration regulations need to be followed.

[Chancellor]

Also, if you're thinking about doing this long-term, keep in mind that qualifications like CELTA, Trinity, SIT, and the various generics are merely entry-level qualifications. At some point you're going to want to look at additional training, e.g. the DELTA, a graduate certificate in TESL or a graduate degree in TESL or applied linguistics. And if you ever hope to teach children, having government teacher qualifications from your home country (in TESL if you can get it) would open up some additional doors. But one thing at a time - go get your entry-level qualifications first and get hired by a school in your country of choice (or at least whatever country will accept you).

[nick1977]

Thanks for the advice, some food for thought. I will look into starting the CELTA course over in the U.K before making the move. Didn't realise that CELTA was just the first step, I find all these different language courses confusing. Thanks for advice regarding further qualifications, that's something I will definitely look into. Would I be correct in saying that your teaching qualification reflects the amount of starting pay? This is something that concerns me, as I need to be able to support myself. Does anyone have any advice on which country would be a good starting point, for both the experience needed to progress and for the financial stability?

[nickpellatt]

You should google 'ILA Vietnam' and 'Apollo Vietnam' both advertise positions often and I believe both may offer in-country training allowing you to get the required cert 'in-country'. Lots of people support the idea of doing the cert in the country where you want to teach, and if you can take a certificate through a provider that offers employment opportunities, it might take away that concern you have about needing to return home. An option to consider.

Generally though ... I think if you can do a cert from the relative comfort of your hometown, then this is always a good idea as it makes the course process a little easier I think. Id be fairly sure that with a degree, a cert and a good attitude you can find work easily enough anyway.

I dont think financial stability will be a problem as a first year teacher....unless you have debts to service and a family to support. From my limited experience in China, even entry level jobs pay enough for you to enjoy a pretty good standard of living locally.

[Glenski]

[nick1977]

Thanks again for the advice, feel more at ease now. Will be having a look at those language schools posted earlier.

Fortunately I don't have any commitments or anyone to support, just myself.

Will be contacting a local CELTA provider as soon as possible and get the ball rolling. Can't wait to get started.