Job Discussion Forums

[elizabethka]

My name is Elizabeth. I am 24 years old, and I live in the US. I have been thinking about teaching in other countries for a few years now, and I think I am finally ready to do it. I have been doing a lot of research lately on the subject and found numerous programs for getting a certificate. I would really like to get feedback from anyone who has gotten one. I have a lot of questions and would appreciate any answers

For example, some places abroad do not require any experience or certification. What are the benefits of having the TEFL certification?

As of right now I'm not sure how long I want to teach abroad, so can a certificate be used in the U.S.? And also, what can you do with the experience when you�re finished travelling? How long do most people who get a TEFL certificate work abroad?

Also, are there only certain countries I can legally teach in? And while I am completing the program will I need a visa? Are there other documents that I need when travelling? How long does it take to process my travelling information? And because of my documents, how far in advance would I need to apply?

Which countries would you recommend studying/working? Right now, I am interested in Prague, Paris, or anywhere in Italy. I just need some help narrowing it down haha

Upon completion of the program, would a job be guaranteed? If not, what percentage of people find a job immediately after graduation?

Although I know each program is different, could you give me a general idea of what the classes are like? For example, what kind of information do you learn in class? How long are the classes? Are the classes group-oriented or individualized?

And finally, would you recommend one certification program over another?

I hope everyone isn't overwhelmed by all of my questions! I just really want to be sure that this is what I should do before I apply! Thanks so much everyone

[spiral78]

Benefits of having certification: Well, not to be snarky, but primarily you have a clue about what to do in the classroom. Years ago, when English was just beginning to really catch on in many countries, it was enough to be just a native speaker. The job market has changed substantially over the past couple of decades, and only places with a very strong demand for teachers (mostly Asia) still regularly hire teachers with no training.

As of right now I'm not sure how long I want to teach abroad, so can a certificate be used in the U.S.? And also, what can you do with the experience when you�re finished travelling? How long do most people who get a TEFL certificate work abroad?

The US job market for ESL is very tight. It is unlikely that you will find much in most of the US with just a newbie-level 30 day certificate. Some employers are impressed with experience abroad, some not. Impossible to answer your last question. Some one year, some of us many, many. I'm at 14 now myself.

Also, are there only certain countries I can legally teach in? And while I am completing the program will I need a visa? Are there other documents that I need when travelling? How long does it take to process my travelling information? And because of my documents, how far in advance would I need to apply?

This is all country-specific. There is no general answer. EXCEPT: bad news. Non-EU member state citizens (assuming you have only a US and not a British passport too) are effectively banned from working legally in most Western European counties. Paris and Italy are essentially impossible dreams for newbie level Americans, unless you want to consider a study-exchange through a university. (You have to really study in the foreign uni, usually using French or Italian in class).

Which countries would you recommend studying/working? Right now, I am interested in Prague, Paris, or anywhere in Italy. I just need some help narrowing it down haha

It is still possible to get a legal work permit as an American in Prague, though it's becoming more difficult. I can refer you to the Czech Rep forum below for more info on current conditions there. It's a very tight job market.


Upon completion of the program, would a job be guaranteed? If not, what percentage of people find a job immediately after graduation?

Job guarantees are only valid for cert programmes that offer to hire their own grads for their own schools. Otherwise, all any programme can do is to give you contacts. You will stlll be responsible to send out resumes, interview, conduct demo lessons, negotiate contracts, etc. It's the real world. As for timing, that depends on the country. If you finish your course when most contracts begin (September in most of Europe) then you have a better chance than finishing in, say, November.

Although I know each program is different, could you give me a general idea of what the classes are like? For example, what kind of information do you learn in class? How long are the classes? Are the classes group-oriented or individualized?

Good courses are intensive. Expect to be pressured and stressed - it's tough. Classes focus on approaches and methods used in many classrooms, and practice of these. Your grammar skills are important. Most courses run one month. Don't expect to do much extra - no major partying weekends in this time period! Classes are mostly group/pair oriented - the individual tasks are teaching that is supervised by experienced trainers. There is feedback on how well you do.

In general, FYI, reputable newbie level courses are 120 hours on-site, with real teaching practice with real students. Online and distance courses are considered substandard in many regions (Europe is one of them). CELTA or Trinity are the name brand certs, but there are some generic courses that fit the requirements.

[Glenski]

[FoundWaldo]

To add to the discussion:

What are the benefits of having the TEFL certification?

If you have little or no teaching experience, taking a TEFL course will help you adjust to teaching and help with classroom management. Generally, you will also be eligible to demand more money, thus making up for the extra cost of the course.

What can you do with the experience when you�re finished travelling? How long do most people who get a TEFL certificate work abroad?

This is a tough one and really depends on you. A friend of mine came back to the US and started teaching full-time. I, however, got involved in the recruiting process. Really depends on what your goals are.

I taught English abroad for two years. If I stayed any longer I probably never would have left.

Also, are there only certain countries I can legally teach in? And while I am completing the program will I need a visa? Are there other documents that I need when travelling? How long does it take to process my travelling information? And because of my documents, how far in advance would I need to apply?

If a school is advertising a position here, there is a good chance that you will be able to legally work there. Different countries do have different work visa requirements, so when you apply you'll have to pay attention to that. South Korea, for example, has a lengthy visa process that requires a criminal background check and letters of reference. China is similar. Getting a Taiwan visa, however, is as easy as showing up.

To be safe, figure 6-8 weeks to get all your documents in order.

Which countries would you recommend studying/working?

Working in Europe these days is difficult these days. There are just not that many jobs available, and those that are tend to go to EU citizens. Your best bet is the Czech Republic as previously mentioned, or applying through the French Culture program (although you must have a strong level of French). http://www.frenchculture.org

There are more opportunities to teach abroad in Asia: China, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, etc.

Upon completion of the program, would a job be guaranteed?

No gaurentees, but your chances are good for finding a job quickly. This is a risk though.

That's all I have to say for now. Good luck! If you are looking for more teaching opportunities abroad, check out MOD EDIT

Cheers!

[Mr. Kalgukshi]

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