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swankyo0
Joined: 04 Jan 2011 Posts: 2
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Posted: Thu Jan 06, 2011 12:15 am Post subject: Opinions: Limited Cert options in US |
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Hi, I'm new. I'm looking for some opinions on the plan I am loosely forming as I research my options. I have extremely limited funds and time while still shore-side, so I need to plan WELL in advance.
I am currently working as a non-profit literacy tutor in St Louis, Missouri, and am just starting on getting a BA in Linguistic Anthropology. I am seriously considering TEFL as a career path, not just a jaunt across the globe for a little while, however, I am very committed to my Linguistic Anthropology degree. All this adds up to not having much money and no options of worth-while certifications in my area. So, I've done some searching and I think I have something figured out, but I was wondering if anyone could weigh in as to weather it's a good plan or I'm completely insane.
The school I am going to offers a study abroad program I would be able to afford in Korea, close to The British Council in Seoul that offers a CELTA course. I could, conceivably, plan on completing the CELTA cert during my winter break for this study abroad program. However, I would need to return to the US to complete my degree for another year after my certification, and I think it would take another year after that for me to be able to afford to go abroad again.
I am most interested in teaching in SE Asia or China, Korea is certainly on the list. I feel like going to Korea for study abroad and cert and then coming back for two years will put me at a disadvantage and be kinda of wasteful, however, since I work in non-profit education, it would take a ridiculous amount of time to save the money to travel to and stay anywhere long enough to get my cert and find a job. I may never be able to afford it, actually.
So, do you lovely, intelligent, experienced people think this is an ok working plan, or should I scrap it and start over? Is there a different option for getting a CELTA, Trinity or SIT in the middle of the US that I'm not finding?
Thanks for any opinions/advice! Reading this forum has been a great help to my research- you old-hands are an amazing resource for n00bs like me. |
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tttompatz

Joined: 06 Mar 2010 Posts: 1951 Location: Talibon, Bohol, Philippines
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Posted: Thu Jan 06, 2011 2:48 am Post subject: |
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Honestly...
Finish your degree. (your options are severely limited without it).
THEN:
Look at someplace like Korea or China where you can get a decent wage and benefits package that includes airfare (and housing, medical, etc).
Work abroad for a couple years. Pay off your student loans/debt.
Take your CELTA at your convenience (it is not needed for jobs in China or Korea (or virtually anywhere else is Asia for that matter - as long as you have your degree)).
Then consider your future options from there if you are still interested in the field. (MA, DELTA, PGCE, etc).
ESL/EFL as a career path can be rewarding and there are lots of options for those who are qualified.
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smithrn1983
Joined: 23 Jul 2010 Posts: 320 Location: Moscow
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Posted: Thu Jan 06, 2011 5:43 am Post subject: |
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You can do a CELTA at Bridge TEFL in Denver (www.bridgetefl.com). Finishing your degree is the most important thing, though. |
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Enigma2011
Joined: 28 Dec 2010 Posts: 60
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Posted: Thu Jan 06, 2011 5:45 am Post subject: |
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Finish the degree, no matter how long it takes. The degree will be necessary to teach in Japan for example, so by all means finish. You could possibly try to do the CELTA after you graduate if you can find a place that offers it.
A degree and the CELTA will open doors for you. If you want to make a career in EFL, go on and do the DELTA a little later. My 2 cents. Good luck! |
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swankyo0
Joined: 04 Jan 2011 Posts: 2
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Posted: Thu Jan 06, 2011 6:06 am Post subject: |
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Yeah, the degree is not negotiable. One way or another, I will finish that. I'm actually a big fan of 'studying' culture, I don't think I could stop now if I wanted to. My head might explode. lol
Thanks for the info, tttompatz. I was functioning under the impression that in order to get a decent position, even in Asia, you really needed at least the equivalent of a BA and a CELTA. If that's not the case, then my world just got a whole lot easier.
smithrn1983, I live about 850 miles from Denver and would have no way of keeping myself close to that location for long enough to complete the course. On my current salary it will take me about a year to save just the price of the course. I work for the government, sort of, so my schooling is pretty much covered, or I wouldn't be doing that either right now.
Thanks everyone! ^_^[/i] |
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Ariadne
Joined: 16 Jul 2004 Posts: 960
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Posted: Thu Jan 06, 2011 9:06 am Post subject: |
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Check to see if your university offers a TESOL certificate program. You might be able to work it in alongside your other studies, or after you finish. The practicum would most likely be in a local school and you would be able to stay put until you finished everything. Some extra costs, but no travel expenses. It's worth checking.
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