Job Discussion Forums

tim_watts · Joined: 15 Jan 2010 Posts: 17 Location: London

I am 38 year old British native and have a couple of years experience giving private lessons in the UK. I recently completed the Cambridge CELTA because I want to make English language teaching my career.

The problem is I don't have a degree. What can I do and where can I teach?

I would happily work almost anywhere in Europe, Asia or Latin America.

I work well with people from different backgrounds and am able to present myself well. I have many years of experience working in the UK and as a self-employed person, but I now want to make a serious go at ELT and make a decent life for myself abroad.

I have been applying for some jobs advertised in various places, but met little success. Can anyone give me any helpful suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

Most European countries do NOT legally require a first degree for language teachers (at least not at the newbie level). Keep in mind that most job candidates on this generally tight market DO have a first degree, so you will need that 'good presentation' that you mention to offset your lack. However, presenting yourself as professional and reliable can go a long way with a potential employer. Any previous business experience may also be a plus, as most schools in this region do extensive work with businesspeople.

The market is tight in general, and jobs are not usually found from abroad. You'll need to consider start up costs - getting to a city, seeking work, and planning to pay you way for a few months prior to a first paycheck. Worse news: wages are subsistence level for the first year or two in a new city. It simply takes some time to establish local contacts and repuation (and local language skills) to get hooked up with the 'better' jobs that may be around.

Plan your timing well - most jobs are Sept/Oct thru June, with a couple of really dead months in the summer. If you can start your job search at the very end of August/September, you should have a decent shot at finding something.

Expect a couple of frugal years, networking and studying the local language, before you can hopefully find something that pays a bit better than the minimum needed to live on. It's do-able, but takes some time and dedication (and luck) to make it something that will provide what most people consider a 'decent living.'

tttompatz

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

Most of Latin America is open to you...Mexico, Costa Rica, Peru are good examples.

nickpellatt · Joined: 08 Dec 2006 Posts: 1522

Look at getting the degree. Distance learning courses are available from the Open University, and if you are a UK resident earning less than �18,000 a year (or similar) the entire cost of the degree is FREE! Its all covered by grants that do not require repayment. Plus you even get money toward study expenses, computer etc. I know because I started in EFL without a degree and took the OU route to get one.

Madame J · Posted: Fri Jan 07, 2011 7:48 pm Post subject:

I believe Laos is also an option. Indonesia is a little debatable now, as the government has now brought in legislation requiring all teachers to have QTS. How routinely this is being enforced is another matter, however.

I don't have a degree either, but have been advised that in some instances having higher TEFL qualifications such as the DELTA can offset the lack of degree once you gain the experience needed to take the course in the first place. Not very helpful for you at this point in time admittedly, but it may be something to think about if you do decide that TEFL is for you and want to make a career out of it.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

As mentioned, with regard to Japan, if you want a work visa, you'll need a degree or 3 years of related work experience. There are other visas you can get, though, that permit work (usually only PT, though).
student visa
cultural activities visa
dependent visa
spouse visa

Working holiday visa is nice, but you are too old for that, it's good only for a year, anyway.

tim_watts · Joined: 15 Jan 2010 Posts: 17 Location: London

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

tim_watts · Joined: 15 Jan 2010 Posts: 17 Location: London

tim_watts · Joined: 15 Jan 2010 Posts: 17 Location: London

tim_watts · Joined: 15 Jan 2010 Posts: 17 Location: London

Thanks Tompatz, Madame and Glenski.

It's sounds like Japan is out of the question because I don't have a degree or three years proven experience.

Also sounds like Thailand and Indonesia would be risky options long-term. I may not be able to settle their easily and make a decent life for myself.

Does everyone agree that Cambodia and Laos are good options for someone with no degree, but has a CELTA?

Would the South-Eastern coastal provinces of China be possible? Would I need to fly into the country to look for work?

What about Vietnam or the Philippines?

I really am flexible, just want to be able to settle to a decent life reasonably near the sea Smile

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

tim_watts · Joined: 15 Jan 2010 Posts: 17 Location: London

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

What do you think are my chances without a degree in Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, Serbia, Romania, Ukraine or Turkey?

Yes to all - but wages are relatively on the 'very low' end, and if you're interested in 'making a life there' it's going to be very difficult. Turkey is the most feasible of this list in terms of living wages, and there is a vibrant 'Turkey' forum below where you can pursue more information regarding it.

Would Portugal, Spain, France, Italy or Greece be out of the question?
Again, no degree is legally required. However, keep in mind that wages are subsistence level for newbies, and it would take some time and commitment to work your way into positions that pay better than a bare minimum.