Job Discussion Forums

XelaNiamas · Joined: 18 Sep 2010 Posts: 7

Hey guys, new to the thread. Here are my basic qualifications

-26 y/o White Male, BA degree, Native speaker of English

It seems those are the basic qualifications to find a job teaching overseas. I am interesting in taking an online TESOL course (60 HR, 100HR, 120HR?) as well.

I have no formal teaching experience. I've had various jobs throughout my life ranging from working with children with disabilities, mundane office work, construction.

Just wondering if someone could give me some pointers and what direction I should take. Ideally I would like to take the online course, work overseas for a year or two to gain some valuable experience, and possibly receive my MA in TESL.

Seems many of the people on this board have enjoyed teaching overseas and was just wondering if someone could give me some advice and maybe point me in the right direction? Thank you! Very Happy

tttompatz · Posted: Thu Jun 16, 2011 11:43 pm Post subject:

It depends on where on the planet you are from and where you are headed.

If you are from the UK and considering Europe, get the CELTA and skip the on-line course. A significant part of Europe is not open to NON-EU members.

If you are from the US/Canada/AUS/NZ and headed for Asia then get the 100 hour (or more) course. In SOME countries (like Korea) you can get a pay bump if the course is MORE THAN 100 hours.

In the rest of Asia (Japan, Taiwan, china, etc) it largely won't matter in terms of pay/benefits but it may help you when you are dropped into a classroom for the first time.

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

To add to tttompatz, I would ask just why you are thinking of getting into TEFL/TESL. Are you serious about making the commitment to a long-term career change? If so, get a masters degree and certification, perhaps even a teaching license (for international schools).

What "direction" you should take depends on where you want to go vocationally as well as geographically.

XelaNiamas · Joined: 18 Sep 2010 Posts: 7

Thanks for the timely response guys. I wholeheartedly appreciate it

I am american which is something I neglected to mention as well

I've never had a career so to speak just various odd jobs to pay the bills. A masters degree would be an option but I don't have the finances to pay for that. I hear that getting the TEFL certificate is something good to have which is what you guys mentioned as well. Its not expensive but I know there are some scams out there

As far as me being serious it is something I've thought about for a long time. I work well with younger children albeit this would be something of a larger magnitude

Thanks again for the responses guys. I am appreciative of any help or advice that is offered to me

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

What areas of the world are you looking at?

If possible, go for an onsite course rather than online, they're more accepted.

The good news is taht you already have experience working with children, so that could help you.

Usually peopel start teaching and get a TEFL cert shortly after, or get a TEFL cert and then start teaching.

It might be good to get a coupleyears under your belt before going for an MA. In fact, some places even require you to have two years experience.
In addition, some places will give you credits for work experience or havin ga TEFL cert.

XelaNiamas · Joined: 18 Sep 2010 Posts: 7

(I am just basing this on from what I've read on the internet), but I hear Asia is a good place to start considering their are minimal qualifications. China, Korea, or Thailand are places I've considered.

I feel that receiving an MA in TEFL would benefit me, but I think garnering some work experience firsthand will better serve me. Also my GPA wasn't that great, nor do I have any linguistics or formal teaching in my background. I think teaching a year overseas for a year or two will be something great to put on my resume before I apply to grad school.

tttompatz · Posted: Sat Jun 18, 2011 1:28 am Post subject:

XelaNiamas · Joined: 18 Sep 2010 Posts: 7

Thanks for the detailed response. It seems like korea is the best option from some of the sites I've visited in terms of job availability and wages. I have about 2000 saved up thus far. Basically saving money is my top priority and although places like china have a lower cost of living, you are right that their reembursment packages aren't great either

Thanks again and ill keep you posted on how things pan out.