Job Discussion Forums

[spiral78]

The problem with 'only' experience in Asia (and Korea's included, of course) is that the accepted classroom practices there are often very different from those in other parts of the world, as are student expectations and motivations.

Employers these days are well aware that there can be significant differences. Simply put, experience in Asia doesn't always translate to other parts of the world.

gloomy, in your case I'd go for a CELTA or equivalent. What you learn on such a course is likely to be quite different from what you've learned on your own.

[gloomyGumi]

thanks spiral78..........oh well, looks like this 47 yr old brain has to dust tself off and hit the books after so many years......sigh..........

[billy orr]

I don't think DELTA is exactly the equivalent of a Masters, I think it can be counted as one course or module in some modular Masters.

[spiral78]

billy, you are correct - it's counted as part credit towards an MA, but is not equivalent. There was a mistake in the post that discussed this, and it's been corrected.

Good luck, gloomygumi:-) It won't be so bad
To be honest, I've worked in teacher training for some time and I agree with you that some people have a talent for the job: it seems (IME) to boil down to focus, ability to listen and respond to students, and a real interest in the job. Adding a CELTA to the mix makes one a pretty decent teacher - of course, further quals are always helpful!

[delal]

I sort of assumed that you were in TEFL for the long haul
That changes my advice and so why not do the i-to-i course after all? I recently did the teaching kids add-on with i-to-i (needs must as there's no course provider where I am). It was tremendously easy and I approached it as a break between cleaning, cooking, ironing etc. It was a bit like doing a mock GCSE in your fave subject after having completed a masters.