Job Discussion Forums

[TheGreatAdventurer]

Greetings all,

I recently discovered my real dream in life... to travel the world and teach English! I am in my mid-30s, have a 2-year Associate's Degree from a local college, and have many years of experience in both the I.T. and aviation industries. In I.T. I've trained countless people on hardware and software usage both formally and informally, and in aviation I was a Certified Flight Instructor and for about a year taught students how to fly (both in the air and on the ground).

At the current time I don't have a TEFL certificate however I plan on getting the CELTA within the next couple of years. There are many places that I hope to see during the next couple of decades and I plan to stay in each location for at least a couple of years, immersing myself fully into the culture and learning the local language, only stopping when I've finally found the spot that I TRULY feel I belong.

I'll know where that spot is when, among other things, I meet the woman of my dreams...

The biggest hole in my portfolio is, of course, the lack of a 4-year degree. I'd like to think that my 2-year degree will count for something and help me find decent opportunities in the countries of my choice, yet regardless I WILL finish the 4 year degree and likely continue pursuing higher educational goals as I travel.

My question to you, friends, is simply this -- with my current qualifications, which countries are my best bet for finding a decent first teaching opportunity? On the off-chance that I wanted to get this greatest of adventures underway before completing a CELTA, would I still be able to find a solid opportunity somewhere?

For the record, I have the most interest in traveling to these areas during the course of my adventure and career:

- Asia (China and/or SE Asia most preferably, with high emphasis on Indonesia)
- Africa (Eastern Africa preferably)
- Eastern Europe
- South America

I also find myself drawn to smaller communities. I'd gladly take a gig in a large city but would prefer smaller cities and even towns or villages. There's just something about the thought of teaching English to the people of a very small town or village in the middle of the jungle somewhere that draws me in...


Thank you in advance for your input. It'll be a couple of years before I'm fully prepared to embark (due to paying off CC debt among other things) and I look forward to reading and contributing here at the Cafe. I've lived the fast life here in suburban America since the day I was born and I am MORE than ready for a true change.

[tttompatz]

Yup, you are correct. Your lack of a 4-year degree will be problematic for you.

In a larger and larger part of Asia the 4-year degree is rapidly becoming the minimum requirement for the work visa / work permits. Your associate degree has virtually no meaning or usefulness out here (as far as the paperwork goes).

Without a degree the chances of legal work do exist but are becoming fewer and farther between (especially in East / SE Asia). It also leaves you competing for jobs with those who do have a degree leaving you at the bottom of the food chain so to speak and usually in the same category as the rest of the backpacking crowd.

It certainly won't get you a job teaching English but your status as a flight instructor (I'm assuming private pilot, single engine, VFR) may get you a job in some places in SE Asia (it will be hard to stay current and legal because of paperwork issues - but not necessarily impossible).

Bottom line:
You CAN find legal work in some countries as an English teacher without your degree.
You won't make decent money.
- $500/mo is common for those with no degree or TEFL/TESOL cert. in those countries where you can find legal work. You can always work for free in the jungles of Indonesia.

Spend a year or so to finish your degree and the picture changes a LOT.
With a degree and a TEFL you can find jobs (in Asia, in EFL) that will let you save (or pay down debt) at the rate of US$12,000 per year.

Without the degree you can find jobs (in Asia, in EFL) that let you save nothing and earn about $6000 per year.

.

[jpvanderwerf2001]

I will second what tttompatz has said: Without a degree your options are limited. I would highly recommend that you take some time and finish your degree (online or otherwise); it's become much cheaper and easier than in the past.
That being said, I do think that parts of Eastern Europe--Ukraine, for example--might be an option. There is no requirement there for a four-year degree that I know of. Russia would be more of a problem, as a degree is usually used for work visa paperwork; however, I should say that I have never tried to get a work visa for a non-degree holder. I do know a guy here (in Russia) who teaches at a university and doesn't hold a degree. I don't quite know how he did that.
Best of luck.

[TheGreatAdventurer]

Thanks for your input.

Would a degree obtained online from a Nationally-Accredited (DETC) only school be acceptable to employers? For instance, Ashworth has an early childhood education BA program. Would that meet the requirements to legally get a Visa (and good job opportunity) in Indonesia?

[tttompatz]

[spiral78]

I can speak for the Central European region, where a degree is not a legal requirement and your two-year thingie would be sufficient. You WOULD need a CELTA or equivalent, as the vast majority of new teachers on the job market have one. You might be able to get into some niche of aviation English as well, but not likely without local contacts in the field, making this a year-two possibility, but not a first-year one.

Salaries in this region are subsistence-level: you can make enough to live ok and enjoy the local area, but any purchase from a pair of new jeans on up will require budgeting in advance - no chance to pay off debts from here.

One other more general note for you: you seem to be aiming to travel around a bit, I assume working one contract in a region and then moving on. That's fine, and many people do it, but do be aware that the better jobs in any region usually go to people who have got a bit established there: they speak the local language (to some degree), have established reputations and made contacts.

Moving around after each contract ensures that you will remain on the bottom of the food chain, essentially.

One more general note: not all regions are created equal in terms of experience. For example, European and Asian students differ very widely in terms of approaches and methods in the classroom and their motivation and goals for learning. A few years in Asia won't count for much on the European job market, and likely vice versa as well.

[TheGreatAdventurer]

[tttompatz]

[Glenski]

[tttompatz]

[TheGreatAdventurer]

Not seeking any "sympathy" here, gentlemen... simply inquiring about my options. Please don't read so much into my choice of words.

At any rate, thanks for your input.

[marmot]

TGA, I only have an associate's degree and have had ZERO problems finding well paying jobs in China and have a work permit. I'm making the equivalent of about 2,000 USD per month, which goes a long way here. Many of the teachers I know have no degree either but all seem to at least have a TEFL cert of some sort. Don't listen to the fear mongers on this forum, things are not as complicated as they seem and if you have a decent head on your shoulders you can easily find work. I'm also finishing my degree at the moment online and it is doable if you can avoid distractions and focus on your class assignments. Best of luck!

[TheGreatAdventurer]

Thanks for the input, marmot. I actually looked very favorably at China as a place to begin my TEFL career, however from what I read I got the impression that they were getting very strict about requiring a 4-year degree for legal employment. I'll have to keep an eye on the opportunities there!

And guys, for the record, I certainly do value education. The only reason I am contemplating teaching before finishing my Bachelors is so I can begin this incredible adventure sooner. Once established in my first teaching gig I would spend most of my free time finishing the degree, allowing me to gain valuable experience in the meantime.

[Glenski]

[TheGreatAdventurer]