Job Discussion Forums

dudeabides · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 21

Hi.

I recently returned from Japan where I taught english for just over 2 years. I enjoyed teaching very much. I've been back in Canada for a few months now. I've started my own business here (non-teaching related)but I can't get the idea of teaching out of my head. I like the idea of teaching teenagers. I thought maybe I'd make a good high school teacher. I really enjoyed working with Japanese youths.

My delema is that I don't have a BA which means if I even consider becoming a teacher I'd first have to go to University for 4 years , plus an extra year of teachers college. By the time I finish I'll be 30. That frightens me.

Has anyone made the leap from Expat English teacher to real teacher back home? Anyone had to get a degree first? Any advice? I'm a little stressed over this.

Thanks.

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

If you want to teach in Canada, I don't see how you will get around not having to get a degree first. I've never met a teacher in Canada who didn't at least have a BA. Did you have a WHV in Japan?

If you want to teach HS, I say go for it. 30 is not that old.

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

If you like teaching get the degree. I have seen plenty of CVs from people who got their degrees as late as in their forties.

zaneth · Posted: Fri May 14, 2004 7:46 am Post subject:

You'll hit 30 either way. Might as well have the degree if it's clear your interested in a degree necessary field. Try not to go into debt if at all possible. Being 30 when you finish your degree will be alright. Ending with loans is a drag.

khmerhit · Posted: Fri May 14, 2004 7:50 am Post subject:

Im working on my degree now--actually im surfing on dave esl cafe and sexpat forum--but you see what i meabn---i shall be about 40 or 50 when i graduate..--no friggin joke either!!! Tell you what dudeabides (good name) ill take over the business if yow write my astronomy exam--theres athougth1!!

denise · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 3419 Location: finally home-ish

If you know that teaching is what you want to do, then the degree (even if it plunges you into debt!) is worth the investment. (And a necessary prerequisite, I would assume.)

I haven't yet returned home to teach, but I did make the jump from First-Time/Newbie EFL Teacher to Damn, I Like This, I'm Gonna Make a Career Out of It EFL Teacher, and I had to go back to school (for a seriously debt-inducing, but worth it, MA). The debt is no fun, but I know that this is what I want to do.

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