Job Discussion Forums

[techselector]

Hello everyone,

I'm currently a college student and have been doing a lot of research on teaching English abroad. Vietnam looks promising and I have a few questions.

I have a variety of choices to choose from concerning qualification to teach ESL. I already have a minor in the education field (so I'll have actual teaching experience). I have the choice to add on an additional minor at my university in ESL where I complete 18 credit hours of ESL classes in addition to a teaching seminar (where I teach ESL in a local school for a whole semester). My school also offers the Oxford Seminar certification class, so there's another option. I'm well aware of their lacking reputation. I'm also considering getting my MA in ESL, but not really sure about that yet.

My main priority is to be well qualified before I set foot in Vietnam. I've heard people mention that the government requires CELTA/DELTA certs or equivalent. Getting one of these is out of the question for me in the US because of financial constraints.

So, for someone considering teaching English long-term in Vietnam, my question is this:

If I were to receive my ESL teaching license in my state would I still need to add on an ESL certification? It seems redundant. Especially considering how much more intensive my ESL minor at my university is in comparison to those 4-week programs. I'll even have extended teaching experience.

also: if I went to Vietnam with my BA, teaching experience + Oxford Seminar ESL certification (no ESL minor in this case) would I still be in good shape? Not sure if the Oxford Seminar ESL certification is considered equivalent to the CELTA/DELTA in Vietnam

Long post, I know. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Beautiful Loser]

Oxford seminars doesn't have a practicum/observed teaching, so I wouldn't waste my money. A TESOL from them doesn't carry 1/4 of the wieight a CELTA does, for anyone who knows the industry. Whether it be a TESOL or CELTA, you should earn it here. That gives you a chance to get acclimated and get a feeling for the Vietnamese classroom. I didn't earn one when I first arrived and ended up regretting it. Your situation is a bit different than mine was though.

Last I heard, a certified teacher didn't need a TESOL or a CELTA. In fact,. anyone with an English degree didn't need one. That may have changed and if it didn't it may before you graduate.

[techselector]

thanks for your response. that option had crossed my mind: go to Vietnam and earn it there. i also tried to pm you about the job market in Vietnam right now and your experience there, but since i only have two posts at the moment it wouldn't let me

[Dekadan]

Hey techselector,
After re-reading your post, I was wondering if you could give some clarification: you said you're minoring in the education field, does this mean you will be a certified teacher afterwards (it seems the Beautiful Loser assumed that you will be, though I'm a little sleep-deprived and maybe reading into things that I shouldn't be)? Regardless, your ESL classes sound like they would fit the bill for the requirements to work in Viet Nam, seeing as how the CELTA - which is supposed to be one of the better certificates - is only a 120 hour course. If you can, pick some potential employers and contact them to see if it measures up.

Regardless, you can always do the CELTA there. It would be cheaper than doing it in the States, plus as Beautiful Loser said, get you acclimated. Heck, if it's your first time making the jump abroad, you might want to head over a week or two ahead of time. It will give you a chance to deal with the jet lag. And don't forget culture shock, that knocked me for a loop after my first month there.

I can't speak on the job market, no longer over there. Good luck!