Job Discussion Forums

moonraven · Joined: 24 Mar 2004 Posts: 3094

Don't worry about it. I don't have a TEFL certificate, yet am constantly being offered jobs to train teachers in TEFL certification courses....

Roger · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 9138

Du sagst es schon richtig in deinem englischen Titel: "anmassend"...

A guy that thinks he knows everything and investing in furtther education is a waste of his resources is "arrogant"...

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

vespertine · Joined: 29 Mar 2005 Posts: 35

Knowledge of multiple languages and how they function deepen your knowledge in how languages function overall, and thus make you a better English teacher.

Girl Scout · Joined: 13 Jan 2005 Posts: 525 Location: Inbetween worlds

You don't need a TEFL cert. to teach in Korea, Taiwan or China. You only need a BA. Have you actually read the job advertisements for these countries or even tried to apply to any yet?

You need an MA to teach at the university level in Taiwan. Otherwise your qualifications are enough to get a job in almost all of Asia.

sigmoid · Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 1276

Listen to moonraven and girl scout. A TEFL certificate is usually an option for people who have no teaching experience/no confidence. Many if not most schools in many countries will look at the whole package you offer, not just whether or not you're 'certified' Laughing

tedkarma · Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 10:44 pm Post subject:

NJI,

I think you are right - in a general sense - if you wish to continue teaching in an informal sense. (note that you said, " informal english teaching ")

And, I also think that you might truly be a "great" teacher - so how about being a "fantastic" teacher?

I don't think that you really have to go get a TEFL, most people in your situation wouldn't. But, if you wish to stay in TEFL as a career - then you might consider how to make the most of it over the long run. And, as with any career, sharpening the skills and polishing the resume WILL pay off in the long run.

Though I have been overseas since 1989 - I still work on improving my skills. - just recently finished a Cambridge IGCSE "Business Studies" accreditation - to enhance my MBA. Business English and teaching business courses - just a sideline really - but, at 53, I like to keep improving my skills. They all, in their own unique way - enhance my M.Ed. and PGCE and yada yada yada.

All I am really trying to say is that - if you really end up loving this career and loving working overseas - then keep improving, continue adding to your resume - and you might be surprised what comes your way. And what a great life you can create for yourself.

You could, btw, complete a good TEFL Cert in Thailand for less than half of the price you suggested in your original post.

Does that do it? (You said, "Somebody please help me with this rather arrogant/lazy attitude I have.")

ls650 · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 3484 Location: British Columbia

Besides, $3000 is an exorbitant sum to spend on a 4-week TEFL Certificate. You can easily find 4-weekers for half that cost!

JZer · Joined: 16 Jan 2005 Posts: 3898 Location: Pittsburgh

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 1:05 am Post subject:

Alright, You're arrogant. But there was no need to call names. ("Idiot." "german" Smile

)

But seriously, no problem with getting your feet wet, sans certificate. There's work out there, and you'll find some.
But I don't understand your aversion to teacher training either- you have no teaching qualifications at all, yet seem to feel it would be a waste to get any. Hmm...employers will probably not take you as seriously as someone who has made an investment in real training.

Regards,

Justin

sojourner · Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 10:04 am Post subject:

Ted K,

In your posting, you mentioned something about a "Cambridge IGCSE". Out of curiosity, I did a Web search and learnt that it is equivalent to the GSCE. I'm a little confused as to why someone, with an MBA, would want to be enrolled in the IGCSE. Maybe, one of the Cambridge "International Diplomas in Business Studies" would be more suitable for you. Like you, I am also continuously upgrading my qualifications - one of the two units I am doing for the final leg of my MA (Applied Linguistics) is "Language for Specific Purposes", a subject that would be most useful for the teaching of Business Communication, EAP, etc. Anyway, many thanks for advising us of the existence of the Cambridge CIE - and good luck with your studies.

- - - - - - -

Njitalian,

Sorry for hijacking your thread, with respect to my message to Ted !

It could be argued that the one month courses are a bit over-rated (and expensive !). Also, in your case, you may already have some basic idea