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Ethan T
Joined: 27 May 2014 Posts: 10 Location: New Zealand
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Posted: Wed Jun 04, 2014 4:02 am Post subject: |
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I cannot say I ever considered looking into college overseas. In the USA it can come to unrealistic prices, and here in NZ it is not much cheaper, so I assumed it would be similar elsewhere. Of course, there is a maxim about assumptions that would apply. Thank you very much for this, I may be able to go to college, and perhaps even in Europe of all places. |
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jonniboy
Joined: 18 Jun 2006 Posts: 751 Location: Panama City, Panama
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Posted: Mon Jun 09, 2014 5:18 pm Post subject: |
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Central Asia (Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan) is still possible with CELTA and no degree. |
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nomad soul

Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world
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Posted: Mon Jun 09, 2014 7:09 pm Post subject: |
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jonniboy wrote: |
Central Asia (Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan) is still possible with CELTA and no degree. |
And that still would be feasible for a newbie who also has zero experience? |
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jonniboy
Joined: 18 Jun 2006 Posts: 751 Location: Panama City, Panama
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Posted: Mon Jun 09, 2014 7:35 pm Post subject: |
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nomad soul wrote: |
jonniboy wrote: |
Central Asia (Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan) is still possible with CELTA and no degree. |
And that still would be feasible for a newbie who also has zero experience? |
I met teachers down there who were in exactly that position. It's an out of the way place and not top of people's list of places to go to, but which still has massive demand, so schools can't be very strict about hiring requirements. The main issue is that for a newbie living abroad for the first time, it could be a real baptism of fire and for them, it would probably be better starting off in a more "civilised" place. |
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djunamod
Joined: 09 Jun 2011 Posts: 11
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Posted: Sat Nov 01, 2014 8:59 pm Post subject: |
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Ethan, just a question - you seem resistant to completing a college degree. Why is that? I get that it can be expensive and it's an investment in energy and time, but just as you said, it's become a minimum requirement for a job in the world today, anywhere in the world in almost any field. Right or wrong, it's the reality.
Rather than get a TEFL certificate now, your time and energy might be better invested in a college degree in English with an emphasis in Linguistics or ESL (many colleges in the US now have coursework in that). You mention volunteering and you might find volunteering opportunities through the college or in the area where you study, helping or teaching ESL to second-language adults or children. That way, you'll be killing several birds with one stone - getting the degree, taking coursework in the field of ESL, and getting a little work experience through volunteering.
Yes, it might mean returning to the US and being there for several years until you get the degree, but look at it as an investment in the future. I get that you're very young and anxious to "make it happen RIGHT NOW", but sometimes being patient and slowing down works better for the future.
Once you have the degree, you can (and maybe should) do a CELTA or other TEFL degree or you might be able to get some kind of work abroad and, from what others have said, more doors will be open to you.
Djuna |
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Prof.Gringo

Joined: 07 Nov 2006 Posts: 2236 Location: Dang Cong San Viet Nam Quang Vinh Muon Nam!
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Posted: Sun Nov 09, 2014 4:45 am Post subject: |
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Ethan T wrote: |
I knew that Asia was rapidly raising standards for TEFL. I was told by several friends I have who have gone off to teach English that South America was still viable. It sounds like that is wrong. While expected, it is a bit disappointing to hear that there are no real options available, and if there are, they will be gone. Is this extending into the volunteer sector as well, or are there stable volunteer programs that will be around for a while? |
Here's the real deal: In all of Latin America and most of SE Asia, esp. Thailand & Vietnam, people who are non-native speakers, as well as those with a range of quals (some have exp. but no certs, others have a degree & no cert and others have a cert & no degree, while others have a combo of the above) are able to find work teaching EFL, but as other posters have said, to have any decent chance, esp. with your young age, get a CELTA.
A CELTA can be had for less than $2,000 USD.
Look at it this way:
R/T Ticket $800USD
TEFL/CELTA Course: $1,500-2,500 (room & board has to be factored in)
Living expense funds: $2,000-3,000 USD
Even if done "cheap" (and you really need a CELTA) it's easily a $4,500USD investment into a "career" with no career path esp. if you have no degree.
You will be lucky to break even in one year.
There's another option:
One-Way Ticket: $450-600USD
On-Line TEFL Cert: $300USD
Backpacker "Lifestyle" Funds: $1,500-$2,000USD
Using this option means you sleep & eat cheap. Sorry, no private rooms, esp. not before you have found employment
Street food cuisine, instant noodles & public transport will quickly become your new best friends.
If you get lucky, you can get your first "gig" as a newbie within a week or two.
Also helps if you have a few phone numbers you can call for that plane ticket home...  |
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Prof.Gringo

Joined: 07 Nov 2006 Posts: 2236 Location: Dang Cong San Viet Nam Quang Vinh Muon Nam!
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Posted: Sun Nov 09, 2014 4:51 am Post subject: |
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Ethan T wrote: |
I cannot say I ever considered looking into college overseas. In the USA it can come to unrealistic prices, and here in NZ it is not much cheaper, so I assumed it would be similar elsewhere. Of course, there is a maxim about assumptions that would apply. Thank you very much for this, I may be able to go to college, and perhaps even in Europe of all places. |
How is college in America "expensive"?
If you are an American citizen or green card holder, & can prove in-state residency, (some places that's as easy as changing your DL and providing a few receipts) many US public colleges & uni's are very affordable, and then there is the FAFSA, Pell grants, loans, work-study etc.
FYI:
http://www.ranker.com/list/cheapest-colleges/web-infoguy
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/24/10-cheapest-public-colleges_n_1448497.html |
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