Job Discussion Forums

Constantine_Dragas · Joined: 15 Jul 2013 Posts: 3

Hi everyone!

I'm a 28 year old male. I recieved a History M.A. in December of 2011 and I'm certified to teach Social Studies at the high school level here in Texas. For the past year and a half, I've been doing search engine optimization for a small tech company. I would really like to leave the US, travel, and work a job that has more human interaction. I've paid off my student loans and saved up a fair amount of money, so I feel like I'm in a good position to teach overseas (I am especially interested in Japan and Korea).

I'm a little overwhelmed by all the information and guides out there. I stayed up late reading articles and watching some advice videos. I do have a few questions. Am I limiting myself if I do not have a TEFL qualification? What paths are open to me with my current qualifications? One of my friends suggested I might be able to teach classes in my subject of expertise at certain international schools. I would really appreciate any help.

Sashadroogie · Posted: Tue Jul 16, 2013 5:29 pm Post subject:

Hi. Yes, you are probably limiting yourself by not having a cert. Consider getting a proper cert before you go into a classroom. However, where you go and for how long you intend to stay, will affect what preparation you need to do first.

But whatever you do, do not waste your time getting an online EFL cert. Total waste of your time and money.

Best of luck!

rtm · Joined: 13 Apr 2007 Posts: 1003 Location: US

Constantine_Dragas · Joined: 15 Jul 2013 Posts: 3

Thanks for the feedback guys.

I've heard that online EFL certifications were mostly scams. What should I consider when looking into a certification program? I live in the Dallas area and I do know that Oxford Seminars offers TEFL Certification Courses as does SMU (a very expensive certification process). Are there other local options to consider?

As for your question rtm, unfortunately, I don't have much experience beyond subbing and teacher observation. I have not worked as a full time teacher.

Denim-Maniac · Joined: 31 Jan 2012 Posts: 1238

Oxford Seminars are one of the spurious course providers and should be avoided!

If you want a recognised certificate, you need to look at CELTA, Trinity or SIT as the main course providers. These are only entry level qualifications too, but the standard is 120 hours onsite training with observed teaching practice of real EFL students.

Constantine_Dragas · Joined: 15 Jul 2013 Posts: 3

Really? Well thanks for the heads up. Getting a reputable Certification is going to be harder than I thought. I don't see many options available to me in the Dallas area unless I've overlooked something. The nearest CELTA program seems to be in Austin.

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

Consider getting certified in the country where you want to start teaching. There are a number of advantages: training centres offer a useful bridge into country/culture as they usually deal with logistics for your first month there (airport pickup, housing during the course, local orientation). Your peer trainees can form your first social network in the country, practice teaching students will be really representative of those you'll start working with when you graduate, and a good training centre can be a vital resource for putting you in contact with reputable local employers.

Ditto to the 'no' on Oxford. The key to a real course is the supervised teaching practice with real students.

Chancellor