Job Discussion Forums

[oxygen24]

I am hoping to receive advice based on my situation. I'm looking to experience a different culture and type of work. I'm not sure yet if I should opt for 6 or 12 months for my first teaching job. Some Background: I'm a 38 year old white American native English speaker. My experience has been in business, human resources, and fitness. The only teaching experience I have is teaching a variety of fitness classes to adults and children ages 8 to 12. I have a Master's degree in Business and HR and a Bachelor's in Communication.

I'm mostly interested in Latin America in hopes that I will learn Spanish and yet I understand it isn't a money maker so I'm also open to Japan, Indonesia, and Thailand right now. I was hoping not to have to spend money on a certification. Are there any decent organizations/schools that will cover your TEFL training? I've found one in Chile but turns out it doesn't have a good reputation for treating employees well. Thanks in advance for any direction anyone can provide!

[Sashadroogie]

Yes, you need some sort of certification. As it stands, you have zero experience or training in teaching English as a foreign language. Do not expect to be able to do this job, well or otherwise, in that condition. Your MA and BA will probably be of little use in an EFL classroom in themselves. (Though if teaching businessmen, they could be a helpful bonus.)

Legally, you may not need a cert in order to obtain a work permit where ever you travel to. But in practical terms, you are making your life far harder if you do not have a basic introductory course under your belt. (Forget online course, by the way. Do a search of this forum to learn why.)

Stump up the cash for a course. Just like you'll be expecting language learners to stump up for your lessons later on.

As for countries - the world is your oyster! I'd recommend Russia - but then I always do.

Best of luck!

[coledavis]

Yes, I totally agree with Sashadroogie, even about Russia! I would also ask you to think about the type of employer who wants a teacher without an understanding and practical experience of language teaching. It will not be a professional set-up, obviously, and you are extremely likely to have a miserable time.

[oxygen24]

Sashadroogie & coledavis, thank you both for your advice. I'm searching TEFL programs now. Do you know where the best TEFL or TESOL programs are?...as in whether I'll have better luck with both quality & cost of program between S. Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia, or Latin America (mostly looking at Chile & Costa Rica)?

I think I'd prefer to teach adults and yet am remaining open to teaching children too.

I'm not so sure about Russia. I hear it gets cold! I've been living in sunny south Florida for 14 years. It would be a huge adjustment, I think. Maybe I'll consider it for another year if I find that I like teaching English abroad.

[coledavis]

For recognition in all countries, you really want the CELTA or the Trinity TESOL certificate.

[nomad soul]

[MotherF]

Have you looked into http://www.ciee.org/teach/
They have a program in Chile, that first gives you training, then places you to teach. Not a bad way to see if you like it--but don't expect to make any money. Afterwards you can move onto bigger and better things.

[oxygen24]

Thanks for the recommendation for CIEE MotherF, although I think it's overpriced. I do want to get some teaching training but other boards and posters say first-timers won't be paid well in south america anyway and they don't require a TEFL or TESOL. I'm wondering if reading a good TEFL book will help. As long as I have practice lessons and can do a demo, wouldn't I be fine?

I want to get the first year experience and if I want to make a career of it, then consider more expensive certifications.

nomad soul, I will look into volunteering in a classroom but I live in the boonies right now so I'm not certain they have those organizations within 2 hours of me.

[nomad soul]

[coledavis]