Job Discussion Forums

sara_daoud05 · Joined: 04 Feb 2013 Posts: 3

I've been teaching in South Korea for the past two years and would really like to take the next step and become qualified to teach internationally.

I've been counting on the Teacher Ready course as I've met so many people out here who've successfully completed it and was hoping to start it in Feb 2015. I know that it's available to non-US citizens and I've recently contacted them regarding taking the course as a UK citizen and my chances of finding a job anywhere in an international school, or in the Middle East upon completion. This is the reply:

We have such a small number of Non-US citizens that have taken or are taking our program, so we don’t really have the data or statistics you are asking for. Without a social security number you will only get the certificate of completion and would have to check with the school’s you are interested in to see if they would accept only that document. Some non-US citizens have social security numbers and those receive a Status of Eligibility along with their certificate of completion. Our director has heard of some schools accept this certificate along with the Status of Eligibilty and some do not. Again, you would have to check with the school’s you are interested in to know for sure.
You will receive a Status of Eligibility. However, without a social security number it will continue to say not eligible because without a social security number your test scores can’t be connected to you. The state department will send you a separate document with your test scores. So, in summary, if you do not have a social security number you would want to check with the schools in which you are interested and ask if a certificate of completion from TeacherReady®, your test scores, and a Status of Eligibility stating you are not eligible due to no social security number is acceptable.

I'm feeling a bit deflated and have searched for other legit online courses available for Brits, without much success. I was wondering if any British person here had taken the course, and if so had any problems finding a job? I want to continue to live abroad for atleast the nest 3-5 years. Obviously a PGCE would be ideal but Im unable to afford to move back to the UK for the 2 years (1 to take it, and another to do the NQT year) Additonally, my fiance is American and I don't think he could stay and teach in the UK for 2 years while I did this.

ANY help or advice greatly appreciated as Im at a brick wall!! Thanks in advance

adaruby

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

As I posted on your duplicate thread in the Saudi forum, check out the forum on International Schools Review (http://www.internationalschoolsreview.com/); it's relevant to your teaching interests.

Shroob · Joined: 02 Aug 2010 Posts: 1339

adaruby

golsa · Joined: 20 Nov 2011 Posts: 185

MuscatGary

golsa · Joined: 20 Nov 2011 Posts: 185

True enough, but given that the OP was considering TeacherReady, I doubt that is a concern for her. It's also done online.

MuscatGary · Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2014 11:59 am Post subject:

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

kpjf · Joined: 18 Jan 2012 Posts: 385

Sara, you do realise that in the UK there are bursaries available for certain subjects to do a PGCE. Depending on the subject and your degree classification you could not only do the PGCE for free but also cover your living expenses. But, competition is tough, especially for the good unis. I speak from first-hand experience. However, you mention your boyfriend, so maybe even with the bursary you're not interested in doing it in the UK. Plus, Visas are tough to get in the UK nowadays!

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

Sunderland uni has PGCEs for 6000 gbp. They can be done online.

MuscatGary · Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2014 2:45 pm Post subject:

SpaceTone · Joined: 11 Jul 2010 Posts: 29

To reiterate what kpjf said, there are many funding options to do a PGCE if you did want to go down that route. I've just finished mine and the funding was more than enough to cover all course and living costs. So if you're willing to return to the UK for a year, it's probably your best option.
Although far from an expert, I believe that the PGCE itself is enough to get into, and visas for, many international schools/countries.
But if you do need NQT induction too, there are a growing number of international schools which offer this so in theory you could still get full QTS with only spending 1 year in the UK.
Whether it's right to accept funding then disappear is a different issue though...

MsRT · Joined: 25 Nov 2013 Posts: 20

The iPGCE or PGCE (overseas) doesn't lead to QTS as others have mentioned, but you could apply for QTS if you decide to come back to the UK through the Assessment Only route which could take a few months to complete.

Another way to get UK-recognised qualifications could be to do the DTLLS (recently known as DET) online and then apply for the QTLS (which is regarded the same as QTS) through the Institute for Learning I believe.

Online/distance learning courses may be frowned upon in ME but you won't be at any loss as you'll be qualified (near qualified) in the UK and overseas which opens up your options.

All the best!