Job Discussion Forums

[hyperios]

Ok, so I need some help and I've been looking around and cant find any answers to my unusual dilemma.

I'm a 25yo guy from the US currently enrolled in college, community college to be exact (not sure if any of you folks from other countries have that or know what it is), with plans to go to a 4 years school and get my bachelors degree (naturally). I joined the army right after high school and got out around 2012, and I've been in school for a while now and still don't have my associates.

However, I did receive a 160 hour online TESOL certificate from an online course and I really, really, really want to teach English and travel and do all that because I cant stand being here anymore. Unfortunately, in my research of TEFL and going abroad I've come to realize that most schools overseas want someone with a bachelors degree

Ok, I'll have mine eventually...when I'm pushing 30!!!

Then I thought, what if I study abroad instead? That why I can travel and see the world!

My question for everyone here is, can I teach English AND study abroad at the same time? I couldn't find any information on doing this, obviously because people don't usually do that, but I want to leave sooner rather than later.

[nomad soul]

Take a look at this list of study abroad programs compiled by the University of California-Irvine. Most require a completed BA and/or experience, so you'll be limited.

[suphanburi]

IF you have completed at least 2 years of full time study (associate degree level) then the TaLK program in Korea ( http://www.talk.go.kr/talk/talk_new/intro.jsp ) is an option. They supply airfare, housing and let you work for up to 2 years.

You'd have to register on the Korean forum to discuss it further. Korean discussion is NOT permitted here on the international forum.

.

[hyperios]

[nomad soul]

[suphanburi]

[Elicit]

I was in a similar position to you; however, left it even later than you to begin teaching. I served 5 years in the army straight from high school, leaving with some vocational qualifications but no academic, and subsequently worked as a manager in a large business. You will not be the youngest or eldest to begin in this sector and some of the skills you've learnt in the army employers will appreciate i.e. reliability, punctuality etc.

I actually began my BA in 2010, at 34ish, when I started teaching in Indonesia and completed it whilst I was there via distance. No matter which way you look at it you need a BA. Unrelated good for visa and related good for both employer and visa. If you are considering teaching long-term then get a related one.

Grab a CELTA, SIT Cert or Trinity Tesol cert before you start teaching as experience for some employers will only be accrued for the years of post-cert employment. Better to have it and not need it than.... Many didn't bother with doing one and after a few years teaching have gone back to do one.

Good luck with the study. ELT will still be alive and well when you finish.

[nomad soul]