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PedestrianPickel · Joined: 22 Feb 2016 Posts: 8

Hey there!

I didn't know what else to write besides 'survivable wage' to keep the title short enough. I am a 23 year old Canadian female with loads of traveling experience, especially in Asia. You could call me one of those young, wandering souls who never went to university but got her own 'global degree' instead. I've taught in a bit in northern India, Morocco, I'm a board member with an English Education NGO in Nepal, and also teach ESL for 4 hours per week as a volunteer gig here in Canada. I decided recently that I was going to build up my tool box, and also try and make a basic living off of it while traveling....and take a CELTA!

I'm a simple person- I need very basic things to be happy, like enough money to get by with a bit extra. My question is, by getting certified in CELTA, will I be able to meet these basic needs through a teaching position abroad? I know that countries like South Korea and Japan require an undergraduate for you to get a job. I'm open to all the rest, though! Also, will my previous volunteering experience sway my employers even a little bit?

Thanks very much for reading! Viva the wandering world! Smile

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

Unfortunately, the pool of (legal) teaching opportunities is shrinking for job seekers who lack at least a BA. You're limited to the Americas, non-EU Europe, and Germany. Wages will be mediocre and won't allow for much in the way of savings nor extensive travel.

Seriously consider completing a bachelor's degree --- preferably one related to TESOL --- if you plan to make TEFL a career.

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

Ditto. You can legally work in central/eastern Europe without a degree, but CELTA is an entry level qual here, your volunteer stuff won't count, and as the majority of STUDENTS in this region have a BA degree at least (often more), your credibility as a teacher will be questioned.

PedestrianPickel · Joined: 22 Feb 2016 Posts: 8

So Asia will 100% be closed off to me?
I've seen postings in some countries like Indonesia that don't require a BA, also heard of a few others from people who have gone abroad to teach ( like my volunteer coordinator).

Private tutoring or smaller international schools? Private English schools/ clubs?

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

Asia expert Suphanburi will likely pop on this thread and can tell you about current and/or impending requirements for Asia.

There were more options 5+ years ago for job seekers without degrees. But some countries now require teachers to hold a BA regardless if they're a local or foreigner. Visa regulations can and do change, which is why a degree would be a smart investment if TEFL is your career path.

PedestrianPickel · Joined: 22 Feb 2016 Posts: 8

I'd love to hear as much advice as possible, thanks guys!
Also, does anyone know if a CELTA certificate ever 'expires'?

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

PedestrianPickel · Joined: 22 Feb 2016 Posts: 8

Ok, so now for the most basic question of all.
Is it worth it for me to do the CELTA?
I'd love to acquire new skills on being an ESL teacher, and I suppose it will get get me one step closer to living and teaching abroad, even if it's a baby step and I'll have to look into degrees a little more?

The quick replies are MUCH appreciated Smile