Job Discussion Forums

[pirishelli]

Hi Everyone,

I have a BA and MA in English from the states and would like to teach ESL, probably in Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam), but am open to Europe. I would like a job set up ahead of time and the big companies want a CELTA or TESOL or equivalent. I'm in Orlando, Florida and the nearest ESL center seems to be in Tampa. I've heard on these boards that an online CELTA may not be kosher and an International House recruiter has already told me that an online CELTA should only be done as a "last resort." Is commuting or relocating to Tampa necessary? Or is moving to the country directly with set up cash a better idea? I don't have tons of cash, which is why I've looked at the chain schools.

I'd like a job in the middle pay range (35,000+ baht a month for Thailand, for instance) since I have over five years teaching experience in the U.S. (college level), some experience tutoring international students, and the two English degrees. If you do have to move to a country with set up funds, which country is the most affordable?

Thanks for any advice you can offer .

[Jetgirly]

Where have you seen online CELTA programs? One of CELTA's defining features is the practical in-class teaching experience... it would be tough to get that online!

[Gordon]

The CELTA can not be done by distance. Maybe you are thinking of the DELTA, which can be done by distance.

[sojourner]

James,

With your qualifications,you should be be aiming for a job in a university or an international school.Some of the best jobs are advertised in the situations vacant columns of the UK-based Times Higher Education Supplement and the Times Education Supplement.Both publications should be available at your local university or British Council centre.Even if you can't can't find a suitable job in the columns,at least you'll find the email addresses of (hopefully,reputable) recruiting firms that you could ask to do a search for you.

Have you ever considered the field known as English for Specific Purposes (ESP !) ? That field appears to offer far better career prospects than run-of-the mill ESL teaching at language schools- although you may have to get some additional qualification (eg a Grad.Dip. or Master's in Applied Linguistics) in order to get the best jobs.But you should be able to pick up some work tutoring,for example,students majoring in Eng.Lit.If you're interested in what ESP is all about,check the titles of articles in the journal of the same name, located at : www.sciencedirect.com

For international schools in most Asian countries,I believe that most would require the possession of a proper teaching qualification (not just a CELTA !),as well as your generalist degrees.

If you are planning of working in SE Asia,and want to do some basic TESL course,you should consider enrolling in a CELTA course in that part of the world.CELTA courses,I believe,can be undertaken in Bangkok - at a cost considerably cheaper than at language centres and colleges in the US.There are other TESL programmes available in Thailand and other SE Asian countries.Many may be quite reputable and well -structured,but they are not as well known as CELTA or the Trinity College equivalent.As I've already remarked in another thread , in the ESL world, brand-name recognition in the area of teacher training is all-important.

Regards,

Peter