Job Discussion Forums

[canadiangirl]

Ok, first off, I'm brand new to this forum and to the whole idea of teaching English, so I'm going to be asking questions that I know you've all heard before. I've tried looking for the answers in other posts, but so far my curiosity has not been satisfied. So, although I know you guys will hate me for asking these questions, I'm hoping some of you will take pity on me and regurgitate your knowledge once again. All I'm looking for is some quick, to the point responses. Sorry to be a pain in the ass! I promise to return the favor to other newbies once I'm more enlightened! Thanks so so much!!

Questions:

1. Can I get work teaching with ONLY a TESOL certificate?

2. What countries are known for hiring ppl with only this certificate? Of these, which offer the best wages?

3. What is the likelihood of getting a contract that offers airfare, accommodation and a decent wage - for ppl with only TESOL cert.?

I haven't done any traveling outside Canada yet, so I really am completely clueless. Ideally I'd like to go to Thailand, the Caribbean or Latin America (some place tropical). With only a TESOL certificate, am I dreaming???

Again, many thanks!


Canadian Girl

[canadiangirl]

PS - yes - I have read the post "I want a job, but I have no degree. Gimme!"

I don't have a degree, but I'm also not under the assumption that I'm as employable as those ppl who do.

I just want to find out if I have any chance of getting work without it!

[Sherri]

First let me say that I am not that familiar with hiring in Thailand and Latin America since I have never worked in these countries. But here is what I have heard from people who have. These countries are not rich. It is very unlikely that even someone WITH a degree would get hired from abroad AND get their airfare paid! Most people go to the country in question without having a job and look around once they get there. I would say your chances of getting airfare paid to a tropical paradise are very slim.

As for countries that would hire someone without a degree, I have only heard of China (and even then you would get the worst of the worst). I saw a job posted on Dave's International Jobs in Siberia (not very tropical!) who would hire someone without a degree, the pay was $150 a month.

[Irish]

Canadian Girl,

Sherri made some good points. My friends who have worked in Latin America tell me that most teachers are hired in-country--getting hired from Canada isn't impossible, it just isn't how things are typically done. Much seems to depend on being in the right place at the right time. Air fare was never part of their packages and wages were low. Then again, if money isn't a priority, that may not be an issue for you. Do you have some savings set aside for set up costs?

Having read the "no degree" post, you know that Japan is out for you. So is Korea--too bad because that is one place that routinely provides airfare and accomodation. China seems to yield a broad range of experiences--some people love it, some people hate it--but it's worth a look.

If you haven't done so alreadly, I suggest you browse through Dave's Job Information Journal. You might also consider posting your questions in the Thailand and Latin American Forums.

Best of luck.

[gerard]

If you must you can work in the field but not legally...You wouldnt be the 1st to work in Korea without a degree. It is asking for trouble though...And not just with immigration...You will have no rights A school might let you go at a moments notice or just not pay you What can you do???There are some outfits in Seoul that go around tutoring kids (and selling them books) at home..........Since it aint legal a degree is not required...Just wondering---you sound wise why not get a student loan (if need be) and get or finish your degree...Work references from the likes of Korea and China aint worth the paper they are printed on....good luck...

[arioch36]

Why do you want to teach? What is your teaching experience? Or do you only want to travel, and be paid for it. If you are seriously interested in teaching, there are ways. If you just want a place to crash while you travel, then you need to go to the country, and just show up at the doorstep of every language school until you find a gig.
Seriously, I think a cert with no degreee is a waste of money. Some places, including the famed CELTA, will let you take their course without having a degree. But the only places that would hire you without a degree couldn't care less if you have a cert or not.

[canadiangirl]

Thanks for everyone's replies. I has certainly shown me that I need to look into this further. You have all been quite helpful - thanks for sharing your knowledge!