Job Discussion Forums

[Mchristophermsw]

Hi, I am new to the ESL scene and any advice would be helpful.

Currently, I am living in California and work in the field of Education/counseling and Social Work (Child Protection Services).

I have lived overseas in the past ( the Caribbean, Latin America, India, Philippines and Singapore) and I have always felt more at home abroad than I do in the US. I would like to teach and live overseas in the future (I am young 45 and have the oppertunity to officially retire at 50).

I have a 2 year liberal arts degree, 4 year Bachelors in Social Work and a Masters Degree in Social Work.

As far as related ESL experiene, I have 5 years experience as a tutor and writing specialist working with ESL students at a State University (running conversation groups, performing Writing Skills Test Workshops ((A writing requirement for all university students to past in order to martriculate)) Editing and proofing, and APA formating for ESL and general students).

Curently, I am a Instructor at a local community college teaching Drug Education and HIV/AIDS course (Part-time). My full time gig is in Social Work and Counseling.

Based on this background information is there any requirments I need to obtian before I am ready to go abroad?

Also, what is the most highly accepted certificate (First choice teaching children and youth but adults are also fine with me).?

What is more excepted online course or a residential one?

Lastly, I was considering taking up a second Masters Linguistics with a TEOSL certificate from the local University. But I dont want to have to go back to school for a second Masters Degree unless I have to?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance

Michael Christian Santiago, MSW
Santa Clara County DFCS.

[Mchristophermsw]

Sorry, gang, I GOT ALL THE ACRONYMS MIXED but ya' all know what I mean. I am here to learn so any correction about the proper acronyms will be appreciated.

Michael

[mlomker]

The most respected TEFL certificate these days is the CELTA. I'm not sure what country you are planning to go to, but your qualifications sound quite good to me.

The MA in linquistics or TESOL isn't required unless you want the very best jobs in international schools or in the highest paying countries (the middle east, hong kong, etc). You probably wouldn't need any additional qualifications for many positions.

[Mchristophermsw]

Thanks for taking the time to answer me.

I would love to teach in (1) Africa (Ethiopia, Cameroon, Madasgar, Sychelles, Rwanda) as a first choice but other countries that I would consider is (2) Philippines ( only because I have a friend who lives there and wants me to come down and stay but after a long vacation, I want to get back into giving back to the community and working with youth), (3) Korea and (4) China or Thialand ( but I have heard horror stories about Thialand schools and treatment of teachers???)

Hopes this helps,

Thanks again

[mlomker]

Most of the destinations that you mention are not typical for TESOL. You'll find plenty of people on here that can tell you about China and Korea. The destinations that are more thin for TESOL positions often require to you relocate and look for work after you arrive.

I think it's generally safe advice to recommend one of the month-long TEFL certificates that includes a teaching practicum, despite your hands-on experience. Some employers insist on having that piece of paper rather than trusting your experience. A lot of people do fine without it, of course, but if you get it then you never have to worry about it again.