Job Discussion Forums

[brewsterbudgen]

I have spent nearly a week studying the Forums and most of my questions have been answered. However, I do have some questions of my own.

Background.

I am 44, have a BA Honours degree in Sociology and have worked as an Administration and Facilities Manager in both the UK record industry and, since 2002, an international children's charity. I have travelled extensively - Thailand, China, Japan, USA, Cuba, Australia & NZ, west and east Europe.

I am single and have no commitments and feel I have reached a stage in my life where I need to achieve something more. I have always communicated well with people and I would like to combine this with my desire to leave the UK 9-5 rat race, travel and experience different cultures. I am therefore considering teaching English abroad. My preference would be to work in China or Japan but I will also consider Thailand and eventually Eastern Europe.

From reading these Forums and researching the subject generally, I have concluded that if I want to teach effectively I should take a qualification and not rely on my degree alone - not only for my own benefit but also for any students I end up teaching! My choice of course has been narrowed down to TEFL International or a CELTA course. I have also decided to only consider courses outside the UK, most likely in Thailand as I know the country fairly well and have some friends living there. Cost is no a particular issue as I have savings and will be letting out my flat in London.

So, my questions:

1. TEFL International in Ban Phe/Zhuhai or CELTA at ECC or Elite, Bangkok?

2. Do you have to be a "performer" to be a successful TEFL teacher?

(I don't consider myself to be an extrovert. I am however patient, a good listener and used to addressing audiences, albeit in a managerial/work context.)

3. Is the level of grammar required for CELTA and for TEFL generally easy for a 44 year old, long out of education and not used to studying, to learn? Is it just a matter of application?

(I have not studied English grammar since 'O' level (1976!). I've always been good at English (grade A at 'A' level for English Literature) but looking at grammar books now, which I have been doing, is proving very scary!)

4. Am I likely to have difficulties finding employment in China, Japan or Thailand in December?

My plan, once I can convince myself that it is the right decision for me, is to take the TEFL Intl. or CELTA in September or October this year. I would then have a few weeks travelling in China (I have a girlfriend in Shanghai).

Thanks for reading this. I realise my questions are very general so any general observations or comments would be also be welcome.

Brewster

[Celeste]

[tedkarma]

1. CELTA or TEFL Cert.?
There is a wide variety of opinion on which certificate is the best for where. If you are going to teach in Thailand � I�d go for the TEFL Cert instead of CELTA because you will most likely get started teaching children.

2. Entertainer?
I don�t think you have to be an entertainer � but some level of charisma in a classroom does help. That and/or some level of sincerity about the success of the students. I believe that students really can tell if you care or not � if you have an interest in their success or not � and respond accordingly. Don�t take up the profession as just a way to do something else. It really helps if you enjoy teaching and enjoy helping your students (I do!).

3. Grammar?
Ain�t easy, ain�t difficult. It�s just hard to get all of it in a few weeks, or even a few years. You�ll find that you�ll never stop learning new bits and pieces as you go. Don�t worry about it. Just realize it is part of the essential knowledge of your new occupation � and that you should continue to learn more as you go.

4. Difficulty finding work?
No problem. Present yourself well � dress well, hide the tattoos and leave the studs and bolts from your piercings home. Give yourself a good shave � put on a friendly smile and the world � okay Asia at least � is your oyster.

Go for it. I started at 39, am now 53 � and love this occupation. Just apply yourself as you would to any new career � and you�ll find success coming your way.

[brewsterbudgen]

Thanks for your replies.

I've enrolled on an intensive weekend (ITC) course in London in June to get some idea of whether I'm suited to TEFL. If all goes well, I'm planning on applying for a CELTA course at ECC Siam Square. That's if I can get past the Pre-interview Task which looks frighteningly difficult!!

Brewster