Job Discussion Forums

[jabe]

Hey all. Recent lurker here, decided to come over to the dark (light?) side

I am currently teaching ESL in Japan. I have a degree, but no ESL qualifications. I am planning to live in South America for a couple of years after Japan. Getting a job in Japan at one of the Eikawas (not Nova!) was pretty easy without experience or qualifications and from what I have been reading on this forum, the same can be done in South America. But I also understand that one will not necessarily be contracted to one organization, and that many of you teach private lessons in addition to working for two or three companies. From the reading I have been doing, it seems that many of you believe that having an ESL qualification of some sort is highly beneficial, and at the least can result in more favourable pay conditions. I think I am inclined to agree.

So, my question is� Given that I already have experience, what are your opinions on getting an online TESL qualification?

It seemed to me that many of you strongly advocated onsite courses due to the hours of observation granting experience to the trainee. Will just having a qualification of any sort satisfy employers given prior experience? Or are online qualifications looked down upon even when the applicant is experienced?

Thanks in advance,

[Guy Courchesne]

IMO Yours is the one of the very few cases in which an online course works....previous experience in a structured (I assume)environment, but no credential to help.

I would aim high and choose a course that is challenging and that would be of some benefit to you, rather than simply be a piece of paper.

[ls650]

[jabe]

I would definately prefer to work for a school that cares about its employees capabilities, that one which does not. However, I am hoping that holding an online qualification only, will satisfy employers who absolutely require some qualification, whilst my real experience will actually get me the job. The monetary difference is quite substantial, and if the primary reason for an onsite course qualification being preferred is due to the hours of observation and experience, I would prefer not to pay my hard earned when I already have thousands of hours of teaching under my belt.

Still, an onsite whilst in Latin America, after taking a few months of spanish lessons, could be a good way to 'settle' in build contacts.

On the other hand online courses are cheap (relatively), and convenient. Guy, you suggested that I should take one that is challenging for me. Any particular suggestions?
Due to a lack of universal accreditation, they all kind of seem reasonably similar.

Is there any course, or any accreditation, anyone can think of that Latin American employers prefer over others?

Thanks for your advice thus far

[Guy Courchesne]