Job Discussion Forums

[mykrobb]

Greetings, I am a recent college graduate and I'm thinking about teaching in Costa Rica. I've just started doing some research at these kinds of websites, so I am in need of some guidance. I really want to get out of my parents house ASAP and I was thinking of just flying down and start looking for a job after I've learned more about where some of the good schools are and where I could get a place to stay. I don't have any experience teaching and I don't have a TEFL cetificate. I've heard from many that getting a certificate is really just a waste of time and money for those who are native English speakers and that work can be found without one. Would this be an incredibly foolish thing to do or what? Please take pitty on me and give me some guidance. Thanks.

[Guy Courchesne]

While it's entirely possible to simpy go down and get a teaching job, think about what kind of employer woud hire you, knowing (and I am assuming here) that you don't have any experience or training. You don't need to take a TEFL course, but they are often the quickest qay to get the minimum training necessary to get any kind of decent job.

[doreenp]

Just because you can speak the language does not qualify you to teach it. We may know all the right answers but do we know "why" we use that certain grammar tense and can you explain it cleary to someone who has only been speaking the languare for two months? You may have a wonderful vocuabulary but can you again, explain in simple terms what the word means and how to use it. Can you then explain how to make the sounds (pronounciation) that are not common in their alphabet?
What about classroom mangement? What is the first thing you�ll do when you walk into the classroom? You will be in a new country where the culture is different and students will possibly act and react in a different way than in American schools. How will you deal with that?

These are just a few things that are taught in a good TEFL course.

I can cook and i can bake, does this qualify me to teach it?

You could land here and get a job, but not in a paying position that will support you.

When I took my TEFL certification there were 2 very qualified university professors taking the course. They both stated that they would not have felt qualified to teach English without this course.

So there�s my nickel�s worth. I suggest you either get a TEFL certificate where you live or if you�re anxous to fly from the nest then get it here in CR. 120 hours is a small price to pay and has a big payoff.

cheers
good luck
d