Job Discussion Forums

ClanDestine · Joined: 23 Nov 2005 Posts: 17

Hi all.

I'm looking at getting my CELTA certificate in Jan and was wondering if there is such a big difference between the CELTA and TEFL certificates. In terms of employment, which one is going to benefit me in getting that job. Also I dont have a University degree but i have a few Diplomas, will i still be successful, especially in areas such as the Far East and Eastern Europe? Is a degree really that much of an issue?

thanks,
much appreciated.

PAULH · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 4672 Location: Western Japan

ls650 · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 3484 Location: British Columbia

bdawg · Joined: 25 Feb 2004 Posts: 526 Location: Nanjing

Chris_Crossley

The CELTA specifically targets adults (hence the "A" in the abbreviation), though you may not necessarily find it troublesome to gain a position at a school where adults may not be the (only) clientele. I have the Trinity Certificate in TESOL myself, and I have taught upwards from kindergarten (albeit at the primary school where I worked for a year, just helping out!) to would-be postgraduates (whom I am teaching nowadays).

You don't mention where you gained your qualifications from, even if you mention that you have "a few Diplomas". Are they specifically related to education? If so, you might just find that they will compensate for any lack of a university degree. If they are not related to education, on the other hand, you may find that whatever authority you apply to will understand the word "degree" (or the equivalent in their language). If you don't have one, you might find that they, in their pig-ignorance, will exclude your application. For all they know, you could have a degree in Pig Ignorance Studies with a minor in Mindless Vandalism, and they (who?) wouldn't know the difference!

I would not be put off by the lack of a degree, even if claims are being made through official media that governments are tightening up on the demands for a completed tertiary education in the form of that magic word, "degree". Even if China is allegedly doing this "tightening-up" process, the chances are that, if you are young and don't look as if you have been dragged through a hedge backwards when you present yourself to the visa people, you'll probably swing it. Try applying for any position that looks attractive, but watch out for the schools that try to make you their legalized slave by blinding you with impressive, but wordy contracts designed to catch out the totally uninitiated and unwary.

If a school is prepared to hire you with whatever qualifications you have, that at least will be a proverbial foot in the door and the visa people are less likely to argue. After all, it is the school that wants to hire you, not the visa people. Or, as mentioned above, you could try coming in on a tourist visa and finding a job once you arrive. The local authorities should take care of the remaining paperwork, provided that your lack of a degree does not screw up your chances unduly.

ClanDestine · Joined: 23 Nov 2005 Posts: 17

Thanks for the advice (esp. Chris) ppl.

I have diplomas in computer studies and and various coding languages and a diploma in architecture. So bascially the only thing i'll have relating to teaching would be my CELTA (eventually). I'm doing a drastic career change here, getting sick of IT and looking to travel and see the world.

So yeah, hopefully me not having a degree will not hamper my chances. I'm also 28 so not so sure about the age thing?

much appreciated!