Job Discussion Forums

[tricia11]

Hello I have just completed an online TEFL class and I am beginning the job search. I am needed some direction...I have a bachelors degree and want to head to Latin America. Is this a possibility? I have little teaching experience. Does anyone have any advice on where to start or any tips?

[spiral78]

Well, unfortunately you're a nice example of why online courses aren't recommended....
A good basic course is usually done in the country where you want to teach, giving you a chance to make contacts and get your feet wet before you have to strike out on your own.
A good basic course offers supervised teaching practice, with feedback from teacher trainers. Applying theory to practice isn't as easy as online courses advertise.

Now, your best course of action is probably to try to make some contacts in a country where you want to go, be sure that your online certification will be acceptable to employers there, and try to land something from your home country. It's a harder row to hoe, but if you are ready to take some risks, it can work out in the end.

[Guy Courchesne]

Echo Spiral...you could also look for volunteer or intern opportunities somewhere in Latin America, to gain the experience employers will need. If you are having trouble pitching the online course as valid training, you could try simply coming down and convincing schools in person...common practice as it is anyway in Latin America, which is not the easiest place to land a job from a distance as it is.

[tedkarma]

Some training is better than nothing at all - and you have at least something to help you get into the job market - and to show your interest in doing a good job.

Guy suggests that you go and do a job search in person. That method works best in much of the world and I support that idea.

A good reason to get a full program - in the country in which you wish to work - is that you will have a good idea of how to deal with the job market by the time you finish your program.