Job Discussion Forums

sarahgpgt · Joined: 18 Mar 2007 Posts: 6

Hi everyone!

I've read many posts, and gather that having a degree is the best way to go. I do understand this, however, I am sure there are plenty of teachers out there that have only a TESL or CELTA and no degree. It is these people I would like to hear from.

I work in management and have done so for several years. I have 2 years of college under my belt, but quit because I couldn't decide on a major. Then recently I came across teaching ESL. Why I hadn't heard of it before I don' know. I've done a lot of online research. This sounds like it could be the thing for me. So, I'm thinking that I'd like to get a TEFL and try it out for a few years to make sure it is for me. Then, if I feel it is needed, and am happy with teaching then I will go back to the states to get a degree.

I'd like to hear from others who have started the way I will be.
How did you go about getting into teaching?
What certification did you get?
Was it what you expected?
Did you find it hard to get jobs?

I've read in the forum that age, and appearance are a big factor of getting hired. Does that mean that it is difficult to do this for years to come, because we get old and people will quit hiring us?

I would appreciate everyone's feedback, good or bad.

Thank you.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

mlomker · Joined: 24 Mar 2005 Posts: 378

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

sarahgpgt · Joined: 18 Mar 2007 Posts: 6

Thanks Is650. I too was wondering where that came from.

Mlomker,
Thanks for the info. You did lead me too another question. The course I was looking into has an agency they go through that guarantees job placement within 6 months of completing the TESL certificate, and said they help with the visa process. Said that once I have a job lined up they would work with the employer and pretty much that it'd be taken care of.

Is that a scam you think? Like I said in my original post, this is all new to me. That's why I've joined Dave's. I want to learn more about all this and research everything before I jump into it.

I appreciate your feed back.

Cheers,
Sarah

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

sarah,
So, doesn't my question even deserve an answer?

People come to these sites every week and ask how they can become teachers of EFL without a degree. Know what the usual replies are? To get any sort of decent job in TEFL, you will need a degree, even if it is only for the purpose of getting a visa (and usually the degree doesn't even have to be in a teaching field).

The usual answers from the original posters are that they have heard secondhand that a degree is really not needed or that they know someone who doesn't have a degree, yet teaches overseas, or that teaching just comes naturally to them, etc.

My question may have seemed harsh, but it was meant to head off such attitudes. Apologies if none of those fit yours, but could you at least do me the courtesy of replying? I'll repeat in gentler language:

What do you want to get out of teaching English? You wrote "try it out for a few years to make sure it is for me." Fine, but you are going to be hard-pressed to find countries that accept Americans without degrees, if for nothing else than visa purposes, so doing it for "a few years" may not be practical.

Dragonlady · Posted: Thu Mar 22, 2007 4:42 am Post subject:

deleted

out of date

nickpellatt · Joined: 08 Dec 2006 Posts: 1522

Hello - I am currently working in China, in Hainan Province, without a degree...

I guess I have what would be classed as a low level job / entry level position but this suits me fine, it means few hours, the wages are excellent compared to hours and cost of living and it gives me a chance to study for a degree in the future (which I think will become essential at some stage)

The work itself - is I guess to some extent, the performing monkey routine often mentioned here...which means I have fun in my oral classes as well as trying to introduce grammar points, new vocab and more talking etc.

As far as visa...I was told to come on a travel visa which they will change..I know this is often thought of as highly dubious, but I am willing to take the chance..I beleive I will have the correct papers???

Condition of my employment was that I have a TEFL cert of some kind, a HIV test and a full medical here, as well as providing a resume for visa application (hence me thinking the visa will be correctly changed)

I am also in a small town, where foreign teachers are still rare, and stared at..which probably means recruitment is harder, so my odds of work here are increased.

At risk of being slated here, I did two small online courses only...which are not great for providing huge amounts of knowledge, but gave me the certs mentioned above..

I did have one advantage perhaps, in that I worked for 3 months as a volunteer in a nearby school, and had also taken maybe 5 lessons here as a guest before I was offered employment...I have been lucky tbh.

I do intend to do a TRINITY TEFL in 2008 when my contract ends, and at some stage i will complete the degree....I think, to be fair...opportunities will be limited without it in the future..

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

nick,
Got a question for you. PM me.

nickpellatt · Joined: 08 Dec 2006 Posts: 1522

Glenski, I have PM'd you

mlomker · Joined: 24 Mar 2005 Posts: 378

sarahgpgt · Joined: 18 Mar 2007 Posts: 6

Glenski,
I'm sorry for seeming rude by not responding. I just didn't know how to as I had no idea why you said that.

Here's my attitude towards teaching ESL. I love to learn languages and about other cultures, and having the chance to teach other eager students like myself would be brilliant. No, I don't think it would be a vacation, and I definitely don't think it's going to be a piece of cake or come naturally. And I know I have a lot to learn. I have just begun my research and so far have barely skimmed the surface. That's why I am here.

Regarding why I want to try it out for a few years so that I know it is for me:
You know how people say that given a certain situation they will react a certain way? Ex: A girl says, "If someone ever tried to steal my purse from my shoulder, I would turn around and knock him out.", but if it were to really happen to her she might just get frightened and freeze up unable to do anything. Here's another... A woman gets pregnant, thinks motherhood is going to be so wonderful. Then that baby comes out, her world turns upside down, and she has postpartum depression.
The thing is in many situations we don't really know how we'll react. That is until we are in the situation, and often times the reaction surprises even ourselves.

That is why I think it would be wise to try it out. I may have a scene of sunshine, roses, and happiness in my head now. But we are talking about immersion into a whole other world. No matter how much I research the job, the countries, or the cities I know that I don't know until I actually get there. Therefore, I don't really know what my reaction will be. As for holding off on the BA now; when I go back to college I want to get the BA that will be most beneficially for the line of work I intend. If I were to get an english degree before going, my reaction turns out to be "post partum", and I want to return to get into management again, well that english degree isn't going to do me much good I don't think.

I have a strong work ethic. I give 110% everyday. Even at things I don't like to do. So, even if I end up not preferring TESL, thosee kids (or adults) will still learn a great deal from me. They would not be my lab rats.

As far as finding a "decent job", I'm not looking to get rich. In fact, I wouldn't mind if I only made enough to live on and for a souvenir to take home to Mama. It's the experience I want. As long as I can remember, the thing I said I want to be when I grow up is 'An old lady with lots of stories who everyone likes to talk to'. That's it, and that is still it. That is my picture of a rich life. Experience, memories, and stories. I would be so lucky.

I hope I answered you questions, and I thank you for your thoughts and questions. I will keep your words in mind while continuing my research.

-Sarah

sarahgpgt · Joined: 18 Mar 2007 Posts: 6

Dragonlady,

Thanks! Those are definitely great questions to ask.

Noted.

All thoughts are welcome and appreciated.

Thanks,
Sarah

sarahgpgt · Joined: 18 Mar 2007 Posts: 6

Thanks Nick!

You give me hope that I too can make it without a degree at the moment.

-Sarah

sarahgpgt · Joined: 18 Mar 2007 Posts: 6

Will do, mlomker.

Thanks for the advice.

Keep it coming if you've got it.

Thanks,
Sarah