Job Discussion Forums

[S.E.]

Hi there--

I'm currently enrolled in a TESOL Graduate Certificate program at a university here in Boston. I'm able to do this course largely for free as I work at the university and thus my tuition is waived (I'll probably end up paying $400 in total for taxes, registration, etc.) My problem is this: I'm not too impressed with the course so far and am only doing it here because it is free to me. I would have preferred to do the CELTA in Krakow but took this one due to the convenience. I'm not planning on staying at my current position for any time past when my course would be done (June) as I'd like to get out of the city.

Question: Does it really make any difference if I get my TESOL certificate here as opposed to my CELTA in Poland if I ultimately would like to teach in Poland? Would I be better off just finishing my TESOL here, saving some money and going to Poland for around July 08 and knocking on doors, etc? (I've lived abroad in a few places before and am use to really searching for jobs, though I did have work visas before (for the UK))

Like anyone, I would ideally like to find a school that would help me arrange for a visa, but as an American I'm also aware of the red tape.

Also, do schools generally do most of their hiring during the summer months for the upcoming school year?

(For the record, I'm in my mid twenties, have a BFA, in the process of getting my MA. as well as some minor teaching and tutoring experience (writing courses at the college level). With a TESOL certificate in hand, what kind of options might I have?)

Thanks,

S.E.