Job Discussion Forums

[Luke in Vermont]

Hello,

I am new to this forum and i was looking for some clarification on a few things. My girlfriend and i are looking to travel to asia next year to teach english. I have lived in Europe for 1.5 years and speak fluent German but would like to get a different cultural experience than that of Europe. We were thinking of Thailand, or possibly southern China. I am currently a teacher and hold a masters degree in German language. Our first language is english. My girlfriend has a bachelors degree as well.

With my degree, will I need to have a TEFL or will it suffice that ive taught a foreign language for several years. Should my girlfriend take the TESL course and get certified?

Also,
any suggestions on countries/cities that would be good would be very helpful.

Thanks so much

Luke

[Justbecause]

You won't need a tefl if you go to china.

[eslstudies]

Like he said.
My recommendation [at least for China] is to find a university job. As a qualified teaching couple [by the Chinese definition], and only needing one apartment, you should have employers falling over each other for your services. You should be applying soon if planning to start in the Spring semester, beginning Feb. Although this is mid-academic year, there will still be plenty of places hiring. For a Sept. start, look at applying around April/May. Avoid recruiters. A decent, legit [ie, can hire foreigners/provide a work visa] university that has a decent sized Foreign Teacher contingent that you can contact is the way to go.

[Sonnet]

No, you won't need TEFL certification to land a job in China.

But, well, the training will help you become a better teacher, and be a lot fairer on you and the students you're thrust into a classroom with.

[eslstudies]