Job Discussion Forums

[jodyray]

Hey guys,

I've been able to acquire a wealth of information from this site, but I am a bit overwhelmed by many of the answers addressing my questions and concerns. If anyone can help out..

First off, basic background: I am male 25 American living in Amsterdam and just finished a Masters degree in International Political Economy. I am looking now to do move out of the EU and ideally be able to do two things:

1. Research (academic, business/market, political economy, social sciences) and/or teach (English or related [research methodologies, etc])
2. Make enough money to sustain living and, even if slowly, pay back some student debt.

I do not have any TESL/etc certificate.

My questions are:
1. While I understand that the certificate is not always required, I would like to earn this regardless. Is there any way to teach without the certificate and earn it at the same time? What are the costs of this? Are there any free or low-cost/intensive courses that I can take?

2. Where to go? I am mostly interested in Africa and the Middle East (not necessarily opposed to Asia) and am concerned about reputable institutions and of those, which I have a chance for employment. Also of concern is safety for Americans in certain areas of these target regions.

3. Can anyone recommend potential employment that does NOT have to do with teaching English necessarily, but rather involves research in either public/private sectors?

Thank you for any replies!
Jody

[naturegirl321]

Yep, you can teach without a cert, a degree is ususally more important, at least from a visa stand point. Though the cert will help you in the classroom.

Costs, usually a couple thousand. Make sure it has 100 hours and 6 with teaching students. Courses are usually intensive for one mmonth.

Middle East, you'll need a couple years experience first. Africa, they are usually mining jobs.

About research, try hitting up local universities.