Job Discussion Forums

[BenE]

Hello.

I have a BA in German and Economics and I've already worked abroad and learned other languages. I'm certainly going to take a CELTA before I teach English.

A few months ago I decided I no longer want to just jump straight into a 'graduate job' with targets especially considering there aren't that many at the moment.
I've been reading these forums for a few weeks and since then I've made some progress in the ESL world. I've also been accepted onto a CELTA course at Action Leeds (Opinions on the provider anyone?)

However, I am also thinking about saving up and doing the course at Apollo in Hannoi and then applying for a job with either Apollo or a Vietnamese school. Vietnam looks like a place I'd really enjoy going to and it seems to be well suited to taking new starters.

Would it then be better to do a CELTA here in the UK and then apply or to do the CELTA in Vietnam? I'm thinking it would be easier to find a job if I did the CELTA in Vietnam as I'd already be there with all the relevant documents.

[naturegirl321]

CELTA is a chain, so wherever you do it, it should be the same amount of pressure and stress.

[denise]

If you're fairly sure you want to work in Vietnam, I'd suggest doing the course there. It will be easier for you to get contacts for jobs (many of which could come through your TEFL course provider) and learn your way around.

d

[spiral78]

I agree with Denise - there are lots of reasons it's best to do a course in the country where you want to start teaching, if possible.

By the way, CELTA isn't a chain - but there are standards which the course provider must meet to call the course CELTA. So, yes, the quality of the course should be within a standard range regardless of where you take it.

[BenE]

Sounds good! I guess my fear is I'll come out of the CELTA course in Hanoi and then find I can't get a job and I'm forced to go home.

I should be fine on the course itself as I've been taught 4 other languages, so know about grammar structures etc. They offered me the place on the course the second they got me on my own to talk with me during the interview.

[spiral78]

I think you've got a better chance of finding a job after the course than trying to find one from abroad - the course provider should be able to give you good leads and help to get you interviews at reputable schools. It is almost always better to have local contacts!!

[Anda]

If you can't get a job in a country like Vietnam then you shouldn�t think of working in ESL. Be careful with your money and of pickpockets and bag snatchers when you arrive that is all.


http://www.ehow.com/how_2323352_get-english-teaching-job-vietnam.html

Some people prefer to get a job once they are in the country. In Vietnam a travel visa is easily turned into a working visa without having to leave the country.

[Nabby Adams]

OP TEFL is nothing like the world you are used to. The fact that you were given a place as soon as they "got you on your own to talk to" says nothing at all about you and only the fact that you have a thousand pounds in your pocket. They accept 99%, no make that 99.9% of people no matter what.
Not saying you wont be a great teacher, but just letting you know that the world you are entering into has very little to do with "education" as you have known it. It's a business.

[nickpellatt]

I will go against the grain with regards to taking the course in country. of course it has benefits, as have been mentioned. HOWEVER, lots of people find the TEFL course hard work, stressfull, difficult and so on.

I just finished my course, which I took at home. Only two of us managed to pass the course on the final day, as lots of my peers had to resubmit work, and they had late nights and stress all the way through the course etc.

For me, arriving in a new country, new food, new language, jetlag etc etc....isnt an environment that is conducive to making the most of the TEFL course.

yes, it might make things a bit easier re finding a job....but in honesty, it isnt hard to find work anyway.

[Anda]

In general in Asia they are interested in money in terms of education and know that if they make it too hard that they will attract few customers. Do it in Asia as all that is required is a bit of paper. Most countries want a four year degree in anything along with a certificate in English teaching with two years teaching experiance full stop. A few of the top jobs ask for a bit more like a masters,

[BenE]

[stillnosheep]

In Vietnam, and most of Asia, if you have a Celta no experience at all is needed to teach in private language schools . Many Chinese University EFL posts are held by 'teachers' with neither a degree in English, linquistics or education, nor a Celta or equivalent, nor any experience. China and S E Asia are crying out for EFL teachers. If you have a pulse you'll be offered jobs.

But do the course, if only to get a little confidence and the modicum of knowledge of what to do when confronted with a real class for the first time and to give you more choice about the kind of job you want. Hell, with a Celta you'll probably be offered Director of Studies posts after about three months.

You'll be fine. If you are in China or S E Asia with a Celta and three or four other languages you really should think about the university sector.

[Serious_Fun]

[BenE]

[stillnosheep]

Good thinking. You'll have to resist your natural urge to get out and make th emost of hanoi on first arrival though if you want to do well at, pass, get the most out of the course. But Hanoi will still be there after that month. Or you could get there a week early and get the sightseeing and partying in first!

Enjoy!