Job Discussion Forums

napoleonspidgin · Joined: 28 Oct 2008 Posts: 5

Hello, I'm new and have been browsing the forum for a few months. I'm 23 years old and have obtained an associate's degree.

Can anyone provide a list of countries that accept associate degrees for work visas? I'm already aware of Taiwan and possibly China.

It seems like visas would be a bigger hurdle than getting hired based on these qualifications. I can convince a company that I'm as smart (qualified) as someone with a bachelor's degree, but visas are strict.

The regions I am interested in are Asia, middle east, and central/eastern Europe.

Thank You

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Wed Oct 29, 2008 12:49 am Post subject:

Look into KOrea.

Historically, they've required four year degrees, but the word on the ground here is that there's been a recent change to accept two year degrees, as they've had trouble getting as many native speakers as they want.

But please, if this turns out to happen, and you come, do a decent TESOL cert and come ready to work like a pro! I'm working in teacher training here, and one of the big hurdles is convincing Korean teachers, most of whom have postgraduate teaching qualifications, that I am NOT an unqualified native "backpacker." Native English teachers round here have sometimes really "embarassed the family," if you know what I'm saying.

Best,
Justin

sweeney66 · Joined: 26 Mar 2008 Posts: 147 Location: "home"

Mexico.
I agree w/ JT, you need a good cert. and a responsible attitude.
I started teaching 15 credits shy of a BA. Life got in the way, what can I tell you.
You won't get the best jobs, but it's a start.

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Wed Oct 29, 2008 2:08 am Post subject:

Strongly agree. I should have said, most of Latin America could also be an option. Ecuador would likely require a decent cert if you haven't got a degree, but you can do one as a month intensive, so it's not going to delay your start by much.

Best,
Justin

sweeney66 · Joined: 26 Mar 2008 Posts: 147 Location: "home"

People crack on the CELTA, but I learned a lot. I just didn't want to walk into the classroom with no chingada idea what I was doing, considering that students are paying their hard-earned (in some cases) money to actually learn something. I also learned a lot about teaching from my Spanish teachers, both the great and the awful.

Marcoregano · Joined: 19 May 2003 Posts: 872 Location: Hong Kong

I agree that newbies should at least have the CELTA or Trinity cert, unless they're just doing a bit of p/t teaching on their travels etc. However, the above courses DO vary in quality - or at least they used to - maybe quality control has improved.

I did the Trinity cert in 96, and the only thing it taught me was that I could stand in front of a class without having a heart attack. That in itself was well worth knowing, but so far as teaching skills go I learned nothing.

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Wed Oct 29, 2008 5:55 am Post subject:

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

Latin America is definitely as option, Europe too, if you have a passport that will be accepted. Many language shcools will hire you, but just beware that the pay's not that much and you might be working illegaly.

napoleonspidgin · Joined: 28 Oct 2008 Posts: 5

Thanks for the input, all.

I would pursue the CELTA, I forgot to mention this in my OP. I would not try to do this with just an associate's degree or even a 4 year degree.

So we can add S Korea and parts of Latin America to the list?

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Sat Nov 01, 2008 3:26 am Post subject:

The Great Toad · Posted: Mon Nov 03, 2008 1:33 am Post subject:

http://koreanconsulate.org/bbs.php?table=board_5&query=view&uid=18

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Mon Nov 03, 2008 2:23 pm Post subject:

Dear Mr Toad,

What the ....?

I agree that the offer you posted stinks pretty bad. And there are plenty of better ones to be had in Korea. (I'm here, not Ecuador as my profile says. It's short term, so I didn't change it.)

Making fun of Koreans and their English seems just...weird, though, if you don't mind my saying. What's your beef? You see a job opportunity you don't like, then, umm, don't apply? I didn't apply for that one either. THere are others, though.

If you wanted to learn Korean, though, a year in a rural school, free housing and $1300 a month, in spite of not having any quals...

As I said- I didn't apply for that one. Can't see why you're taking the #$%/ out of it, though.

Best,
Justin

The Great Toad · Posted: Mon Nov 03, 2008 5:04 pm Post subject:

Excuse me Justin. Pardon my slighting towards Corea. I love it and in some ways I hate it too. I left Taiwan to return to Corea. Korea has a lot going for it - though they struggle with alcoholism like the West they are mostly free of any drug problems unlike nearby Thailand. Yet, Koreans are even more cocky then the USA about how great they are although humbleness is suppose to be a Confusion ideal...

As to the deal being a poor one- well not at all. Consider that your air fair is paid for and that the rent is paid for and you are making much more than 1,300 dollars further this is a job any fellow with two years of any kind of college can get. Obviously, persons like you are me are going to be more picky, but this young sprout is set to become set upon by admiring University girls and flirty married teachers -and no I never take up the later on dinner offers, although I have gotten lots of free Coffees with University Kids. So I recommend he take the Korean 6 month trip.... think about it it is a Government program and not a profit one like some of these "Get your celta free whilst slaving away in our public school in Bungalow Village" so it's as safe as a Korean stairway.

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Tue Nov 04, 2008 12:40 am Post subject:

It's awfully hard to "get" the nuance of others' posts online, isn't it? I understand what it's like to have a love/hate relationship with a country- had a few. In another few months, Korea may add itself to that list for me. I guess I read your post as meaner and more dismissive than it was.

As it's been explained to me, the rule about 2 year degrees applies to all schools though, so there's a good chance that the OP could work in an urban area if he chooses.

I avoid the "dinner later on" offers as well, but if you're young and single, colleagues and other young people could be a lot of fun. (Hands off the students, though!)

Best,
Justin