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NewTeacher09?
Joined: 02 Feb 2009
Posts: 3
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 Posted: Wed Feb 04, 2009 6:29 pm Post subject: Interested but don't know where to begin/if qualified |
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Hello everyone, this is my first post in these forums, and I'd just like to say it looks like a very informative and supportive community. As my title states, I'm interested in looking into teaching English abroad (I am American) as sort of a 'change of pace'/'adventure' pursuit, although if I end up doing it I'll of course take it very seriously, endeavor to do a good job, etc. I am 28 and single, so I figure those conditions make it a viable option.
After researching the topic briefly (which led me to this forum), I ran across a lot of posts which state, in effect, 'all you need is a 4-yr. degree in ANY field and native knowledge of the language.' What I'm wondering is, is how stringent a requirement is it REALLY to have a degree, because I unfortunately (read: foolishly) did not complete mine. I also do not have any TEFL certifications or anything of that sort. However, if asked I would be able to provide transcripts, high SAT scores, etc., and could easily demonstrate thorough command of the language. So I guess my question is does lack of a degree automatically disbar anyone who may want to do this, period-point-blank?
I would probably be interested in teaching in Korea, where I have come to understand via a number of other forums I participate in, that there is a shortage of English teachers.
So that's it, pretty long for a first post, I apologize for that. Any advice, information, or suggestions are greatly appreciated. I'll check back later and see if the thread has gained traction. |
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nickpellatt
Joined: 08 Dec 2006
Posts: 1522
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| Posted: Wed Feb 04, 2009 7:45 pm Post subject: |
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"So I guess my question is does lack of a degree automatically disbar anyone who may want to do this, period-point-blank?"
No, although some countries may be very difficult or even impossible. Korea is probably one of them. No qualifications of any sort and no experience will exclude you from many countries. China is possibly one of the exceptions, but this may mean working away from main cities, and having a dodgy visa. (unlikely you would be on the official working visa)
You do state you will take it seriously, endeavour to do a good job etc...part of that might be considering investing in some EFL training beforehand, and even gaining some experience in EFL in your home country first?
But yeah, you can do it without a degree. |
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Glenski
Joined: 15 Jan 2003
Posts: 12844
Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN
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| Posted: Wed Feb 04, 2009 9:35 pm Post subject: Re: Interested but don't know where to begin/if qualified |
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| NewTeacher09? wrote: |
| After researching the topic briefly (which led me to this forum), I ran across a lot of posts which state, in effect, 'all you need is a 4-yr. degree in ANY field and native knowledge of the language.' |
Uh, no, not if "native knowledge" means perfect fluency. Perhaps what you meant was "a smidgeon of the language"?
| Quote: |
| What I'm wondering is, is how stringent a requirement is it REALLY to have a degree, because I unfortunately (read: foolishly) did not complete mine. |
Americans are not eligible for working holiday visas, so you are stuck with the work visa as your only route for FT work. Work visas in Japan require a degree or three years of work experience. Got neither? Sorry, but that's it.
If you are satisfied with PT work, you would have to get a student visa or cultural visa first, then special permission once an employer thought you were ok for the job despite lacking a degree.
TEFL certs are unnecessary to get the work visa here. |
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GambateBingBangBOOM
Joined: 04 Nov 2003
Posts: 2021
Location: Japan
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| Posted: Thu Feb 05, 2009 3:09 am Post subject: |
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does lack of a degree automatically disbar anyone who may want to do this, period-point-blank?
I would probably be interested in teaching in Korea, |
If you show up to a consulate to get a visa to work in Korea and when they ask to see your notarized copy of your degree, you reply that you don't have one, then short of any working holiday options, you will be disbarred, period-point-blank.
Essentially, what you are asking is 'Can I teach English in your country simply by virtue of it being my first language?' |
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Humbug
Joined: 05 Jan 2009
Posts: 18
Location: Australia
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| Posted: Thu Feb 05, 2009 10:06 am Post subject: |
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I would suggest a qualification in one of TEFL /TESOL / CELTA and then try for a job in China. I was recently accepted for a job without a degree and was able to get the Z work Visa.
Cheers. |
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NewTeacher09?
Joined: 02 Feb 2009
Posts: 3
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| Posted: Thu Feb 05, 2009 8:33 pm Post subject: |
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| Well I appreciate the replies everybody. Some were helpful, some weren't. Wow some of you guys sound like great fun at parties, lol. Thanks for the tip re: China. Mind divulging approximately how much you're making? Enough to live? Enough to save? tx again |
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NewTeacher09?
Joined: 02 Feb 2009
Posts: 3
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| Posted: Thu Feb 05, 2009 8:41 pm Post subject: |
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| GambateBingBangBOOM wrote: |
| Quote: |
does lack of a degree automatically disbar anyone who may want to do this, period-point-blank?
I would probably be interested in teaching in Korea, |
If you show up to a consulate to get a visa to work in Korea and when they ask to see your notarized copy of your degree, you reply that you don't have one, then short of any working holiday options, you will be disbarred, period-point-blank.
Essentially, what you are asking is 'Can I teach English in your country simply by virtue of it being my first language?' |
I do apologize, but I can't really just let this go. Would you mind telling me what additional qualifications, say, a degree in accounting, for example, would confer on me to teach English? This is mainly aimed at the second part of your post which seems to imply that it is unreasonable to so much as inquire as to even the POSSIBILITY of teaching others a language which happens to be my native tongue, and one over which I have considerable command. |
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RollingStone
Joined: 19 Jan 2009
Posts: 138
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| Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2009 12:16 am Post subject: |
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| NewTeacher09? wrote: |
| Would you mind telling me what additional qualifications, say, a degree in accounting, for example, would confer on me to teach English? |
Its a fair question. I can think of-
1. have to draw the line somewhere (tho there are plenty of boneheads out there with a degree)
2. have to have some `prestige` for prospective clients ie all our teachers are university grads
3. it may be more pertinent to simply have certification, rather than degree
4. as an employer, who would you choose between someone with a degree and someone sans? |
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naturegirl321
Joined: 04 May 2003
Posts: 9041
Location: home sweet home
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| Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2009 1:24 am Post subject: |
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| Depends on whether the person without the degree had experience and the laws of the country. |
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