Job Discussion Forums

carnival · Joined: 07 Jun 2009 Posts: 8

Hi all

Most good ELT jobs require a degree but I only have a HNC in Electronics (Greenwich Uni), Cert in Community Research (UCLan) and a Dip in English Language (OU)

I'll be embarking on a CELTA course in October and currently studying for a Dip in Teaching Business English from London Teacher Training College.

Does any one know if these will do instead of a degree or does one have to have a BA/BSc?

I hope to teach in Spain and China or possibly Indonesia.

I've gone through the previous posts and found similar questions about qualifications but I'm still scratching my head Confused

........there appears to be some very clued up teachers on this sight and i would greatly appreciate some of your advice.

Many Thanks

Chancellor

carnival · Joined: 07 Jun 2009 Posts: 8

Thanks Chancellor.
I saw the thread you mentioned but I was wondering if various other uni qualifications would suffice.
It would take me 3 years to get a degree and a hole heap of money too, time and money I dont have, although I do appreciate the fact that employers would expect their staff to be educated.

Chancellor · Posted: Wed Jun 10, 2009 7:03 pm Post subject:

carnival · Joined: 07 Jun 2009 Posts: 8

In the U.K ther are other university courses, Higher National Diploma (HND) and Higher National Certificate (HNC). You can also study shorter diplomas and certificate which take 2 and 1 years respectively.

plato986 · Joined: 09 Feb 2009 Posts: 13

Not that I'm an expert in the subject, but from my own research into the job markets of Spain and other areas an undergraduate degree can only help you.

carnival · Joined: 07 Jun 2009 Posts: 8

Thanks plato

I heard that there is hope for you in Spain without a degree, but I'm gravitating towards Indonesia. My understanding is that you must have a degree or similar to work in China, for visa purposes.

Anyhow, I'm trying to gain some experience locally first and hope that would give me a greater understanding of TESOL.

nickpellatt · Joined: 08 Dec 2006 Posts: 1522

Hi

My experience is in China, and you are able to work there without a degree ... in fairness, you may actually hold more qualifications than some teachers already there, especially after completing the TEFL certificate. I worked in China for 18 months with only an online TEFL cert, and perrsonally know people still there with legal working visas doing the same. China is definately possible.

I did use my time in China to start a distance learning program to get the degree that is mentioned by other posters in this thread. If you are serious about working in EFL it does appear that it will open a lot more doors, and increase the choice of jobs as well ass the quality of them.

I finish my degree with the OU this year (we have possibly both done the same OU english course), I really would suggest you contact the OU and browse their website. You have one course that counts towards a degree already ... and you may be able to transfer some credits from the other courses you have completed too. Not sure whether you realise, but goverment grants will pay for all the course fees as long as you earn under around �18,000 a year. Its really worth looking into!!!

Bear in mind that you may have lots of free time when you teach abroad...using it to study isnt a bad idea.

nickpellatt · Joined: 08 Dec 2006 Posts: 1522

Could I be bold enough to ask for some more info about you ... and also about the teacher training course you mention??? I may have a contact in China that might be able to help .. no promises etc.

carnival · Joined: 07 Jun 2009 Posts: 8

Thanks Nick

Glad that you have time whilst teaching and that your using it constructively. Is it hard to pick up Mandarin?

I'm a 36 year old British Indian with no experience of teaching, at present I'm a coordinator at a resource center for the elderly but have worked in social research before.

China sounds like a great place..but....is it true I may be discriminated against as employers will favour caucasians?

The OU Dip in English Lang Studies comprises of Exploring the English Language and English grammar in context(120 points). Is your OU degree an open one and how do you manage to do the assessment from China?

The Dip in Teaching Business English is from the London Teacher Training College........it's not as great as it sounds though.

I wont be ready to teach for a year or so, I'm trying to get some experience here in London.

nickpellatt · Joined: 08 Dec 2006 Posts: 1522

Im afraid to say it is true that you may be at a disadvantage in China. There are non-white teachers in China, but it does seem that resumes sent to many employers in China that feature a non-white face will get ignored. It wont be impossible in China, but harder, more so if applying from outside China.

Indonesia may be different, but I dont have any experience there.

Ah, I have done the first OU course U211, and am currently doing the grammar one to finish my open degree. Whilst in China, I did the intro to humanties course and U211. My contract finished two days before the U211 exam so I came home for that. All other assignments I sent in online. I would look at the OU again ... you have 120 points already, and may get credit for more from your other courses. An Open Degree without honours is only 300 points ... it may be more possible than you think .... especially as you plan on waiting for another year before teaching abroad. Bearing in mind the competitive nature of the job market and visa requirements ... having a degree will only help and make you more employable ... and it really may be easier (and less work) than you think.

pt2323 · Joined: 25 Jun 2009 Posts: 9

It really depends on your choice of work.....if you want a solid contract then a degree is usually a must but if you turn up in a country and walk into a language school looking presentable and holding a TEFL then in the majority of cases you willl get the job regardless of degree or not.

pt2323 · Joined: 25 Jun 2009 Posts: 9

It really depends on your choice of work.....if you want a solid contract then a degree is usually a must but if you turn up in a country and walk into a language school looking presentable and holding a TEFL then in the majority of cases you willl get the job regardless of degree or not.

pt2323 · Joined: 25 Jun 2009 Posts: 9

It really depends on your choice of work.....if you want a solid contract then a degree is usually a must but if you turn up in a country and walk into a language school looking presentable and holding a TEFL then in the majority of cases you willl get the job regardless of degree or not.