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tharow
Joined: 22 Aug 2009
Posts: 7
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 Posted: Mon Aug 24, 2009 8:42 pm Post subject: Couple moving to Nam, a few questions that need answering |
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Hey,
Just a couple of general inquiries in to work over in Nam. I am an Aussie currently living with my Girlfriend over in Finland, we are really keen to get jobs in Ho Chi Minh. As far as my teaching background goes I completed my TESOL course in 2007 with ATA TESOL and went on to complete an 8 month stint teaching 6 graders in Shanghai, China. Both me and the girlfriend have suspended our studies at university indefinitely, thus allowing us to go traveling. All though my girlfriend is Finnish and does not have a TEFL qualification, she is fluent in English and has work experience as a teachers assistant as well as a Nanny.
I would be very grateful if some one could help answer these questions.
1. What would be the best option when it comes to getting my girl friend TEFL certified as there are no courses available in Finland, at the moment I was just going to get her to do an online 40 hour express course with I-TO-I ...Is that enough ?
2. Is it better to apply for jobs online, contact schools via email or to simply go over there and try our luck ? Finances are tight at the moment so this would be some what of a risky move just legging it over there.
3. Does the fact that neither of us posses bachelor degrees seriously decrease our chances of employment over there ? Particularly if applying for a job online ? (a lot say they require a degree)
4. Does anybody have any points of contact which would be a good foot in the door ? (would be much appreciated).
Regards,
Jeremy |
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Tanker
Joined: 15 Jun 2005
Posts: 72
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| Posted: Tue Aug 25, 2009 12:16 am Post subject: Re: Couple moving to Nam, a few questions that need answerin |
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| tharow wrote: |
| 1. What would be the best option when it comes to getting my girl friend TEFL certified as there are no courses available in Finland, at the moment I was just going to get her to do an online 40 hour express course with I-TO-I ...Is that enough ? |
In my opinon and of the opinion of many schools no, it's not enough:
1. Online TEFL courses have no credibility.
2. Schools require 120 hours of course instruction that includes observed teaching practice. Best option IMO, is the CELTA. It's $1400+ USD, and it will take one month to complete. Working isn't possible while doing it.
3. Your girlfriend is not a native speaker, and does not have a degree. If she gets a 120 hour in-class CELTA, she'll likely find work somewhere.
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| 2. Is it better to apply for jobs online, contact schools via email or to simply go over there and try our luck ? Finances are tight at the moment so this would be some what of a risky move just legging it over there. |
This is only my opinon. I would bring $1,500 to $2,000 USD as a cushion.
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3. Does the fact that neither of us posses bachelor degrees seriously decrease our chances of employment over there ? Particularly if applying for a job online ? (a lot say they require a degree) |
If you do not have a degree you will miss out on the bigger schools. There are schools in the outer districts that will hire you, and some of the low-end schools like Elite will not even check your education.
You do have some experience, and experience in East Asia and a TEFL.
No offense intended, but it soulds like you and your girlfriend are traveling and using teaching to fund it.
I understand this, but the market in HCMC has changed recently as there are many more teachers here. This said, you probably will find work.
You stated your funds are "tight." I would bring money as a cushion, while you get started.
Good luck. |
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inky
Joined: 05 Jan 2009
Posts: 283
Location: Hanoi
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| Posted: Tue Aug 25, 2009 2:06 am Post subject: |
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| In case you believe in second opinions, I'd say 'tanker' has put it very well, in particular the notion that your girlfriend, being a non-native speaker, really should do the CELTA. |
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tharow
Joined: 22 Aug 2009
Posts: 7
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| Posted: Tue Aug 25, 2009 8:10 am Post subject: |
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| Thanks guys, good feedback. What was that elite school you mentioned there tanker ? do they have a website. |
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tharow
Joined: 22 Aug 2009
Posts: 7
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| Posted: Tue Aug 25, 2009 8:12 am Post subject: |
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as far as money goes 2-4 grand pillow is no problem
also just wondering about skills like elite, what is the pay rite there as in is it alot worse than many of the other schools ? |
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inky
Joined: 05 Jan 2009
Posts: 283
Location: Hanoi
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| Posted: Tue Aug 25, 2009 1:03 pm Post subject: |
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| Skills? |
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tharow
Joined: 22 Aug 2009
Posts: 7
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| Posted: Tue Aug 25, 2009 1:39 pm Post subject: |
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| dude ...I ment schools, I just woke up ...mistakes happen yea |
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inky
Joined: 05 Jan 2009
Posts: 283
Location: Hanoi
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| Posted: Tue Aug 25, 2009 3:20 pm Post subject: |
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| ment? |
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snollygoster
Joined: 04 Jun 2009
Posts: 478
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| Posted: Thu Aug 27, 2009 5:08 am Post subject: Come to Vn. |
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Check this out- lots of good info for newbie to Vietnam. Some of it personal opinions, but some good basic stuff.
MOD EDIT
Cheers. |
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tharow
Joined: 22 Aug 2009
Posts: 7
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| Posted: Thu Aug 27, 2009 3:02 pm Post subject: |
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thanks for the link. big help
looks like there are some real smart arses on this forum |
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