Job Discussion Forums

[Spector]

Hi folks

Just a couple of general questions from a first (but not last) post:

I am 32 years old and have a BSc 2:2 Honours Degree in Media Technology. I am thinking of going on a 4-week TEFL course to get the proper qualification, which I would intend to use for teaching work in either Mexico or Spain.

However, as I mentioned, my Honours Degree is a Bsc, NOT a Bachelor of Arts. Since I see it mentioned in the odd place that employers are looking for a BA background, does this set me at a major disadvantage?

Also, since I'm 32, will I be seen as being - like Danny Glover- "too old for this s***"?

[fluffyhamster]

The main thing is that you have a bachelor's degree (in any subject) - it's more likely than not that the asked-for 'BA' could just as well have been 'BSc'; that is, there wouldn't be a difference, for the purposes of Immigration wherever granting a work visa. I guess that employers simply don't have the time to run through all the abbreviations! (You sometimes see private employers requesting that people have a background in education - that the ideal candidate should have a BEd or similar, be a "proper" teacher, which is understandable in the context of teaching children - not that this concerns you). As for being too old, not really, though your somewhat related lack of ELT experience (and even training potentially) might count against you (then again, at least you are mature and with more general work experience than many a prospective EFL teacher!).

[naturegirl321]

Nope, you'll be fine. BA is often used to mean Bachelors, any major is usually acceptable. Your age is ok, just shows that you're more mature and hopefully, less likely to complain.