Job Discussion Forums

[cosmicoctave]

After scrolling through the forums several times and not finding a similar issue addressed, I'd like to put this question to those experienced with teaching ESL/EFL abroad. I have a Master's degree in English, with an empahsis in Rhetoric/Composition, and an unofficial secondary focus (9 grad credit hours) in TESL. I've been teaching college level writing classes for 5 years in the U.S., 3 years full time; during this time I've also taught two non-credit, college prep ESL courses through my university, and one EFL credit course, also at my university. In addition, every semester I teach a section of college composition that is specifically targeted toward international students. These are my basic experiences and qualifications.

My question is, in order to get a better paying job (such as secondary school teaching or college level) in Latin America (Mexico, Chile, Argentina top my list, but I'm flexible) do I need a TEFL certificate of any kind? What about (and I realize this is a whole other scenario) in order to teach in Spain? And if you do think certification would be helpful, any recommendations???

Any ideas would be much appreciated.

Chris Octave

[spiral78]

I cannot speak for Latin America, but I can say a bit about Spain. I have never worked there, but I did work for a European university, where we had partner unis in Spain (and most other Euro countries).

Assuming that you are a US citizen only, and do not also have a passport from a European union member country, you would be facing quite a difficult task to find legal work in Spain.

Your quals are obviously respectable, and European universities DO commonly provide writing support for students studying or aiming to publish in English. However, these job openings are not numerous, and are most often taken by UK passport holders - or highly qualified locals. In order to hire a non-EU citizen, the uni must make a case that 'you' have qualifications that they cannot find in any EU citizen candidates for the position - in other words, that you have a specialisation that other candidates for the job do not have.

This is not an impossible scenario, BUT it would most likely take local contacts and reputation to swing. I had a job such as this for 6 years, but I had local contacts who were willing to jump through the legal hoops to get me.

Certification would not be a deal maker/breaker in Spain at the uni level, in your situation, though specific training is always useful.

CELTA, Trinity, and SIT are the name brand entry-level courses. There are some acceptable generics, but be sure that you go for an on-site course that includes supervised teaching practice with actual students. Online newbie courses are not considered reputable in many regions.

With your quals and experience, you might want to consider a DELTA. There are some current threads on the topic.

[spanglish]

I think you'd have a good chance at one of the better university jobs in Colombia. Unfortunately in many cases personal connections here are more important than qualifications. Universities rarely advertise open positions so you have to find an email and hope they respond to you, network, or go in-person to the campus.

[naturegirl321]

FOr primary and secondary schools you often need qualified teacher status, basically to be a licensed teacher. That's for intl schools. Bilingual schools might be more flexible.

Universities often just require MAs. I can speak for Peru and say that the ones in the capital won't hire you unless you already have a work visa. The ones in the provinces are more flexible.

Certification is always helpful. It'll help you in the classroom.

[TeresaLopez]

In a lot of private schools in Mexico it will be more than enough. In the upper tier international schools they usually require you to be, or have been, certified in your home country. But a Master�s and the experience you have might trump that. If you are going to be teaching English or Composition, you should be fine. Most international schools, and many Bi-lingual schools want you to teach subjects in English, not English, per se, as many of the kids have been studying English for many years and are already fluent. I know of an agency that will help you get interviews at the better schools. In terms of pay there is no comparision whatsoever between what you�ll make in an international school and what you�ll make as an ESL teacher. I would also add, though, that you will earn every penny of your salary, as working with rich kids is not the most fun job in the world, though the pay is quite good, and goes a lot further in Mexico than in the US.

[cosmicoctave]

Thank you everyone for your insight into my questions regarding teaching in Latin america and Spain. I wonder, Teresa, (or anyone else who may know--)if you could tell me how far ahead to look for employment in Mexico starting in the fall? Do you think I could arrange emolyment at a good school from here, or do I really need to be in Mexico first? I'm currently teaching and am scheduled to part of the summer...

thank you

Chris

[fladude]

Chris, I tend to agree with the other folks about becoming qualified. I'm sure there is a process in North Carolina which would not require you to go back to college full time. Then get a job at a US public school for two years and you will be really qualified.

That's my plan anyway. I have been lurking on here for the past two years. I started to get into ESL, but looked at International Schools instead. I knew the requirements were 2 years of teaching at a US public school. So that's what I did. I am finishing up my second year now.

Has it been rough? Oh yeah, pretty much every crappy thing that you remember about high school applies to the teachers as well, rude kids, bad behaviors, practical jokes on the teacher, students who would rather tell you to F off than open a text book, etc.... But hey, I got it done... or will anyway at the end of this semester. Then I am going to be in the hunt for a job someplace else. Of course I'm looking now, but it is hard because of where I teach.

Of course if you decide to just jump right off and try teaching overseas, that might work too. I don't know.... you sound highly qualified for certain.