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claret
Joined: 07 Dec 2009
Posts: 7
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 Posted: Sat Dec 12, 2009 2:53 am Post subject: The next step... |
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Although I am a noob to the forums and to the concept of TEFL (belated hello  ) I wanted to float a few questions in a format that was not necessarily leveled on the basic plane - since I have had chance to look over some of the obvious.
I am in good secure employment at the moment (non-teaching) and was interested in a career change and the opportunity to see different parts of the world (ideally the spanish speaking world). So I was interested in enacting a medium term goal of getting into TEFL (lets say under two years). That in mind I am wondering what people would advise.
I am a UK citizen, just shy of 30 years old with a University BA (Hons).
Which TESOL/CELTA would you recommend?
Is the far east the recommended stepping stone for new teachers?
If I find a country I am interested in is taking the TESOL/CELTA there, going to do me any favours?
What kind of funds/investment (travel, documents, housing etc) are we talking before I get the first pay cheque?
Is learning the local language beforehand desirable or essential?
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denise
Joined: 23 Apr 2003
Posts: 3419
Location: finally home-ish
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| Posted: Sat Dec 12, 2009 3:14 am Post subject: |
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If you're interested in the Spanish-speaking world and are only planning on doing this for less than two years (which is fairly short-term), I'd say skip Asia and go straight to Latin America--or Spain, since you can work legally.
Regarding documents and funding--make sure you've got, or can easily get, copies of transcripts and degrees. And have enough money available to survive for two-ish months (a month to find a job and a month until you get paid).
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The Ever-changing Cleric
Joined: 19 Feb 2009
Posts: 1523
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| Posted: Sat Dec 12, 2009 3:48 am Post subject: Re: The next step... |
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| claret wrote: |
| Is learning the local language beforehand desirable or essential? |
not essential at all. there are many FTs in many countries who never bother to learn anything more than the bare minimum of the local language. here in china, i've met some FTs who've been in the country for years yet can barely utter a simple ni hao properly in mandarin. they still seem to muddle thru life.
but learning the local language is desirable and it's definitely going to make your life a lot easier. |
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Glenski
Joined: 15 Jan 2003
Posts: 12844
Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN
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| Posted: Sat Dec 12, 2009 4:48 am Post subject: Re: The next step... |
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| claret wrote: |
I am a UK citizen, just shy of 30 years old with a University BA (Hons).
Is the far east the recommended stepping stone for new teachers? |
Some places, yes, but you don't seem to be interested in any stepping stones, from what I gather. You said you only want to be in this game a couple of years max. Did I misunderstand? Or did you mean to say a career change and to achieve it in under two years?
If I find a country I am interested in is taking the TESOL/CELTA there, going to do me any favours?
In some situations, yes. Certification may not be necessary (like it isn't in Japan), but how comfortable do you feel teaching right now? Certification will give you some foundation in theory and practice before you hit the ground.
What kind of funds/investment (travel, documents, housing etc) are we talking before I get the first pay cheque?
Japan info:
flight costs, check yourself but be prepared in most cases to not get reimbursed.
housing, if you take employer-provided apartments you'll probably have to cough up a month's security deposit (2-5 if you find one on your own), amounting to 50,000-80,000 yen. Utilities will run 15,000-20,000 yen/month (seasonal and lifestyle variations).
etc. -- Got a suit for the interview? Prepared to pay for a CELTA (you can check that price yourself)? Figure those and the above for basic setup costs that first month. Paycheck may take another month to come.
| Quote: |
| Is learning the local language beforehand desirable or essential? |
You're not going to learn it completely even in just 2 years, but I think no matter where you go, it would be considered desirable to have learned some of it. In Japan, employers usually don't want teachers using L1 in the classroom, but reality is that you may have to sneak it in, especially for kiddies or low level students, and you will feel better knowing some of it in order to deal with staff and daily life activities. Also depends on whether you live in a rural or urban area. |
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claret
Joined: 07 Dec 2009
Posts: 7
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| Posted: Sat Dec 12, 2009 11:14 pm Post subject: Re: The next step... |
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Thanks for the responses. Just on some of Glenski's points to clarify a few things.
| Glenski wrote: |
Some places, yes, but you don't seem to be interested in any stepping stones, from what I gather. You said you only want to be in this game a couple of years max. Did I misunderstand? Or did you mean to say a career change and to achieve it in under two years?
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Just to clarify, I was thinking of getting into TEFL within 2 years to 18 months time, its just a factor that I am earning sufficient money now to want to think the process through thoroughly and earn enough to fall back on, wise given the financial climate methinks. I could start the process sooner if need be. I guess its a matter of confidence and clarity in what needs to be done.
| Glenski wrote: |
| In some situations, yes. Certification may not be necessary (like it isn't in Japan), but how comfortable do you feel teaching right now? Certification will give you some foundation in theory and practice before you hit the ground. |
I wouldn't say no to knowing more of the theory. I am primarily thinking I would like more doors to be open to me and there is the pernicious question of income.
| Glenski wrote: |
Japan info:
flight costs, check yourself but be prepared in most cases to not get reimbursed.
housing, if you take employer-provided apartments you'll probably have to cough up a month's security deposit (2-5 if you find one on your own), amounting to 50,000-80,000 yen. Utilities will run 15,000-20,000 yen/month (seasonal and lifestyle variations).
etc. -- Got a suit for the interview? Prepared to pay for a CELTA (you can check that price yourself)? Figure those and the above for basic setup costs that first month. Paycheck may take another month to come.
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| denise wrote: |
| Regarding documents and funding--make sure you've got, or can easily get, copies of transcripts and degrees. And have enough money available to survive for two-ish months (a month to find a job and a month until you get paid). |
Travel costs + housing and deposit + one or two months initial living costs = total*
*A variable depending on the country I guess.
And then the small matter of the CELTA course.
| Glenski wrote: |
| You're not going to learn it completely even in just 2 years, but I think no matter where you go, it would be considered desirable to have learned some of it. In Japan, employers usually don't want teachers using L1 in the classroom, but reality is that you may have to sneak it in, especially for kiddies or low level students, and you will feel better knowing some of it in order to deal with staff and daily life activities. Also depends on whether you live in a rural or urban area. |
From a cursory search I guess L1 is basic Japanese. I am not intending to spend a great deal of time mastering a language outside any country its practiced. A really thankless task. I was more concerned with the process of responding to job adverts and being called for interviews.
| The Ever-changing Cleric wrote: |
| here in china, i've met some FTs who've been in the country for years yet can barely utter a simple ni hao properly in mandarin. they still seem to muddle thru life. |
This is something I clearly want to avoid. I will spare you my views on this for another time. |
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nickpellatt
Joined: 08 Dec 2006
Posts: 1522
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| Posted: Sun Dec 13, 2009 11:34 am Post subject: Re: The next step... |
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| claret wrote: |
Which TESOL/CELTA would you recommend?
Is the far east the recommended stepping stone for new teachers?
If I find a country I am interested in is taking the TESOL/CELTA there, going to do me any favours?
What kind of funds/investment (travel, documents, housing etc) are we talking before I get the first pay cheque?
Is learning the local language beforehand desirable or essential?
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1 - If you are going to do any certification, be sure to choose a course that meets the standard employers ask for. Whilst it may sound obvious, a number of people take courses, often online, and discover afterward that are a) not recognised by many employers, or b) not required to land a job. With your BA you may be able to find work in some countries now, yet other countries may require a minimum certificate for you to be considered for employment. It really depends where you want to go I guess ... generally the industry minimum is the CELTA/Trinity type cert which offers 120 hours in class and a minimum of 6 hours observed teaching of real students. CELTA and Trinity are the most recognisable names ... but others offer the same courses.
2 - Far East as a stepping stone? Hmmm, well ... some places in the Far East may be easier to get into ... Im pretty sure you could find a job in China quite quickly just with the qualifications you have, so it would be a stepping stone in terms of getting into ESL. It may not help you progress though ... China is often ill regarded with employers of EU countries as the type of teaching there may not be regarded as especially valuable experience with skills that are transferrable to other countries. My only experience is of China tho, so this may not apply to Japan etc. It may be considered a stepping stone in terms of an easy entry to EFL though.
3 - Taking a course in-country. Two schools of thought there.
First is taking it in-country allows you to get a taste of the country first, and to make local contacts to help with the job hunt. Cost may be lower than taking it at home too, dependant on circumstances
My view is that if you can take it at home, as I did ... it also has some advantages. You can make local contacts for working at home in the future; You can study and pass the course whilst in a familiar environment free of the stress and difficulties that may be encountered in a new country; and taking the course at home may be cheaper in terms of accomodation if you were able to live with family members during the course (as I did)
4 - My experience with start up costs has always been low. This may not be the norm and may only be applicable to China though! My first job in China was with an employer who would employ you unseen from overseas ... I was giving a signing bonus when I arrived and signed contracts, and was paid a full monthly salary within two weeks of arrival. This meant all I had to find upfront really, was the flight out there, which ran out at less than �500.
I actually leave the UK to return to China this friday ... this time I am not banking on being as fortunate, and have around �600 to start up with and have paid around �500 in flights.
Housing in China is often included, so no housing costs in many cases. Of course, it is always extremely sensible to have a fund for emergencies, or a credit card to get you home again if it all goes wrong.
5 - Learning the language isnt an essential part of teaching, but it does help smooth the transition into a new country. |
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Glenski
Joined: 15 Jan 2003
Posts: 12844
Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN
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| Posted: Sun Dec 13, 2009 12:51 pm Post subject: Re: The next step... |
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| claret wrote: |
Thanks for the responses. Just on some of Glenski's points to clarify a few things.
| Glenski wrote: |
| Glenski wrote: |
| In some situations, yes. Certification may not be necessary (like it isn't in Japan), but how comfortable do you feel teaching right now? Certification will give you some foundation in theory and practice before you hit the ground. |
I wouldn't say no to knowing more of the theory. I am primarily thinking I would like more doors to be open to me and there is the pernicious question of income. |
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Certification might open more doors for you in Japan. Depends on the employer. Market is flooded here, so it would make sense to have some certs.
As for salary, don't expect more than bottom rung. Did you have a minimum amount you needed to make?
| Quote: |
| From a cursory search I guess L1 is basic Japanese. |
No, L1 is the home language of your students. Nothing basic.
| Quote: |
| I am not intending to spend a great deal of time mastering a language outside any country its practiced. A really thankless task. I was more concerned with the process of responding to job adverts and being called for interviews. |
You aren't willing to learn even the simplest phrases of a country where you plan to teach? Is that what you mean? Nobody is saying you have to be fluent in L1 before teaching English. It's not thankless.
| The Ever-changing Cleric wrote: |
| here in china, i've met some FTs who've been in the country for years yet can barely utter a simple ni hao properly in mandarin. they still seem to muddle thru life. |
| claret wrote: |
| This is something I clearly want to avoid. I will spare you my views on this for another time. |
No, please tell us your views. I am confused as I indicated above. |
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claret
Joined: 07 Dec 2009
Posts: 7
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| Posted: Sun Dec 13, 2009 10:34 pm Post subject: Re: The next step... |
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Many thanks nickpellatt. I am considering China seriousily. Not sure what the deal is with Korea yet. I will research the China forum for companies and cities etc for future reference.
| Glenski wrote: |
You aren't willing to learn even the simplest phrases of a country where you plan to teach? Is that what you mean? Nobody is saying you have to be fluent in L1 before teaching English. It's not thankless.
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| Glenski wrote: |
| No, please tell us your views. I am confused as I indicated above. |
I am very interested in language acquisition, so I was not disengaging with that and not sure where you lost me. I was trying to point out that trying to master a language (ie going beyond efficiency) outside of a country its used in, is not the best use of my time. Taking into account I only know Spanish at novice level. The learning curve for learning L1 in another country is huge, and I am very interested in following that. The other point I was trying to make was I am quite miffed at people who go abroad and don't make the effort. I hear about British ex-pats doing this in Spain and France alot, and frankly - I don't approve. |
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