Job Discussion Forums

kattate · Joined: 23 Mar 2008 Posts: 25 Location: Sydney, Australia

Hi everyone,

I was hoping for some advice regarding obtaining my TESOL qualification in Australia (my home country) or once I arrive in the country I want to teach in (which is looking like Vietnam).

I'm thinking it could be good to study once I've landed, as I'll be in the country, easing into the culture and meeting other teachers who I could possibly share a house with. On the other hand, it's very easy to just head into the city in Sydney to undertake a course.

What to do??

I'd love some pros and cons from anyone who could possibly shed some light on this?

many thanks! Smile

Chancellor

nickpellatt · Joined: 08 Dec 2006 Posts: 1522

I personally like the idea of taking the course in your hometown. Thats what I did, and although many people suggest otherwise, it worked pretty well for me.

Why? It gives you a comfortable environment to complete the course in...many people say the course is the 'toughest 4 weeks of your life'. bearing that in mind, I would think the challenges and excitement of a new place, new culture, new food, new friends etc are added distractions you dont need.

It also means you have some contacts in your hometown who you may be able to tap up for work later, when you return home.

Unless it was miles cheaper ... I dont see any need to take the course in another country to be honest. I didnt do it, and wouldnt have done it. Being in-country would, I reckon, end up costing you more....and you may end up being pressurised into taking the first job offered because of the need to find work quickly in order to stay there.

I wouldnt want to pay to fly out somewhere for a course, and then have to pay to fly home again if the job hunt was unsuccessful. Being in-country may be an advantage sometimes, but there are still many employers who will employ from overseas...

Sadebugo · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 524

kattate · Joined: 23 Mar 2008 Posts: 25 Location: Sydney, Australia

Wow I wasn't expecting such a mix of perspectives! Thanks guys, that's given me something else to think about which is good Smile

I guess another reason I was looking at studying in-country was because the CELTA in Australia is $3000, whereas in Nam it is only just over $1000. So the savings are there. Then again, you're right that it might end up costing more in terms of setting up and living while I'm doing the course.

Hrmmm what to do....

Chris_Crossley

I personally did my Trinity Certificate in TESOL part-time over 31 weeks in my then-hometown when I was unemployed since I thought it would be madness for me to go abroad without a job to go to when I was up to my neck in student loan and credit card debts. That was the best strategy for me under the circumstances.

After I completed my course, I did some summer school teaching in England before heading over to China where I have been (more or less continuously) ever since.

I am now in my ninth year of teaching EFL in China so matters have worked out quite nicely!