Job Discussion Forums

[Higo]

Seems like the bulk of advice for newbies says to get your ESL teaching credentials (TEFL, IDELT, CELTA, etc) in the country where you'd like to find work.

For me, I live near a Bridge center, so I could easily do it here (still keeping my US job and saving money to offset newbie lower wages.) But do you reduce your prospects training in the US and then looking for a job in (for me) say Latin America? Even Bridge recommends taking their classes in the country you want to live in -- and they have offices here! Is this just a smart business move on their part, or is it less attractive to have US training?



PS -- I've read and read these forums and thank everyone, past and present, for sharing such valuable information.

[Chancellor]

[powerrose]

[coledavis]

I did CELTA in my home country and have never had problems getting job offers in different countries. Having said that, you'll get to teach multilingual classes at home, while they are generally monolingual elsewhere. Having said that, I think it is easier to teach multi first and then adjust to mono rather than the other way around.

[denise]

No, it doesn't hurt you, and if you have no idea where you want to go or aren't ready to start working yet, it is probably wise to stay home.

When people ask which option is better (assuming they know where they want to go), I always vote in favor of getting the certificate in the country you're going to be teaching in. You can use that month to get settled, look for housing, start lining up job interviews (something that your TEFL course provider should be able to help you with), get a feel for what the students are like, etc., etc. It's a big help for that first job. But... you only get one first job anyway, so it's not a long-term benefit.

d

[celloleslie]

I did my training in the US, and thought it offered lots of benefits:

While doing the many hours of preparation and reading, I was not distracted by having to deal with a new/unfamiliar environment at the same time. I knew where to find help, (printed and otherwise), and had lots of English-speaking colleagues with which I could discuss issues (and commiserate if need be!)

During the observations and volunteer work, it was very helpful having people from MANY different countries, speaking many different languages. I taught mostly beginners, and was able to get a sense for some of the difficulties which could have related to their original languages. Even seeing the various native written languages--and watching how the students approached the writing of words on paper-- was eye-opening.

A mixed group offers opportunities to compare students from different countries. OF COURSE personal differences (regardless of home country) are a big part of the picture..perhaps even the biggest part; but after long periods of working with people, some generalizations seemed valid.
This might be helpful if you have yet to decide which population you want to teach.

Your home experience might not involve the activities mine did, but these are some things to consider nonetheless. I should say that my ESL certificate came from a program at Duke University which involved a year and a half of coursework and practice teaching, (coursework done mostly at night and on weekends, or in the summer)..and that I have nothing with which to compare it :) It was certainly worthwhile.

Good luck to you!

[naturegirl321]

Latin America, in general, is pretty laid back about quals. I worked for 2 unis, 2 schools, and an institute, NO ONE asked to see my TEFL and only ONE uni asked to see my degree.