Job Discussion Forums

JacobTM · Joined: 02 Jun 2009 Posts: 73 Location: New York

Hey all,

So I'm thinking of moving abroad this fall to teach ESL. I just graduated college with a B.A. in Philosohpy, Politics and Law, which is essentially a pre-law program. I don't have a degree in education, although I'm teaching a two-month-long ESL course this summer on a volunteer basis.

I'd like to hear your story about finding work without an education degree. Did you have trouble getting hired anywhere, or have to accept worse situations for the lack of a degree?

Thanks a ton,
Jacob

TeresaLopez · Joined: 18 Apr 2010 Posts: 601 Location: Mexico City

I have only ever taught in Guatemala and Mexico, so I can only address those two. I DO have a degree in Education (Elementary) and that doesn't really help with teaching ESL. My first job (in Guatemala) was in a small, private high school for girls. It was basically the sink or swim method, though they seemed pleased with me the year I was there. I had that job before I went to college, and was, in fact, only a couple of years older than some of my students. I was hired just because of being a native speaker. the pay was decent. After that I worked in Mexico at a school called Interlengua, they have in house training, at the time I felt like I learned a lot. Taught there for a couple of years, then moved to a few other schools - all on the basis of having worked for Interlengua. It was only at that point that I decided to go to college. Did that, worked in the US for 5 years in Catholic schools and public schools. Back to Mexico, decided maybe a TEFL course would be good - by then I felt I was a good teacher, but as many have pointed out it's NOT the same. Money was tight so I did online course. Now, I know a lot of people don't put a lot of stock in them, but *I* got a lot out of the course. The place I took the course also does live seminars, so maybe that effects the quality, I don't know. Anyway, I have worked for several of the big-name schools, never had a problem getting a job, and I believe that that TEFL certificate was more important than the Bachelor's. In Mexico, at least, I suspect you will find the same thing. But, it is just a start. A lot, maybe most, of what I know I have learned on my own. I am constantly reading about new teaching methods, and trying new things in my classes, it really never ends. Having a Bachelor's degree is a requirement in some schools, but it doesn't have to be in Education if you have a TEfL certificate. Any volunteer teaching you might do is a plus.

ls650 · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 3484 Location: British Columbia

At the university where I taught, they only cared that I had a bachelors of some type and a TEFL certificate. The degrees folks had varied from Anthropology to Zoology, and the uni didn't really care.

idiggs · Joined: 04 Feb 2010 Posts: 47 Location: Ecuador La Costa

I am teaching in Ecuador and most schools here only care that you have a degree and preferably a TEFL certificate (if your degree is below a masters). They don't care much at all about the major/concentration. However, if you have a degree in education, it is always a plus.

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

Pretty easy if you don't mind somethings. For example, in Peru, you wouldn't get housing, flights or visas. Pay way around 600 to 700 a month. Split shifts.

Most institutes DON?T require a BEd background. Schools, yes. Institutes no. If you have a TEFL cert, that will help, but isn't necessary.

Mostly , they're looking for people willing to work and willing to learn.