Job Discussion Forums

[strongman780]

Hey I have two questions as I am new to this teaching abroad thing.

I registered for a certification course at Global Tesol College. I am taking the foundation 60 hour course, and I haven't yet decided on my specialty for the other 60 hours. I have not been able to find many reviews on Global Tesol College, but out of my options it seemed to be the best. Any thoughts? How much will certification matter? I have a bachelor's degree in Sociology (graduated with honors) with a minor in Criminology and a certificate in Cross Cultural Competency. I'm 23 btw.


Also, how easy/hard is it to get a teaching position abroad? I have looked on a few sites and there seems to be an abundance of jobs available almost everyday, but I was wondering how many applicants these jobs typically have?

One other thing. I have job experience but not in teaching. I have leadership experience through student organizations such as my fraternity, but I've never been in a class room. How much will this work against me? How long does it typically take to get a job after you get certified if you start applying right away?

The last thing I want to emphasize is that I decided to try this teaching abroad thing because I just graduated from University and would like to take at least a year off before going to graduate school, so I am not looking to try to volunteer, or gain experience.

[Chancellor]

[strongman780]

Okay, but with my bachelors degree and a 120 hour course, minus actual teaching experience (I believe I get 5 hours of practice in the classroom), should I not be more qualified for a job than somebody without certification or a University degree?

My certification course starts July 7th

[spiral78]

Global TESOL's teaching practicuum is not with real students, I think.

Yes, you would be 'more' qualified than someone without cert or degree. But please keep in mind that the vast majority of newbies on the more desirable job markets have both.

Speaking for Europe (my own region of expertise) you would be underqualified.....not that you would find nothing in the 'new' EU countries where North Americans can still get legal work permits, but you'll be low on the scale of competition, against newbs with uni degrees and on-site certification courses that feature teaching practice with real students.

[strongman780]

Okay thank you.

For the record though, I'm not interested in teaching in Europe at all (i heard it's the lowest paying besides Mexico). I would prefer to teach in the Middle East, Asia, Latin American countries or in Africa.

My last question. How many teachers are actually competing for these jobs?

On this website alone, there are tons of jobs, and on global tesol there are just as many.

It seems as if there are a ton of jobs, and like I said in my first post, jobs which are advertised every single day, so I am wondering how many teachers are available to fill these positions who actually have the certification. I can't possibly see how there are enough applicants to fill these positions when certification is pretty much required and costs $900 +.

I was told by a global tesol seminar speaker that a lot of these teaching positions list experience as necessary, but because of the demand they will pretty much take anybody who is certified, is that accurate?

[Glenski]

You wrote you were interested in Asia. From Japan's standpoint, all you need is a bachelor's degree in any subject. Certification and experience are not needed for entry level work.

The market here is flooded, though, so it might help. Japan is not really all that big on certifications, but any edge might help you get a leg up.

If I recall correctly, Global TESOL practically guarantees a job, but you have to follow their procedures to document your job hunting in case you want your money back. Be careful about that. There is really no guarantee in life that any cert will get you a job.

[Chancellor]

[tttompatz]

[nickpellatt]

I would think you can forget the Middle East...the jobs I have looked at that typically require an MA in a related subject and lots of experience. Even the maligned low end employers in the Middle East want experience.

Africa might be an option on a voluntourism program...but that isnt what you want. I would imagine the other jobs that may crop up would also require good quals and experience. The few employers in Africa that I have seen have high standards...I have volunteered in Africa, but rarely see salaried jobs outside British Council etc

China is possible....I have worked in 3 places there, but I personally feel its a brave person who goes there without any experience or certification. It goes without saying you are unlikely to land the plum jobs...and so you would run the risk of landing difficult ones. Imagine classes of 50+ teenagers who arent graded according to ability....no experience and sub standard certificate training means its a steep learning curve, unless you get lucky. Most Chinese employers will not give you training IMO

If Global TESOL offer sub standard training, which other people in this thread suggest...it could follow that any jobs they advertise may also be sub-standard. Poor locations, low salary, difficult classes.

I hope I dont sound too negative...lots of us are quite serious about 'this teaching abroad thing', and so have invested in qualifications and put the time in. Sure, you can, and will find something...but being a native speaker and being up for adventure isnt a sure fire ticket into TEFL. China is going to possible for you, but dont rush in, take your time, research, and ask lots of questions here and of your employer....

Dont know much about Latin America.....I believe wages are low, and I know some employers (IH and St Giles are two I have looked at) would require experience and certs...not sure how typical that is though.

[naturegirl321]

I could tell you about Peru and Justin Trullinger could tell you abotu Ecuador. Expect about 500 to 1000 in Peru, split shifts, no housing, visa, or flights.