Job Discussion Forums

Jared · Joined: 07 Sep 2004 Posts: 319 Location: Canada

Hey everyone. Long time since I been here. My last understanding is that if you don't have a BA degree but you have a two year diploma and TESOL certificate, you can still teach English in Taiwan.

I been emailing some schools from back home and told them of my current qualifications (two year diploma + TESOL) and they said they can only hire a BA degree holder.

Did Taiwan change the requirements to allowing only those holding a BA degree to teach in Taiwan and two year diploma holders would no longer be accepted?

Just wondering. That's all.

creztor · Joined: 30 Dec 2009 Posts: 476

Might have but I think they most likely are either a) unaware of the rule or b) can't be bothered because it may be just much easier to do the process using a BA instead of AA + TESOL etc.

yamahuh · Joined: 23 Apr 2004 Posts: 1033 Location: Karaoke Hell

So far as I know the rule remains the same. Diploma plus TESL should be fine. That being said some schools and even some recruiters who shall remain nameless ( cough - ACI - cough - Dewey) have told my wife in the past that she needs a B.A to work in Taiwan which is just complete b***s***.

Some places either just can't be bothered checking their facts or prefer not to hire anyone with less than a B.A because - as we are all so aware - you really need that higher educational qualification to competently 'teach' ESL in Taiwan... Rolling Eyes

Pretentious Parrot · Joined: 04 Oct 2010 Posts: 17

yamahuh · Joined: 23 Apr 2004 Posts: 1033 Location: Karaoke Hell

That wasn't my intention and I didn't mean to imply that if you can speak it you can teach it. I was just trying to make the point that a B.A doesn't necessarily make you a better teacher than someone with a college diploma plus a TESL certificate.

I know there are a lot of teachers who take their jobs seriously and endeavour to perform their duties as responsibly as possible - I'm one of them - but that being said, some cynics might argue that no matter how dedicated and diligent a foreign teacher in Taiwan might be, the reality is that the focus is solidly on economics. 'Teaching' English is merely a way to exploit a worldwide shift towards a common language, to keep the parents happy and their chequebooks open.

Some cynics might say...