Job Discussion Forums

[tstlouis]

I posted a similar thread in the LA forum but thought I should ask here as well.

First a little about myself- I am a 21 year old female from the U.S. I like to dance and enjoy long walks on the beach--KIDDING!! I'm currently in my second-ish year of college (I transferred to another university and lost credits along the way). In between my years at college I lived in Egypt for one year. As a result I'd say I can adapt to other cultures pretty easily. I'm currently pursuing a degree in International Business & Marketing. But... my heart just isn't in it. I would really like to teach. However, teachers are getting laid-off every year so it's pretty hard to get a job. Hence, I find myself at eslcafe.com

I wanted to get some advice about the following TESOL/CELTA paths I'm considering. Any other advice is more than welcome.

1- TESOL or CELTA? Is one preferred over the other?

2- What's your opinion on getting certified online and then getting classroom experience here in the US (i.e volunteering)? I know most reputable institutions abroad require 120 hr course with at least 6 hrs of observed teaching. Could volunteering be a valid replacement for the in-course observations?

3- If I were to get certified abroad, which country would be the best investment? Where am I more likely to find a job that would make it all worth it? I speak Spanish. Fluently in the present tense, a little rough in the other tenses LOL. I also speak a little Farsi (Persian), Arabic, and French (I would say those language skills are O.K). I'm open to learning a new language though. My requirements for a country are a) Political Stability (one revolution was enough for me- I cannot take another country virtually shutting down on me ) b) Good Medical system c) I can't drive so a good transportation system is a must if I'll be traveling to lessons d) A biker friendly place would be nice

THANKS!!

[tttompatz]

CERTA??

Perhaps you mean CELTA?

I think the FAQs would be a good place to start.

Finishing a degree or getting your teaching certification would be another great option if you want to make a career out of it.

Just because the US is flat broke and laying off teachers all over the place doesn't mean the same is true elsewhere. There are more jobs than certified teachers willing to move outside of the US (most with decent pay and benefits).

IF you are just looking for a GAP year then pick a country and work your way from there through the Q&A.

And to answer the last question, most reputable employers want the practicum with critique that comes with a decent TEFL course. It is NOT something that you will typically get if you do an on-line course and then some volunteer work.

.
.

[lucia79]

You might want to check with your university and see if the English dept. offers TESOL certification. My university did and so I was able to kill two birds with one stone (earn a TESOL cert. and a BA degree). Real student-teaching practice was included too. If it is offered at a university it may take a few semesters to complete unlike a TEFL month course.

[Glenski]

[Sashadroogie]

What's a CERTA?

[tstlouis]

[tstlouis]