Job Discussion Forums

hawki1989 · Joined: 24 Nov 2011 Posts: 2

Good evening everyone!
I'm Thomas!! Just signed up today and was hoping to get a bit of advice from more experience people that have probably gone through the hesitations of the 'beginning period' of the TEFL experience!

Full disclosure: I have just graduated with a BA in American Studies from the UK (American history, culture and politics), I have some, not loads, but some experience in public school teaching (ages 10-11) in a voluntary capacity. I am currently learning Spanish and would say that I am 'conversationally' efficient? Also, I have today finished a 120 hours TEFL (online course) with TEFL express. Although I have read, pretty much straight away, that on-line courses do not hold as much merit as classroom courses (obviously, I suppose). My intent in life is to teach! That's my passion. However, before I do this, I want to do some travelling and actually get some experience behind me. Since graduating in Jan, I have been constantly applying for teaching assistant jobs to no avail; so abroad searches seem the most obvious course of action!

One of my questions is... how were you sure? I'm quite afraid of the first step... I have this fear that I'll get a job, leave the country and be left all alone, ya know?

A typically question, but any suggestions as to where is a 'safe bet' for new TEFL teachers to begin? I'm from the UK, so I was thinking somewhere in Europe... just on the basis of comfort, closeness to home and the links we have with the EU! What are people's experiences with different places!?

Finally, do you have any advice for now..? What is a good plan of action, having completed 'most' of the requirements to teach English abroad?

Hope you all are okay and I look forward to hearing your replies and making friends on here!

Thank you!!

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

You might want to consider renaming the subject of this post so people know what the heck it's about.

Shroob · Joined: 02 Aug 2010 Posts: 1339

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

On getting a job and getting started in Europe:

Shroob is correct that an online cert will be substandard on the European job market - it doesnt' include supervised teaching practice with actual students, which is the key to a CELTA or equivalent cert. This is what most newbies on the job market here have, so anything less puts you at a disadvantage.

Your best bet would be to come over in late August/early September - Shroob is also correct that the hiring season is Sept., with a smaller bump in January. And that you need to be here to get a real hearing -there are simply lots of teachers here in person, so reputable schools don't usually need to hire sight unseen.

If you decide on Europe, here is a possible scenario for you:
sign up for a CELTA or equivalent course in the city/country where you want to work. The training centre will help you out with logistics like airport pickup, local orientation, and housing during the course. Your practice students will be really representative of those you'll be working with when you start. Other trainees can form your first social network. The training centre can give you invaluable info regarding good local employers, and you can be sure your cert will be recognised.
Taking a course in country can be a useful bridge into a new country/culture.

hawki1989 · Joined: 24 Nov 2011 Posts: 2

Thank you very much for your replies.
Apologies also for the grammatical errors. I was doing nights and decided to send it before work to get a response as quickly as possible, whilst working.

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

'Language school' in Spain and the rest of Europe are privately-owned or franchise schools that basically send teachers out to businesses and/or do some in-house classes for children to adults. They tend to be the largest employers for entry-level teachers, and pay is generally just about enough to live on, but likely not more.

In some parts of Europe their primary source of revenue is businesspeople, and I understand that in Spain these days there is quite a lot of teaching children going on in-house. The ratio will depend where you go exactly.

I suggest you might want to post in the General Europe and General Latin America boards below where you will find others who have direct experience in the regions you're interested in. The primary work types vary by region, and here you will get advice that's not necessarily geared towards the regions you are interested in - though general advice, so long as it's clear where in the world it's coming from, can obviously be valuable as well.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

desertdawg · Joined: 14 Jun 2010 Posts: 206

"He who dares Rodney!"

Apply like mad. Jobs on Dave's, in the Guardian, Times Educational Supplement, tefl.com etc. You might be lucky. School short of a teacher due to extra business or runners. Might be some UK work in the year round language schools.

The only way to know is actually to do it. Don't know how much cash you have. I was in a similar position a long time ago. In those days it was easier to get a job from the UK than it is now I think. So accommodation and a bit of stability with a regular income awaited you once you'd taken the plunge.

But who knows? Combine a bit of travelling with work. China or Asia spring to mind. Or do as Spiral says and really go for it with a CELTA in your destination.

Best of luck. Sounds like you have your head screwed on with a liking for teaching so far and a wish to do a PGCE in the future. Live a little first and enjoy while getting some experience teaching in foreign countries