Job Discussion Forums

[kizezr]

I'm new here and I would like to ask you guys some newbie questions if you don't mind .

I've joined this forum because I would like to work overseas, but even if I've been doing some research and I think I might have it under control, I still need some guidance.

I'm 26, female and my native language is spanish. I speak japanese, french some russian and english. I have teaching experience with kids, adults and young adults teaching japanese (language classes) and english (language classes, conversation classes and tutorships including reading comprehension, english, science, biology and math). I do have a degree, not in education nor linguistics though but laws. The only certifications I have are cambridge tkt modules 1 to 5 including young learners, toefl ibt, cambridge cpe and I was thinking about taking TESOL Core Certificate program but I don't know if that's good enough for a job overseas. I'd love to take CELTA but it's way too expensive and I'm still saving for it, so I thought the tesol online course would do for now, am I mistaken?.

I would love to apply to japan, russia, ireland and maybe france. Russia and Ireland for what I've been reading and researching, are "spanish-friendly" so it does not worry me that much, but japan, a little bit. I was thinking about trying AEON since I speak japanese and they accept non-native english speakers...

So, for all those who really know about this business, are my certifications enough for the countries I've mentioned? is TESOL Core Certificate Program good or should I save the money for CELTA instead? would it hurt to have them both?
I'm thinking to apply maybe june, july 2013 so I still have plenty of time to prepare in case I'm missing something.

Thank you so much for reading

[nomad soul]

[Sashadroogie]

What means 'spanish-friendly'?

[coledavis]

I agree with my colleagues that you need to tell us more about yourself. (My guess, Sashadroogie, is that such countries are interested in learning Spanish). However, a couple of general points:
Online TESOL does not interest employers.
For CELTA, you need an advanced level of English to enrol (I'm not saying that you don't have that level, just making the general point).

[spiral78]

[kizezr]

Haha yes!
Sorry I didn't specify that, I was late and in a hurry.

I'm form M�xico, and with spanish-friendly I meant they are interested in hiring spanish native speakers from any spanish speaking country, not only Spain, without already having to live in the country with a proper visa.

So, only CELTA/TrinityTESOL are required then?

[Sashadroogie]

Dear Kizezr

Aha. That clears that up, thanks.

For Russia, you do not need a CELTA or any TEFL cert to get a visa. A degree is all you will need. However, it will be only a standard work visa and not a 'teacher' visa. Makes no real difference to you on the ground though, which visa you have. You'll be legal, though your papers will term you a 'consultant' or 'manager' or something vague. (Par for the course, here. I think I'm officially a 'linguistic adviser'.) Certain employers may want you to have some cert though...

As for Ireland, don't really know much about demand for Spanish teachers there, but I'd imagine it is being more than met by Spain. I'd say you are in exactly the same boat as US citizens who want to teach English in western Europe. Visa nightmare just not worth the employer's effort. Sorry. In any case, I doubt a CELTA would cut much ice there.

Speaking of certs, save up and go for the CELTA if you want one. The other program... what's that again? You could even do your CELTA with BKC in Moscow and then work for them as an English teacher or in their modern languages department. Seems more realistic than Ireland.

Best of luck!

[spiral78]