Korean Job Discussion Forums

[dmbfan]

-You have around $4,000 (give or take a couple hundred).
-You really want to earn a TEFL qualification.
-You find a good program (well, it meets your needs).
-It is in Thailand, on the beach and is reasonably priced.
-You know you will learn something, but it won't be so stressful that you
will not have a decent time, and have a heartattack.
-After the course, many opportunities will open up
-Possibly come back to Korea
-Taiwan, stay in Thailand, etc


You want to see your family
-Going home would certainly exhaust your funds for the course
-You would definatley have to wait another six months, possibly a year


Any advice on this one? I just want to hear some thoughts on what others would do.

dmbfan

[willneverteachagain]

TEFL DOESNT GET U ANY MORE MONEY

[Masta_Don]

What possibilites are going to open up after the course?

[dmbfan]

Well, if I chose to come back to Korea, it can offer a slighty higher salary.

If I chose to stay in Thailand, it does help (seeing has how many places want you to have one, or make it a requirement (requirment).

It could open doors in Eastern Europe.

It could be an advantage in Japan...perhaps not more money, but land the job.

dmbfan

[LateBloomer]

Eastern European countries usually prefer a CELTA. It's often a stated requirement. (It also gets you more money here.)

[VanIslander]

I would take the "No regrets" path. What is that for you?

If you really want the qualification and is in a place you've never been before, then you won't regret it (unless $$ payback is expected).

I went to New Zealand to get my CELTA and I don't regret it despite spending waaaay too much money, breaking bones in my foot from cliff diving there, and never since having gotten a penny or won more for my teaching because of the qualification. Education is never a waste.

I'd tell myself to go for it! Then work a summer or winter camp in Korea for a month or two to afford the trip back home to visit, carrying extra stories about one's edutourist trip. or at most sign a six month contract: they do exist.

[LateBloomer]

I should have qualified my previous response. A CELTA or TEFL certification does mean more $$$ if you have a public school job in Korea.

[VanIslander]

[ajgeddes]

[oskinny1]

[pest2]

Did it, and am one of those ppl who makes about 300,000 more per month as a PS school teacher now as a result.

Besides the direct increase in pay (which will more than pay for the course at year's end), the TEFL gives you access to jobs all over the world that you cant get without it.

Also, whether or not you agree with the TEFL methodology, it causes you to ponder and consider about your teaching style, method, and stengths/weaknesses. Having someone to critique you objectively is good, too.

I dont regret doing it.

[postfundie]

Unless you are totally set on going to the beach in Thailand, screw TEFL...years of experience in teaching is 3 times the education that a TEFL could ever provide......it's only useful for a newbie....better to just have a fake oner...NOBODY ever really checks on that one....


THe only thing more useless is one of those masters' degrees..I've met several teachers who have that damn thing and lose students left and right

[michi gnome]

do it then teach in thailand a few months.

i'd do it just for the experience.

it'll only be a fraction of yr $4000

[Qinella]

[bosintang]

I'd go see your family. You had a a bitter experience here the last couple of months and I think some time home would be very helpful to re-sync with reality. (As for me, I need to do exactly this.)