Hello,
I am not sure if this is the right section to post this in, but I couldn't find one that it did fit in, so here it is.
I am an 18 year old high school graduate, and for a long time, have been interested in Russian language, culture, etc. I saw a website listing job openings for an english language teacher, and thought that this may be a perfect way for me to go to Russia, learn the language, while at the same time support myself, and help other people with a skill that is natural to me. So I was wondering if you guys might be able to point me in the right direction as far as acquiring the necessary skills and qualifications. What would you recommend I take in college, and what certifications should I get? I have always been strong in English and writing, so I think I have the potential to be a good teacher. If you could give me some tips, I would really appreciate it.
Thank you,
Sincerely,
Chris
Some advice would be appreciated
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joshua2004
- Posts: 264
- Joined: Sat Nov 20, 2004 7:08 pm
- Location: Torreon, Mexico
I have some advice which I will share. You will get lots more advice in the International Forums section on this website.
If you are willing to get some education for this job I would say you are going about it the right way! In fact, the more education you have will determine how much money and many times the quality of job you can get. How much education to get? With a Bachelors degree from a university, you can get most jobs teaching English. However, you will be better off with more education in the long run with a Masters degree. Both of these degrees require many years of school after high school. I encourage you do follow your dreams, I received my Masters degree and I am now contemplating on which country I want to go to next. Education will open a lot of doors for you. The more you have the better. So choose a degree that will open the doors you want and go for it!
If you are willing to get some education for this job I would say you are going about it the right way! In fact, the more education you have will determine how much money and many times the quality of job you can get. How much education to get? With a Bachelors degree from a university, you can get most jobs teaching English. However, you will be better off with more education in the long run with a Masters degree. Both of these degrees require many years of school after high school. I encourage you do follow your dreams, I received my Masters degree and I am now contemplating on which country I want to go to next. Education will open a lot of doors for you. The more you have the better. So choose a degree that will open the doors you want and go for it!
Joshua,
Thank you for your reply.
I am considering enrolling in the University here (University of Hawaii), to get a Bachelor's degree in Linguistics. At that point I can decide wether to continue my education to the level of Master's degree, or go right to a teaching position. Do you think this is a good idea? And I don't understand how this would qualify me to teach. Do language teachers just learn to teach on the job?
This job has a lot of attraction to me, mainly because I have always loved travelling, and by the sound of it, I will be able to do a lot of that in this profession.
Thanks for your help,
Chris
Thank you for your reply.
I am considering enrolling in the University here (University of Hawaii), to get a Bachelor's degree in Linguistics. At that point I can decide wether to continue my education to the level of Master's degree, or go right to a teaching position. Do you think this is a good idea? And I don't understand how this would qualify me to teach. Do language teachers just learn to teach on the job?
This job has a lot of attraction to me, mainly because I have always loved travelling, and by the sound of it, I will be able to do a lot of that in this profession.
Thanks for your help,
Chris
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joshua2004
- Posts: 264
- Joined: Sat Nov 20, 2004 7:08 pm
- Location: Torreon, Mexico
The bachelors in linguistics won't give you skills in how to teach but it will qualify you to work in many countries. There are of course many jobs which don't require this advanced degree but its hard to make a living wage at those jobs, so aim high!
I would get the masters in education or administration of education or of teaching English after your bachelors in linguistics.
It is true, you can do a lot of traveling in this job but it requires that you have the skills that are in demand. A degree in linguistics with a masters in some educational field will get you the skills you need to send you (I believe) anywhere! The more experience you have in teaching the better. You can start now by volunteering in schools, taking teacher assistant jobs in the public schools, and reading the research on education.
You are right, your knowledge of English is vital and put that with the experience of knowing what its like to teach and you can really go anywhere.
Make no mistake, your degree will get you where you want to go, but once your there its up to you to make it work. This is why more education and more experience pay off. This is true no matter what you do. And you can really go anywhere!
I would get the masters in education or administration of education or of teaching English after your bachelors in linguistics.
It is true, you can do a lot of traveling in this job but it requires that you have the skills that are in demand. A degree in linguistics with a masters in some educational field will get you the skills you need to send you (I believe) anywhere! The more experience you have in teaching the better. You can start now by volunteering in schools, taking teacher assistant jobs in the public schools, and reading the research on education.
You are right, your knowledge of English is vital and put that with the experience of knowing what its like to teach and you can really go anywhere.
Make no mistake, your degree will get you where you want to go, but once your there its up to you to make it work. This is why more education and more experience pay off. This is true no matter what you do. And you can really go anywhere!