Can a TEFL with a bachelors degree allow me to teach English in most foreign countries?
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If I have a bachelors degree and then i get my TEFL certificate, will I be able to teach in most foreign countries? Is there anything else that is required in some countries? Also does my Bachelor have to be in Teaching English?
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Mr Books said:
Hi
I just recently completed a TESOL in English Course and I have an Arts Degree in Education and History. I was informed by the school where I did my course through that more and more countries are demanding that TESOL/ESL/TEFL also have a degree but not necessarily in the English Language.
It is about lifting standards to a more professional level. Some schools within different countries when they advertise may require you to have some teaching experience while others may not have that criteria.
Places like China can be quite lucrative but do not expect huge wages or make a profit, you will live a lot more comfortably than the locals and of course being exposed to a different culture.
Look on the internet for vacancies. Some schools do not advertise, in some cases if there is a country you like and can find a school you can go door-knocking to see what is available.
Resources and class sizes vary from school to school as well as country concerned.
If you are arranging employment from within your country make sure you ask for a contract and have that looked over by someone who has dealings with such contracts. Perhaps your TEFL course provider gives this service.
Days of work can vary as do the hours. You might start 6am in the morning and finish 9-10am havea break of several hours and teach again late afternoon into the evening.
Employment conditions can vary a great deal so make sure you check this out thoroughly before signing or agreeing to anything.
Some schools will arrange for your visa and accomodation. Places like South Korea will supply subsidised housing, again this dependent on the school and what it can afford.
Saudi Arabian countries are the big payers, but tend to look for teachers with experience and with a masters. The money might sound great but you have to off-set that against demands on your time (a very little spare recreational time) and their observance of strict moral and public behaviour rules.
EU countries can be a pain to deal with in terms of a visa but if you get the right contacts it can take a lot of hassle out of the process.
It is a great experience and to get the most out of it is to mix it up with the locals and get involved otherwise you might as well stay at home and teach if it does not appeal.
An eye-opening and insightful. It is what you make it.
Hope this helps.
Cheers
Mr BooksJuly 5th, 2010 at 12:16 pm -
Shane said:
For most countries, that will be enough. However, in many of the Gulf states you will need a Masters and that is also the case for a lot of University jobs in other countries.
Also, some employers are more fussy. I recruit teachers in a country which requires only a first degree for visa purposes, but I only employ teachers with a CELTA/Trinity equivalent qualification and a couple of years experience teaching adults and children.
July 5th, 2010 at 12:16 pm -
Ontesol said:
Hello,
Your degree can be in any area, but you still need one for work permit reasons. Also, to teach in the EU you will need a EU passport and to teach in the UAE or Saudi Arabia you will need at least 2 years of teaching experience. Requirements for certification vary per country. The best paying jobs ask for Trinity CertTESOL, TESL Canada, CELTA, or equivalent certification. Otherwise, a 100-hour TESOL or TEFL certificate is usually accepted for an entry level position.You can take a look at http://www.freetefljobplacement.com for more information on the most popular ESL destinations.
July 5th, 2010 at 12:16 pm