Teaching English abroad

1. 79

   Shinkickerposted 15 years ago

   I would like to work abroad teaching English. But the number of options of courses to take to get a TEFL qualification seems a bit confusing.
   Is it better applying for the most expensive or is that not necessary?

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   1. 52

      Suksanposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      In theory they are all of the same quality, but that's not necessary the case.
      
      Read online about who people recommend etc and got from there.
      
      Also don't get fooled into paying money to teach. Many places say volunteer here for a small fee or something.
      
      It is a proper paying job, so unless you want to pay others so you can work, don't go for the volunteer angle.

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   2. 56

      yenajeonposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      It is not necessary AT ALL. THere is a teaching program in Korean which only asks for a bachelors degree and NO ACCENT WHATSOEVER.
      
      They pay for housing, plane tickets, salery. Go to
      www (dot) asknow (dot) ca/faq (dot)aspx
      for everything you want to know!

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      1. 58

         Sab Ohposted 15 years agoin reply to this

         The 'hagwan' biz is huge in S.Korea

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      2. 57

         Twitterwriterposted 15 years agoin reply to this

         Just be sure to research the institution that hires you.  You might find yourself working long hours with little pay - and bound to a contract requiring you  stay for a specified period of time.  A friend of mine ended up escaping in the middle of the night to come home.
         
         I don't believe all arrangements are this inflexible - just be sure to read the fine print.  :-)

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   3. 61

      gramaryeposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      There are so many jobs around the world teaching English, just google something like TESOL jobs, and start researching their qualifications.
      In short, it depends on the country you plan to go to, how badly they want to learn English and their socio-economic status. Basically, the lower the socio-economic status of the country, the less quals you need. However, if you aspire to the best paid jobs in the high demand countries, you will need a TESOL and experience. I made a small fortune in Singapore in the '90's with only a degree.

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   4. 59

      kev8posted 15 years agoin reply to this

      Hey,
      Ive been teaching in Spain for over two years.I have a tefl certificate but I have never been asked for a copy of it. Some schools have asked me have I done course but the majority haven't.
      I think it all depends on the school and probably a bit on the country as well(Spain is definitely relaxed). Some schools in Spain even prefer you not to have it as they train you in their own "special" method. My advice would be to do the certificate but dont spend a lot of money doing it. I know alot of people who paid over 1000euros for a course and found out they were working with people who hadnt done any course and were getting paid the same. I have an article on hubpages about my teaching experience in Spain if your interested. Hope this helps!

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2. 58

   Sab Ohposted 15 years ago

   If you have a college degree, any old TESL cert will do. Most of those courses are poop anyway and you will learn more in your first week actually teaching than they are likely to give you.

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3. 61

   hellerposted 15 years ago

   If you already have a degree from a UK University connected with education it will certainly propel you along the ranks of getting employment very quickly.
   
   If you have a degree in another subject you will need a Cambridge Certificate to get the recognition and income in the best paying jobs such in the middle east.
   
   If you are already in China or are thinking of going there you will get work but not as well paid - but have a great experience.
   
   The comment above mine is total rubbish by the way.

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   1. 58

      Sab Ohposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      Was that "rubbish" comment directed at me?

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4. 62

   The Ropeposted 15 years ago

   "SK", go talk to the foreign language department at the closest university or call for a phone interview.  They usually have the best information as they travel to the areas you are interested in and can evaluate your personal experience. 
   
   I don't profess to have expertise in the area of languages but I do know that college professors can be extremely helpful - and especially foreign language/culture professors - they love to talk about their chosen countries.

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5. 60

   megs78posted 15 years ago

   Hi there, I teach English as a second language and didn't need any qualification.  Certainly, the company that hires you will train you (usually about 2 weeks) in the way that they teach. 
   
   You can earn 20 to 25 dollars an hour here to teach and its really a wonderful job.  I teach conversation mostly, but have done grammar 1 and 2.  My experience teaching ESL also got me in the door of a highschool and I teach highschool students as well (part-part time), but extremely worth it.
   
   So where are you and where do you want to teach by the way?  maybe i can give you some info if youre looking my direction...

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6. 60

   megs78posted 15 years ago

   geez...ya think i said the word 'teach' enough in that little blurb? 

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   1. 52

      Suksanposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      You can Teach English as a Second Language - but I believe its wrong to call yourself a teacher, just because you have a TEFL/ESL.
      
      Best to refer to yourself as an English Tutor, unless you have spent 3+ years as a proper teacher.
      
      Suksan

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         Sab Ohposted 15 years agoin reply to this

         What's "a proper teacher"? If you get paid to teach, it seems to me you are a teacher.

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7. 81

   TheWatchmanposted 15 years ago

   Trust me, if you have the time and money, go get a 120 hour TEFL certificate from a reputable language school.  Ive been teaching ESL for awhile now, and have been personally involved in the hiring process at two different language schools. 
   
   having a good TEFL, or better yet a CELTA will most definitely help you get a better job almost anywhere.
   
   By "Good", I mean one that you take on location at a school itself, I'm not knocking the online ones but they are less respected and lack the hands on practicum that most of the better ESL schools offer.
   
   You will also learn invaluable tips and methods from experienced instructors, which will save you loads of grief when you step in front of a class for the first time (which can be quite daunting!)
   
   Some countries, like Thailand, wont even issue a work permit unless you have a vaild teaching certificate.

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8. 60

   4hourmikeposted 15 years ago

   I've been teaching English in Thailand for the past year. It's been a fantastic experience and is a great way to learn local customs and become part of a foreign community. (definitely NOT featured in Lonley Planet)
   
   I'd recommend the CELTA course. It really opened my eyes to what teaching is all about. It's a 120 hour course that also will give you some hands-on teaching experience. The course is offered in various locations around the world. I took mine right here in Thailand  as soon as I arrived. With the CELTA certificate and my degree, I had no problem finding a job. In fact, I had several offers to choose from.

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9. 55

   jimmyianposted 15 years ago

   Its a nice conversation going.It will enrich me.

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10. 60

    bojanglesk8posted 15 years ago

    I have similar aspirations as you OP. I would like to teach English in an asian country.

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11. 0

    china manposted 15 years ago

    I teach English in China and can thoroughly recommend it. A certificate is good but not essential, a degree is good, but not again essential. An open and enquiring mind are priceless assets along with the willingness to learn a new culture before starting to make judgements.
    
    A contact here is useful as although the package offered will normally refund air fares, house and give you enough money to live really well, it doesn't help with the jumping off or the landing.
    
    Anyone is welcome to contact me, I am in Wuhan teaching at Hubei University of Engineering, Hubei Gong Ye Da Xue, and having been here four + years I have enough contacts and know most of the schools and universities enough to give you enough info - or a contact who can.
    
    In fact I think I will make a hub about it next and put contact stuff in there.

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12. 0

    china manposted 15 years ago

    ok - I have started the hub - but it will take a while to get it in order - I have opened it (part done) so that anyone with questions can contact me

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