Big decisions...

[pipprovis]

After some reading on this forum I think I will try to find a teaching position without a certificate (sounds like one can be picked up at the location anyway). I will graduate in May of 2011 with a BA in Political Science (7-8 months away). I was born and raised in the United States. I think I will look for positions in Japan, Spain, and Italy. From reading posts on the forum it appears one must simply jump into it while exercising caution. My big newbie question is: when should I start posting for positions? The anticipation is getting to me but I don’t want to pull the trigger too early and jeopardize an opportunity. Any and all information is greatly appreciated. Take care.

P.S. – I noticed on quite a few job postings that they ask for a current picture. Is this normal?

[Alex Case]

I can't imagine what on these forums made you think it is better to start teaching without any qualifications and experience. Please do at least a 4 week course with 6 hours of observed teaching practice, e.g. Cambridge CELTA or Trinity TESOL. It's the very least you and your students deserve. You can indeed do it in the country you want to work in, but almost always full time before you start teaching. Your course tutors will be able to give you lots of job hunting advice.

[Xanadu]

Alex - I agree with you about the necessity of TEFL but I thought it wasn't so highly regarded in Japan.

[Alex Case]

That's partially true. In Spain or Italy most schools ask for a CELTA/ Trinity Cert TESOL and might just about settle for another four week cert. In Japan, most schools will employ you without any TEFL training at all. However, there are a few schools that do ask for qualifications, and obviously those are the kinds of schools that it is better to work for. Doing your TEFL certificate at the beginning will also make it easier to get a Diploma or MA later, which certainly does help with job hunting anywhere. More importantly, though, having proper training before you start will make your students much happier, which also makes your own life much better

[jaipmaron]

I have to admit that if reading posts on this discussion forum makes you want to find a job without a certificate, you better stop visiting the forum! Surely, you can find yourself a job without any certification, but this does not guarantee you from keeping it if someone shows up one day with a certificate. It is highly probable that he or she will take your place because of this. The fact that you are looking for a job in another country may differ from Canada, but it all depends on their work policies. You might want to play it safe by finishing your studies before applying to any of your dream jobs.