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Can I find employment with 9 months of experience and a TEFL

Posted: 13 Jun 2011, 01:33
by moidixmois
Hi everyone,

I am an American man seeking employment in foreign countries to teach English. I have voluntarily taught English in Russia and China for a total of 9 months. I plan on receiving my certification in TEFL from an online course.

I guess the question is this: Would employers even consider me if I have 9 months worth of experience and a TEFL certificate from an online class? Or do I actually need a degree? I'm reluctant on getting a degree from a University because it's too expensive and I'm not even sure if a BS is even worth anything here in the States anymore.

Thanks in advance...

Re: Can I find employment with 9 months of experience and a

Posted: 13 Jun 2011, 15:49
by Briona
When it comes to teaching abroad, there is no 'one-size-fits-all'. Whether a degree is required, depends on the visa requirements of your chosen country, e.g., to work in Vietnam, you need a degree, as you won't get a business visa without one. As you haven't said WHERE you intend to teach, it's difficult to give more tailored advice. Be advised that the list of countries where you can legally work without a degree is rapidly diminishing.

If all you intend to do is teach abroad for a couple of years, and you don't mind where or for whom, an online TEFL certificate is fine. Just do the longest course you can afford. If you intend to make a career of teaching, a CELTA/Trinity CertTESOL would be a better bet. The initial outlay is greater, but they open doors from day one.

As for the experience? Well any experience is better than no experience, and if a person with just a TEFL certificate can find a job, a person with a TEFL certificate AND experience has to be able to find something.

Re: Can I find employment with 9 months of experience and a

Posted: 14 Jun 2011, 00:25
by moidixmois
Oh. I want to teach in Eastern Europe.

Re: Can I find employment with 9 months of experience and a

Posted: 15 Jun 2011, 22:42
by Alex Case
In the EU parts of Eastern Europe, your main problem will be not having an EU passport.