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Thinking of going into TEFL

Posted: 12 Dec 2005, 18:54
by Monkey
My sitution is, I've just taken a leave of absence from a maths PGCE, planning to return to that in September next year, and I'm wanting to do something different in the meantime.

As I've heard that some TEFL jobs are half year ones starting in March/April I thought I'd look into that. I'd preferably go to Japan as I did a module on the language as part of my undergraduate degree. I'm hoping that and the fact I've classroom experience from my PGCE will outweigh the fact I've not got a formal TEFL qualification.

What sort of chance do I have?

Posted: 13 Dec 2005, 05:14
by Glenski
99% of the jobs in Japan have 1-year contracts.

You will need a bachelor's degree or 3 years of teaching experience to get a work visa.

Brits, Aussies, Kiwis, and Canadians can also get a working holiday visa, which does not require a bachelor's degree, but this is subject to certain restrictions.
http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/w_holiday/index.html

PGCE vs TEFL

Posted: 03 Jan 2006, 09:39
by JeremyTaylor
I did a PGCE in 1983 and a TEFL course in 1986. I learnt more about teaching in my one month of TEFL than I did in a year of PGCE. Admittedly, the PGCE course was awful and I am sure they have improved, but I believe anyone going into teaching should do a TEFL course first. It gives you the skills you need to teach without all the baggage that being a 'real' teach entails. Once you have a year or two of TEFL under your belt, you will be far better equipped to face the challenges of teaching in a comprehensive.
Good luck!
Jeremy
http://perso.wanadoo.fr/jeremytaylor/